Advances and trends in primary and small secondary batteries

Improvements in performance and reliability continue to be made in the traditional primary and secondary systems such as C-Zn, alkaline MnO ₂, Zn-air, Li-I, and sealed Ni-Cd and lead acid. In addition, two new secondary systems, Ni-metal hydride and lithium ion, have recently been introduced. They are growing rapidly in response to environmental concerns and the need for more energy density by devices. Two new rechargeable systems, Zn-air and lithium polymer electrolyte are nearing commercial production. One manufacturer has just introduced a rechargeable version of the alkaline MnO₂ system for consumer use. Lithium primary systems, such as Li-MnO₂, Li-FeS₂ and CF_x are gaining substantial market share, amounting to about $500 million in 1992. Li-silver vanadium primary cells have been developed to supply the higher currents needed by implantable medical devices such as defibrillators