Metal Bulletin Research STRATEGIC OUTLOOK FOR THE PRIMARY BATTERY 2

Battery Metals

3 Battery Chemistry
3.1 Introduction

There are a wide number of battery chemistries available to battery
consumers, with different types suitable for different applications,
though there is significant substitution potential with all battery
types. The secondary battery sector in particular is becoming
increasingly competitive. What type of battery will be used will
primary be a function of that battery type’s chemistry, which in turn
will be a function mainly of how efficient that chemistry is and then
of the cost of the material used.

Figure 3.1: Comparison of Energy Density of Various Battery Systems

IN THIS CHAPTER
3.1 Introduction

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3.2 Lead-Acid

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3.3 Nickel-Metal
Hydride

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3.4 Nickel-Cadmium 31
3.5 Lithium-Ion

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3.6 Lithium Polymer
(Lithium Laminate) 32
3.7 Alkaline
(Zinc-Manganese) 33
3.8 Zinc-Air

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3.9 Zinc-Carbon

34

3.10 Zinc-Bromine and
Zinc-Cerium
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Source: NIST

As shown in Figure 3.1, varying battery chemistries provide different levels of energy density,
measured in watt hours per kilogram. They will also provide varying degree of internal
resistance, self-discharge, storage life, usage life (measured in recharge/discharge cycles) and
power drain rates. Moreover, some battery types are more easily shaped than others and some
present less of an environmental issue. The cost of the materials also heavily influences in what
applications a certain battery type/chemistry will be used. Though not integral to any battery
chemistry, iron is the most common metal for battery construction.
The table shows typical elemental compositions of the main commercial battery types,
excluding external casing, though these compositions can vary quite significantly. For example,
the lithium-cobalt battery is 60% cobalt whilst the lithium-titanate battery has no cobalt.

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