Charging ahead

The principal elements of any battery are the electrodes and the electrolyte. Pushing battery technology ahead depends on successfully manipulating the properties of these elements towards better performance. Parameters under a manufacturer’s control include the particle size and size distribution of electrode materials. Here we consider their influence on functions such as battery power and capacity, and examine their measurement using the technique of laser diffraction. Experimental data demonstrate the suitability of this analytical method for battery applications.

Particle size matters

Batteries are electrochemical cells, with reactions at the electrodes consuming and releasing the electrons that power a circuit. With primary (disposable) batteries these reactions produce irreversible change. The constituents of the battery are consumed over time, and the battery is then ‘dead’. In contrast, with secondary or rechargeable batteries, the recharging process reverses the changes caused by use, ideally restoring the battery to close to...