The lead–acid battery is a type of first invented in 1859 by French physicist. It is the first type of rechargeable battery ever created. Compared to modern rechargeable batteries, lead–acid batteries have relatively low. Despite this, they are able to supply high. These features, along with their low cost, make them attractive for us.
What is a lead acid battery?
A lead acid battery consists of a negative electrode made of spongy or porous lead. The lead is porous to facilitate the formation and dissolution of lead. The positive electrode consists of lead oxide. Both electrodes are immersed in a electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid and water.
How does a lead-acid battery cell work?
A lead-acid battery cell consists of a positive electrode made of lead dioxide (PbO 2) and a negative electrode made of porous metallic lead (Pb), both of which are immersed in a sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4) water solution. This solution forms an electrolyte with free (H+ and SO42-) ions. Chemical reactions take place at the electrodes:
The chemistry of lead-acid batteries involves oxidation and reduction reactions. During discharge, lead dioxide and sponge lead react with sulfuric acid to produce lead sulfate (PbSO4) and water. When recharged, the process is reversed, regenerating lead dioxide, sponge lead, and sulfuric acid.
How to recharge a lead acid battery?
Terminals: Connect the battery to the external circuit. Figure 1: Lead Acid Battery. The battery cells in which the chemical action taking place is reversible are known as the lead acid battery cells. So it is possible to recharge a lead acid battery cell if it is in the discharged state.
Voltage of lead acid battery upon charging. The charging reaction converts the lead sulfate at the negative electrode to lead. At the positive terminal the reaction converts the lead to lead oxide. As a by-product of this reaction, hydrogen is evolved.
What is the construction of a lead acid battery cell?
The construction of a lead acid battery cell is as shown in Fig. 1. It consists of the following parts : Anode or positive terminal (or plate). Cathode or negative terminal (or plate). Electrolyte. Separators. Anode or positive terminal (or plate): The positive plates are also called as anode. The material used for it is lead peroxide (PbO 2).