preview

Synthesis Of The Lead Acid Battery

Better Essays

The lead acid battery generally contains half a dozen lead-acid cells that are connected in series. Each one of the six cells contains a cathode of lead (IV) oxide and an anode of lead. A sulfuric acid solution that is highly acidic (pH as low as 0) provides the solution for each electrode to be immersed in. The electrode reactions are: Anode: Pb(s) + H2SO4(aq) → PbSO4(aq) + 2H+ (aq) + 2e- Cathode: PbO2(s) + H2SO4(aq) + 2H+ (aq) + 2e- → PbSO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) Each cell has a voltage of about 2v, and the combination of 6 within a series gives the structure that is usually used in cars; a typical 12 volt battery. The lead acid cell battery is rechargeable, with electrons being removed from the cathode and being provided to the anode. The reactions can be reversed by an external potential difference being applied that is larger than the potential being produced whilst the battery is being discharged. Because of its ability to do so, the lead accumulator is said to be a storage battery. The recharging equations are as follows: Anode: PbSO4(aq) + 2H+ (aq) + 2e- → Pb(s) + H2SO4(aq) Cathode: PbSO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) → PbO2(s) + H2SO4(aq) + 2H+ (aq) + 2e- As can be observed the higher the concentration of sulfuric acid means a more charge battery. Lead sulfate concentration increases and sulfuric acid concentration falls as the battery discharges. The same principles are used to construct a normal galvanic cell are used to construct each cell. A microporous separator acts as

Get Access