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What Are the Main Materials and Components in lead-acid Batteries

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What Are the Main Materials and Components in lead-acid Batteries

approximate proportion by weight

Material/Component

Approximate Proportion by Weight (%)

Lead and lead components

76

Sulfuric Acid (Electrolyte)

22

Antimony

2

lead dioxide and sponge leadlithium compounds and carbon

Key Takeaways

  • Lead-acid batteries have lead dioxide on the positive plate. They have sponge lead on the negative plate. These help store and give out energy well.

  • Sulfuric acid is the electrolyte in the battery. It helps chemical reactions happen. It also lets ions move to make power.

  • Separators keep the plates apart in the battery. This stops short circuits. They let ions move through safely.

  • The battery case is made of strong polypropylene plastic. It protects the inside parts. It also stops leaks.

  • Lead-acid batteries cost less and are good for storing energy. They are easy to recycle and work well. But they hold less energy than lithium-ion batteries. They also need more care.

Battery Materials Components

Battery Materials Components

Electrodes

lead dioxidesponge lead

  • Positive Plate (Cathode):
    lead

  • Negative Plate (Anode):
    tiny holes

carbon-based materials

Electrolyte

sulfuric acid

  • 37% sulfuric acid

  • The electrolyte does more than just sit in the battery. It helps store and release energy, so it is very important.

Separator

non-conductive

  • Modern separators use plastics like polyethylene. These plastics do not break down in acid. The separator’s tiny holes block things that could cause shorts. Its design helps ions move easily.

  • coatings

Note: The separator must be strong, stable, and work well with the electrolyte. This keeps the battery safe and working right.

Case

battery materials components

Component

Material/Description

Function

Battery Case

Polypropylene or hard rubber

Protects internal parts and provides support

  • The case must be tough and stop leaks. Battery manufacturing uses strong plastics to keep batteries safe and working for a long time.

Terminals

Terminals link the battery to other devices. They must carry electricity well and not rust from the electrolyte.

Material

Conductivity

Corrosion Resistance

Strength

Cost

Common Applications

Lead

Moderate

High

Low

Low

Lead-acid batteries

Brass

High

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

High-performance batteries

Copper

Excellent

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate to High

Industrial, marine

Steel

Low

Moderate

High

Low

Some industrial

Silver/Gold-Plated

Very High

High

Moderate

High

High-end electronics, racing

Beryllium Copper

Good

Excellent

High

High

Springs, connectors, aerospace

Bar chart comparing conductivity ratings of materials used for battery terminals
  • Lead is the most used terminal material in lead-acid batteries. It does not rust from the electrolyte. Brass and copper are used for special needs. They give better conductivity or strength.

  • Good terminals help the battery work safely and well. Battery manufacturing adds coatings to stop rust and make terminals last longer.

All these battery materials components—electrodes, electrolyte, separator, case, and terminals—work together to give power. Their design comes from years of research in battery manufacturing and electrochemical materials.

Electrodes in Lead-Acid Batteries

lead dioxide at the cathode and sponge lead at the anodeIons move between the cathode and anode

Lead Dioxide

The cathode uses lead dioxide. Lead dioxide is dark brown and rough. It reacts with sulfuric acid when the battery is used. It takes in electrons and forms lead sulfate and water. When charging, lead sulfate turns back into lead dioxide. The cathode must handle many cycles of this reaction. Its strong build helps the battery last longer and work well.

Sponge Lead

The anode uses sponge lead. Sponge lead looks gray and has many tiny holes. This texture gives it a big surface area. When the battery is used, the anode reacts with sulfate ions from the acid. It forms lead sulfate and gives off electrons. When charging, lead sulfate turns back into sponge lead. The anode’s holes help the battery store and give out energy fast.

The way the cathode and anode are made lets the battery be used, charged, and used again many times.

Comparison with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Aspect

Lead-Acid Battery

Lithium-Ion Battery

Electrode Materials

Lead (anode), Lead dioxide (cathode)

Lithium compounds (cathode), Graphite or carbon-based anode

Electrolyte

Sulfuric acid

Lithium salt in organic solvent

Energy Density

Lower; heavier and bulkier for same capacity

Higher; lighter and more compact packs

Cycle Life

300–500 cycles

Hundreds to thousands of cycles

Lithium-ion batteries use lithium compounds for the cathode. They use graphite or carbon for the anode. These materials give lithium-ion batteries more energy and longer life. The cathode and anode in lithium-ion batteries also let them charge faster and be lighter. But lead-acid batteries are still used a lot. They are cheap and work well.

Electrolyte and Separator

Sulfuric Acid

sulfuric acid reacts with the plates

The amount of acid changes when the battery is used or charged. More acid means the battery is charged. Less acid means the battery is low. The electrolyte helps store energy. It also shows if the battery is charged or not.

Component

Role in Charge/Discharge Cycle

Key Properties and Functions

Electrolyte

Moves ions between plates and helps reactions happen. It lets the battery change between lead and lead sulfate.

Sulfuric acid solution; lets ions move; changes show charge level.

Separator Material

separator sits between the plates

special plastics

  • The separator:

    • Keeps the plates apart.

    • Lets ions move through.

    • Stops short circuits and dendrites.

Comparison with Lithium-Ion and Electric Vehicle Batteries

lithium salt in a liquid

Component

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Electrolyte

Sulfuric acid, liquid or gel

Lithium salt in a liquid

Separator

Absorbs liquid or is a gel

Thin plastic sheet

Function

Holds liquid, keeps plates apart

Moves lithium ions, keeps electrodes apart

Safety/Design Considerations

Has a valve for pressure control

Stops dendrites, keeps battery safe

The electrolyte and separator work together. They help batteries store energy safely and well.

Case, Terminals, and Safety

Case, Terminals, and Safety

Case Material

polypropylenelead-acid case with lithium iron phosphate

Material

Application

Key Properties Contributing to Safety and Durability

Polypropylene

Lead-acid car batteries

Lightweight, highly resistant to chemicals and battery acid, durable under rough handling conditions

Polypropylene is the best material for battery cases. It works well in hard conditions. It also helps the battery last longer by stopping rust and damage.

Terminal Material

lead alloybrass

Material

Electrical Conductivity

Corrosion Resistance

Typical Use/Environment

Lead Alloy

Excellent conductivity

Minimal corrosion

Common in lead-acid batteries

Brass

High conductivity

High corrosion resistance

Marine and harsh environments

Copper

Exceptional conductivity

Tin-plated to resist corrosion

High-performance applications

Tin-Coated Brass

Combines brass strength and tin corrosion resistance

Ideal for marine and industrial settings

Marine and industrial environments

Good terminal materials help batteries work safely and last longer. Battery makers add coatings to make terminals stronger.

Safety Features

Modern lead-acid batteries have many safety features. These features protect people and equipment from danger.

  1. Fire detection systems use smoke, heat, and gas sensors to find problems fast.

  2. Fire suppression systems put out fires quickly with clean sprays or water mist.

  3. Ventilation systems remove hydrogen gas made during charging.

  4. Sprinkler systems help control fires but must be used carefully near electricity.

  5. Portable fire extinguishers are nearby, and workers know how to use them.

These safety features work together to keep batteries safe. They help stop leaks, explosions, and other problems.

Lead-Acid Batteries in Energy Storage and Electric Vehicles

Energy Storage Applications

cheap and work well

  • Lead-acid batteries are often used to store solar power at homes and businesses. People save extra solar energy to use later.

  • Power companies use these batteries for backup power and to help balance the grid. They also use them to lower peak energy use.

  • Data centers, telecom towers, and factories use lead-acid batteries for backup during blackouts.

  • New types like VRLA, AGM, and gel batteries are safer and last longer.

easy to recyclework welltrust them for storing electricity

Electric Vehicle Batteries Comparison

table below shows how they are different

Feature

Lead-Acid Battery

Lithium-Ion Battery

Energy Density

Lower (approx. 1.2 kWh per 100Ah)

Higher (approx. 2.4 kWh per 100Ah)

Weight (100Ah)

Heavier (60-70 pounds)

Lighter (30-40 pounds)

Cycle Life

Shorter (200-300 cycles)

Longer (2000-5000 cycles)

Maintenance

Needs regular care

No maintenance needed

Usable Discharge Depth

About 50%

80-100%

Charging Time

Slower (8-16 hours)

Faster (2-4 hours)

Grouped bar chart comparing lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles by energy density, weight, cycle life, discharge depth, and charging time

Lithium batteries use new materials and can store more energy in a smaller size. They last longer and charge much faster. Lead-acid batteries are still used to start cars and in some electric vehicles when price is important. For new energy storage, lithium batteries are the top choice, but lead-acid batteries are still used in many places.

lead dioxide on the positive plateSulfuric acid is used as the electrolyte

FAQ

What is the main purpose of the separator in a lead-acid battery?

separator

Why do lead-acid batteries use sulfuric acid?

Sulfuric acid is important for the battery. It helps store and release energy. The acid reacts with the plates when charging or discharging. This reaction makes the battery give power.

What materials are used for the battery case?

battery cases

How do the terminals connect the battery to devices?

Terminals are where you attach cables. They let electricity flow out of the battery. Most terminals are made from lead alloy. This material lets electricity move well.

Are lead-acid batteries safe to use?

Lead-acid batteries have safety features. They have strong cases and vents. These stop leaks and control gas. Using the battery the right way keeps it safe.

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