Battery Grids

The largest use of Lead is in the manufacture of Lead Acid Batteries. These Lead Batteries consist of a series of grid plates made from either Antimonyl Lead or wrought calcium lead that is pasted with a mixture of Lead Oxides and immersed in sulfuric acid.

The positive electrode is lead dioxide (PbO2), which is converted to lead sulfate (PbSO4). The negative electrode is a spongy metallic lead (Pb), which is also converted to lead sulfate (PbSO4). The electrolyte is a dilute mixture of sulfuric acid that provides the sulfate ion for the discharge reactions.