Large-scale batteries for green energy society

Abstract

An extensive demand for rechargeable batteries from environmental problems due to CO2 emission was described in the introduction. Then, general information about several kinds of batteries for energy storage and electric vehicle applications are described. Specially, lead acid battery, lithium ion battery, sodium-sulfur battery, and redox-flow battery have been discussed based on electrochemical reactions occurring in the practical cells. The energy density of each battery was also discussed in detail based on not only material sciences but also battery technologies. In the future, higher energy density is strongly required for future rechargeable batteries. In the final section, research and development of next generation batteries are involved in this chapter.