Redox Reactions : Alkaline Batteries

A fuel cell is, in principle, a very simple electrochemical device. The chemical reaction that powers hydrogen fuel cells is the same as that which occurs when hydrogen burns. The chemical equation for this reaction is: 2H2 + O2 ( 2H2O + energy. "Normally hydrogen burns, reacting with oxygen from the air, producing water, heat and light. ... In the fuel cell the chemical reaction is exactly the same, but instead of producing light and heat energy, electrical energy is produced."2 All fuel cells consist of an electrolyte (a substance that allows only the passage of ions) sandwiched between two electrodes. When a fuel containing hydrogen is passed over the negative electrode, otherwise known as an anode, it is ionized. Ionization of the fuel, often accomplished with the assistance of a catalyst, removes electrons from the hydrogen creating positively charged hydrogen ions and negatively charged free electrons. Since only the ions can pass through the electrolyte situated between the electrodes, the electrons must find another route to the positive electrode or cathode, where they will be reunited with the hydrogen ions and combined with oxygen atoms to form water. The electrons passing around the electrolyte constitute an electric current, and thus can be used to provide power during their journey from anode to cathode.3

the chemical energy stored in batteries gets transformed into electrical energy through the wires, then gets transformed into light energy and thermal energy that you see.

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons rather than molecules is classified as a Redox reaction. A reaction involving the loss of electrons is called Oxidation, and a reaction involving the gain of electrons is called Reduction. Oxidation and Reduction always occur together, as one reactant loses electrons, and the other gains them. This exchange often effects the physical states of molecules, as their solubility is changed with their charge.

Every year it is estimated that 1.8 million batteries are not properly disposed of. When this happens, it poses a major threat to the ecosystem. Heavy metals used in batteries are toxic to humans and they can leach into our water system. Lead and nickel-cadmium (Nd-CD) can only enter the human body by inhalation or ingestion, but mercury can even be absorbed through the skin. Federal and state laws and regulations have been implemented and enforced to ensure heavy metal batteries are properly disposed of and recycled.

Batteries store energy in chemical form. They release energy by pumping electrons’ through wires from the minus pole to the plus pole. Devices inbetween convert this energy to another form, Efficieny- e.motor=85%, combustion= 20%

Oxidation reaction is the loss of electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom or iron (Helmenstine, Thought Co, 2017). An example in everyday life is the formation of rust on a metal surface.

The performance of the electrode depends on two important factors namely microstructure and morphology and the effect of doping. These two factors influence the type of cathode materials that can be chosen for the battery. Intercalation and deintercalation happen along particular crystallographic planes and headings, so higher crystallinity enhances terminal

1. Why do electrons (blue dots) move? Draw a diagram of the battery, label the flow of electrons. The flow of current (+) is opposite; draw this and note if toward or away from + terminal of the battery.

The redox reaction will transfer the electrons from the HUMO, through oxidation, to the LUMO, through reduction. The redox potential is the energy that allows the transfer of electrons.

82. Oxidation occurs when there is a removal of electrons and/or hydrogen atoms from a

Gaidos begins by using statements made by material scientist George Crabtree of the Argonne national laboratory to acknowledge the accomplishments of the more traditional lithium-ion battery, and explain how new batteries could improve upon them. Lithium-ion batteries did alter individual electronics in an enormous way but they are limited in larger

A lot of information from different sources was gathered with the purpose of comparing different Li-ion batteries mechanisms, cathode and anode materials, structure and fabrication procedures, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Imagine for a moment that we turn off the light switch …… and then the heating. Now imagine that your smartphone battery is flat. Is it dark? Are you feeling cold and disconnected from your friends and family? You should be, and you certainly would be, if governments around the world did not continue to invest in non-renewable power.

alkaline cells, are available in standard sizes such as AA, C, and D, and they are a fast-moving

More efficient and durable batteries are needed to satisfy the requirements of new technology developments.