Cell / Battery Anode / Cathode / Overall
Reaction
Lead – Acid Pb  Pb2+ + 2e- (Anode)
Storage Battery Pb 4+ + 2e-  Pb2+ (Cathode)
Pb + Pb4+  Pb2+ + Pb2+ (Overall)
Zinc – Carbon Zn  Zn2+ + 2e- (Anode)
Battery 2Mn4+ + 2e-  2Mn3+ (Cathode)
(“The Leaker”) Zn + 2Mn2+  2Mn3+ (Overall)
Alkaline Dry Cell ZnZn2+ + 2e- [anode]
Battery 2Mn4+ +2e-  2Mn3+ [cathode]
Zn+ 2Mn4+  Zn2++2Mn3+
Fuel Cell 2H2 + 4OH-  4H2O [anode]
O2 + 2H2O + 4e-  4OH- [cathode]
2H2 + 4OH +O2 + 4e- 2 H2O
+4OH-
Practical Applications of Electrochemical Cells
Uses
Commonly used as a car
battery.
Consists of alternating pairs of
Pb(s) and PbO2(s) plates in dilute
H2SO4
Common dry cell used in
flashlights and other electronic
devices.
Uses an acidic NH4Cl electrolyte
Common dry cell used in
electronic devices.
Uses a basic KOH electrolyte.
Hybrid cars, buses, space
capsules and space spaces.
H2 and O2 must be continuously
fed into the cell for it to work.
Advantage
Rechargeable when external
source of energy applied to
battery. Can check condition
of cell by measuring density of
H2SO4.
Cheap to make
Delivers much greater current
and more constant voltage
than Zinc – Carbon battery.
Doesn’t leak as often.
More efficient, pollution- free,
silent and cheaper to operate
Disadvantage
Cell deteriorates as less Pb
and PbO2 can be reformed
after every recharge.
Can’t be recharged, short shelf
life as it continually reacts at
slow rates, and quickly dies if
produce large amount of
electricity for a short time.
Can’t be recharged
Isn’t recommended for use in
digital camera, as it will die
relatively quickly if required to
produce large amount of
electricity for short time.
Electrodes in cell corrode
quickly, cells need constant
maintenance, require large
storage space for gas tanks,
and cell rather expensive to
make.