Secondary Batteries—Introduction

Abstract

In the early texts on secondary batteries,(1,2) little consideration was given to intercomparison of various systems. These were essentially treatises on the lead-acid battery. This is understandable since the contributions of other secondary systems (e.g., the Edison and Jungner batteries) were then negligible. Since World War II, a number of alkaline electrolyte batteries have been developed and marketed; these have been described in detail.(3) In the past 20 years a host of new secondary battery systems have been investigated and, at present, research in this area is increasing. The impetus for this work is the great variety of new applications for small batteries in the consumer market, and growing interest in electric vehicles, and the possible application of large batteries for utility load leveling. Recently, batteries for electric vehicles(4,5) and utility load leveling(6) have been reviewed. No overall comparison has been made between the several secondary battery systems. The ideal battery using alkali metals and halogens of low atomic weight as the active materials, and meeting the requirements of all applications, has not materialized. As a result, many battery systems are being investigated. The likely outcome is a number of new secondary batteries, each occupying a particular niche in the marketplace because of its unique features.