We live in a world unthinkable without batteries, they have firmly entered our life. Batteries were far less ubiquitous in ordinary life a few decades ago, owing to their relatively high cost, the complexity of production, and simply poor consumer demand. Not only has the process of industrial manufacturing of independent power sources dropped in recent years, but demand for them has also increased. Consumer electronics are now widely available, and many gadgets (TVs, air conditioners, and audio centers) have remote controls that require batteries to operate. The vast army of electronic toys for kids necessitates the usage of a self-contained power supply. Many battery-operated household appliances (wristwatches, music players, and toothbrushes) have appeared in recent years.
Every year, almost three billion different batteries are purchased in the United States, with approximately 180,000 tons of these batteries ending up in landfills across the country.
It is estimated that on average, batteries make up about 0.25% of the total waste collected in metropolitan areas.
What do we call a battery?
A battery is a galvanic cell or accumulator that is used to power various devices autonomously (independently). The battery is, in fact, a current source. A circuit consisting of an anode and a cathode submerged in an electrolyte is housed inside the sealed shell. When immersed, between the anode and the cathode (poles), as a result of chemical reactions between heavy metals (mercury, magnesium, manganese, cadmium, nickel, lead) and alkalis, a potential difference arises – voltage.
Lithium batteries are the most demanded autonomous power source at the moment. While lead-acid batteries are mainly used for automobiles, lithium batteries have taken over all other niches. A flashlight, a smartphone, a laptop, modern backup power systems, and even electric cars – almost everything uses lithium rechargeable batteries as an energy source.
Electric vehicles are referred to as environmentally friendly because they do not emit toxic gases when in use. In reality, not everything is as ideal as we would like. According to some research, the damage caused by the creation of lithium batteries for one electric car is similar to what a conventional automobile with an internal combustion engine emits into the atmosphere over a period of several years. This is attributed, in part, to the number of batteries utilized in the vehicle.
It is convenient to consider the harm of the battery to the environment using the example of an electric vehicle for several reasons. Firstly, an electric car uses a huge amount of battery technology. The impact of thousands of batteries installed in one car is much more revealing than any separate battery in a smartphone. Secondly, the benefits or harms of green technologies are conveniently viewed against the background of traditional cars. Third, the most common lithium battery models are most commonly used in electric vehicles.
The most global way to reduce environmental harm is the invention of new energy conservation technologies that will be both more efficient and less toxic. This is where the most active work in this area is being done. The invention of a new kind of battery could revolutionize not only the automotive industry but also the field of mobile electronics.
While used correctly, electrical batteries are safe, although caution should be exercised when handling broken cells and working with lead-acid batteries that have access to lead and sulfuric acid. Lead-acid batteries are labeled by some countries as containing hazardous substances, and this approach is justified. Lead can be hazardous to health if not properly handled.
In conclusion, there is nothing in technology where you can find no harm, but battery technology is better than petrol. A most popular car battery is the lithium-ion battery, which is perfect for human use and not so harmful to nature.
Remember that maintaining the health of the planet and future generations is the responsibility of each of us.
Do not overlook the importance of safe battery disposal; play a personal role in the preservation of the environment and your own health.
The Washington Magazine 