Battery developments: The positive connection to a greener future

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Elements

OSTI ID:68728

Tonneson, L C; Fox, G J

Extraordinary innovations are being made in the performance of today`s portable electronic equipment. But, although electronics manufacturers have been leaping generations ahead of themselves technologically, they are still forced to look back to see battery technology struggling to close the distance that ever widens with each new electronics breakthrough. The need to improve battery performance, namely in the area of battery longevity, has stemmed from a growing consumer demand and has become one of the electronics industry`s newest challenges. Battery manufactures like Duracell, Ovonic Battery Company (OBC), Ergenics, Matsushita, and Sony Corporation are answering the call with research and development programs that will aid the transition to more efficient, environmentally friendly batteries. Traditionally, the market was dedicated to primary batteries, or non-rechargeable, disposable batteries that are composed of zinc-carbon, alkaline-manganese, mercury oxide, silver oxide, lithium metal, and lead-acid. Conventional lead-acid automotive batteries, while rechargeable, are toxic and not recyclable; new secondary battery designs will satisfy the needs of the electronics industry, while offering environmental benefits. The new types, such as rechargeable nickel metal-hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion, and lithium-polymer have longer life-cycles and are also recyclable. Zinc-air batteries, which are classified as primary batteries, are not rechargeable but offer substantial power and environmental benefits. Portable computers, cellular telephones, video camcorders, stereo equipment, and LCD televisions are a few of the many practical applications that will benefit from new battery technology.

• OSTI ID: 68728
• Journal Information: Elements, Journal Name: Elements Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 4; ISSN 1074-8709; ISSN ELMEET
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
CESIUM BASE ALLOYS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
ENERGY DENSITY
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
HYDROGEN STORAGE
LANTHANUM ALLOYS
LIFE-CYCLE COST
LITHIUM IONS
MARKETING
MISCH METAL
NEODYMIUM ALLOYS
NICKEL HYDRIDES
NICKEL-HYDROGEN BATTERIES
PERFORMANCE
PRASEODYMIUM ALLOYS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
ZINC-AIR BATTERIES