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AZoM - Metals, Ceramics, Polymer and Composites Article
Batteries – Primary and Secondary Batteries – Materials, Advantages and Disadvantages
Topics Covered

Types of Batteries

Advantages of Batteries over Fuel Cells

Disadvantages of Batteries When Compared to Fuel Cells

Common Types of Primary and Secondary Batteries

Primary Components of a Battery

Lithium Ion Batteries
Types of Batteries

Batteries can be divided into two types: primary or disposable batteries and secondary or rechargeable batteries.
Advantages of Batteries over Fuel Cells

The main advantages of batteries over fuel cells are their:

· Availability

· Portability

· Low cost

· Wide range of operating conditions
Disadvantages of Batteries When Compared to Fuel Cells

Batteries, however, have much shorter life spans and lack the power output of fuel cells. Power outputs of batteries are typically on the order of 100's of watts, whereas fuel cells can provide kilowatt to megawatt outputs, power enough to light a building or fuel a vehicle for hours. Under heavy energy demands, batteries can build up dangerous levels of heat and pressure, degrading the battery and possibly causing leaks of toxic compounds or even explosions. In addition, the limited life of primary batteries and the limited cycle life (number of times it can be recharged) of most secondary batteries necessitates the need for disposal of often dangerous and toxic battery materials.