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The miracle of reusability: How did nickel-metal hydride batteries challenge the dominance of disposable batteries?
As environmental concerns grow, consumers are placing increasing emphasis on sustainable power solutions. Against this backdrop, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries have gradually gained market favor, threatening the position of traditional disposable batteries. This reusable battery not only surpasses previous technologies in performance, but also demonstrates its environmental advantages.
History of NiMH Batteries
The technological dawn of nickel-metal hydride batteries dates back to 1967, when research was conducted at Battelle-Geneva Research Center. Due to its outstanding performance in high energy density and economy, this technology ushered in remarkable ambition in the 1970s, especially in commercial satellite applications, where its advantages gradually became apparent.
Over time, NiMH batteries have become the preferred choice for portable consumer electronics due to their good charging performance and less risk of leakage.
In 1998, Stanford Ovsinski improved the structure of nickel-metal hydride batteries, bringing their performance in the market to new heights. By 2008, more than 2 million hybrid vehicles worldwide used nickel-metal hydride batteries, which is undoubtedly a strong recognition of their performance.
Basics of biochemistry
The working principle of NiMH batteries involves complex chemical reactions. The positive electrode uses nickel hydroxide, while the negative electrode uses an alloy that can absorb hydrogen. This structural design enables NiMH batteries to effectively store and release energy during the charging process. Specifically, during charging, water and alloy react to produce hydroxide and hydrogen alloy; during discharging, the process is reversed.
Charging and safety performance
Safety performance during charging is of vital importance. Using a smart charger can prevent overcharging, thus extending the battery life. Most manufacturers recommend charging at a low current to achieve safe charging standards.
NiMH batteries are equipped with a catalyst inside to deal with the gases produced during the charging process.
This design not only improves the safety of use, but also makes nickel-hydrogen batteries environmentally friendly. Due to the friendliness of its materials, this type of battery is also equipped with a ventilation device to release excess gas, which to a certain extent prevents the harm caused by overcharging.
Comparison with other battery types
NiMH batteries compete with lithium-ion and alkaline batteries in many applications. NiMH batteries exhibit lower internal resistance than alkaline batteries, making them excellent for use in high-energy-consuming devices. Compared with lithium-ion batteries, although the specific energy of nickel-hydrogen batteries is slightly lower, their cost and environmental performance are relatively more advantageous.
Application in consumer electronics
NiMH batteries are now widely used in digital cameras, toys and other portable electronic devices. This battery performs very well in providing a stable and reliable power source for small rechargeable products.
Many common devices in our daily lives, such as cameras and flashlights, rely primarily on the high discharge capacity of NiMH batteries.
With the continuous advancement of technology, low self-discharge nickel-metal hydride batteries (LSD NiMH) launched by Sanyo have gradually entered the market. They can retain 70%-85% of their capacity during long-term storage, further improving consumers' User experience.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the many advantages of nickel-metal hydride batteries, their market share is being gradually eroded by efficient lithium-ion batteries. However, as "sustainability" becomes a global hot topic, a re-evaluation of traditional nickel-hydrogen batteries is necessary and possible. Its actual energy consumption and environmental protection characteristics may enable it to continue to play an important role in certain markets.
While balancing consumer demand and environmental goals, can NiMH batteries regain market favor and even surpass the performance of Li-ion batteries?
