Accumulators

Definition

Accumulators are rechargeable batteries by electrolysis.

The lead storage battery

The accumulator consists of lead electrodes immersed in sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acids attacks the lead plates superficially covering them with a layer of lead sulfate: $2H^+$ $+$ $SO_4^{2-}$ $+$ $Pb$ $\longrightarrow$ $Pb^{2+}SO_4^{2-}$ $+$ $H_2$ The lead sulfate layer est very thin and impermeable. In the following interpretation we shall consider the $Pb^{2+}$ ion alone which is contained in the lead sulfate layer.

Charge     =     Electrolysis

 

 

At the cathode: $Pb^{2+}$ $+$ $2e^-$ $\longrightarrow$ $Pb$ ( deposit on the electrode ) At the anode: $Pb^{2+}$ $+$ $2H_2O$ $ -$ $2e^-$ $\longrightarrow$ $4H^+$ $+$ $PbO_2$ (deposit on the electrode )

Discharge     =     Battery

 

 

On the side of the reductant $Pb$: $Pb$ $-$ $2e^-$ $\longrightarrow$ $Pb^{2+}$ ($\ominus$ pole) On the side of the oxidant $PbO_2$: $PbO_2$ $+$ $4H^+$ $+$ $2e^-$ $\longrightarrow$ $Pb^{2+}$ $+$ $2H_2O$ ($\oplus$ pole)