Rechargeable batteries. 1. Batteries with aqueous electrolyte solution

This first part of "Rechargeable Batteries" is devoted to materials and rea ctions in batteries with aqueous electrolytes. Lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, n ickel-metal hydride, and various zinc systems, such as zinc-manganese oxide , zinc-air, and zinc-bromine cells are discussed. Special attention is paid to the limited electrochemical stability window of the aqueous electrolyte s, which enables overcharge and overdischarge protection of the battery but limits cell voltages to less than 2 Volts. In the following part of this a rticle we will focus on nonaqueous electrolyte-based rechargeable batteries . Due to the wider electrochemical stability window of these electrolytes h igh specific charge and high cell voltage batteries can be realized, e.g., the "4 V" lithium ion cell.