4 - Batteries

Abstract

There are various types of batteries, such as acidic electrolyte batteries, alkaline electrolyte batteries (alkaline batteries), and hydrogen fuel cells, each different power the power generation mechanism (chemical reaction for power generation). In any battery reaction, some chemical species are deposited on one electrode and a dissolution reaction occurs on the other electrode, thereby generating electricity. However, the theory of metal dissolution was wrong as explained in Chapter 3, Metal corrosion. The explanation of the battery power generation reaction was ambiguous. However, by using the author’s theory of metal corrosion (ionization) (see Chapter 3, Metal corrosion) the power generation response of all batteries can be explained in a unified and clear way. For example, a Daniel battery which is a battery of an acidic electrolyte is a battery in which a Zn plate and a Cu plate are combined, and the electrolyte is a zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) solution on the negative electrode side and a copper sulfate (CuSO4) solution on the positive electrode side. In the power generation mechanism of this battery, since Zn on the negative electrode side is a base metal, it dissolves in the electrolytic solution, and the surplus electrons flow toward the Cu pole, giving electrons from the Cu plate to Cu ions. it is said to be due to reduction precipitation. The author's idea regarding this Daniel battery is first considered from the positive electrode side. That is, since Cu ions in the solution on the positive electrode side are unstable, electrons are obtained from the Cu plate and reduced and precipitated. At that time, the Cu plate lacks electrons and creates holes. The holes flow through the external electric wire to the Zn plate side. As a result, the Zn plate becomes anodic. Therefore Zn dissolves (ionizes as Zn+). This can also be described as “holes can flow to the negative electrode because Zn can be dissolved.” As a result, electrons flow from Zn to Cu. For example, a Daniel battery which is a battery of an acidic electrolyte is a battery in which a Zn plate and a Cu plate are combined, and the electrolyte is a zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) solution on the negative electrode side and a copper sulfate (CuSO4) solution on the positive electrode side. In the power generation mechanism of this battery, since Zn on the negative electrode side is a base metal, it dissolves in the electrolytic solution, and the surplus electrons flow toward the Cu pole, giving electrons from the Cu plate to Cu ions. it is said to be due to reduction precipitation. The author's idea regarding this Daniel battery is first considered from the positive electrode side. That is, since Cu ions in the solution on the positive electrode side are unstable, electrons are obtained from the Cu plate and reduced and precipitated. At that time, the Cu plate lacks electrons and creates holes. The holes flow through the external electric wire to the Zn plate side. As a result, the Zn plate becomes anodic. Therefore Zn dissolves (ionizes as Zn+). This can also be described as “holes can flow to the negative electrode because Zn can be dissolved.” As a result, electrons flow from Zn to Cu. In this book, the power generation mechanism of all types of batteries is described in this argument.