As the cell discharges energy, the concentration of sulfuric acid decreases. This leads to the major advantage of lead batteries. This causes the following electrolysis reaction, thus recharging the battery. Lead batteries are the type used to start your conventional, combustion engine automobile. Ni-Cd batteries utilize MnO 2 and KOH as electrolytes.
Many cells use nickel and carbon electrodes, and potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte.
The disadvantages to a fuel cell of this type are its large size and high costs. This type of cell is used to produce power and drinking water on spacecrafters. For more information on fuel cells, see the related article, Sunlight in a Bottle , here at The Chemical Engineers' Resource Page. For Your Information ChE in Everyday Life ChE in Medicine Alternative Energy Proc. This site is maintained by Christopher M. A. Haslego,BSChE, an Alumnus of West Virginia University.