The AkkuFresh® foil is made by applying 2µ thin ionXtra-Power® powder into a layer through nanotechnology.

ionXtra-Power® is a new exclusively developed and constantly improved  nanoceramic material. On the island of Hokkaido, in the 1950ies, a Nanotech researcher found a special stone while analysing the curative power of volcanic lakes, whose waters have measurable positive effects on human health. Due to these and subsequent research results, in 1965 the location of the stone has been added to the list of Japan's National Heritage Sites. It was the first milestone of the ionXtra-Power® and AkkuFresh® foil research and development.

The core of the ionXtra-Power® material and its modified forms contain titanium-dioxide, manganese-oxide, iron-oxide, aluminium-oxide, silicon-dioxide, zinc, calcium, chlorine, potassium and magnesium.
 As a result of more than 25 years of R&D and of using the opportunities of nanotechnology,  a mineral combination of natural, microporose crystal particles was created with the name of ionXtra-Power®.

A primary battery (non-rechargeable) often used in electronic applications requiring heavy currents for long periods of time (i.e.: cd players, radios, …). Alkaline batteries can deliver 50-100% more total energy than conventional Carbon/Zinc batteries of the same size, hence their popularity in consumer applications.

A mixture of several distinct metals or a metal and a non-metal.

A type of generator used in automobiles to produce an electric current.

The quantity of electricity measured in ampere-hours (Ah) that may be delivered by a cell or battery under specified conditions.

The electrode in an electrochemical cell where oxidation takes place. During discharge, the negative electrode of the cell is the anode. During charge, the positive electrode is the anode.

A device for making or storing electricity chemically.

Two or more electrochemical cells electrically interconnected in an appropriate series or parallel arrangement to provide the required operating voltage and current levels. Under common usage, the term "battery" is also often applied to a single cell.

A cylindrical cell design utilizing an internal cylindrical electrode and an external electrode arranged as a sleeve inside the cell container.

Discharge or charge current, in amperes, expressed in multiples of the rated capacity. For example, C/10 discharge current for a battery rated at 1.5 Ah is: 1.5 AH/I 0 = 150 mA (A cell's capacity is not the same at all discharge rates and usually increases with a decreasing rate.)

The total number of ampere-hours or watt-hours that can be gained from a fully charged cell or battery under specified conditions of discharge.

A correction factor applied to the rating of a battery if discharged under C-rates different from the one rated.

The fraction of the fall capacity available from a battery under specified conditions of discharge after it has been stored for a period of time.

A primary battery (non-rechargeable) commonly used in low-drain consumer applications (i.e.: clocks, calculators, garage door openers, etc...). Available in the same sizes as Alkaline and Manganese Dioxide (“AA”, “AAA”, 9volt, “C”, “D”), the Carbon/Zinc is one of the most widely used dry primary batteries because of its low price and reliable performance.

The electrode in an electrochemical cell where reduction takes place. During discharge, the positive electrode of the cell is the cathode. During charge in a rechargeable battery, the negative electrode is the cathode.

The basic electrochemical unit used to generate or store electrical energy.

Cells within a battery pack that contain different capacity and voltage levels.

The stronger cells of a battery (several cells connected in a series) impose a voltage of reverse polarity across a weaker cell during a deep discharge.

The conversion of electrical energy, provided in the form of electrical current from an external source, to restore the chemical energy in a cell or battery.

A technique for effectively terminating the charging of a rechargeable battery.

Charge batteries with a DC current, positive terminal to positive terminal. The voltage must be greater than the battery or battery pack voltage. The current must be limited and cut off when the battery is fully charged.
Full charge is sensed either by a rise in voltage, a rise in resistance or a rise in temperature.
Battery chargers are designed to supply a suitable current for the batteries with which they were designed to work.
More sophisticated chargers will switch to a trickle when they sense the battery is fully charged. This is fine for Lead-Acid batteries but NiCd and NiMh should not be left on maintenance’charge for more than a few days.

The charging current is one eighth of the Ah (in Amps) or mAh (milliamps) rating of the battery. A full charge takes about 1.4 times the label capacity.
e.g. NiMh Battery 1800mAh capacity
charging current 1800 divided by 8 = 225 mA
charging time 1800 divided by 225 x 1.4 = 11.2 hours

The potential or voltage of a battery when it is discharging or charging.

A process that utilizes a series of heavy discharges and recharges on a battery to assure optimal performance.

A battery discharge regime with which the current is drawn during discharge. Discharge remains constant.

A battery discharge regime where the current during discharge increases as the battery voltage decreases.

A battery discharge regime where the resistance of the equipment load remains constant throughout discharge.

A test in which a battery is discharged to a prescribed point voltage without interruption.

The amount of electricity transported by a current of one ampere flowing for one second.

The rate at which (a volume of) electricity moves through a (pipe) conductor. Measured in Amps.
The potential is measured in (height) volts.

An inert structure of high electrical conductivity used to conduct current from or to an electrode during discharge or charge.

The current per unit active area of the surface of an electrode.

The current withdrawn from a battery during discharge.

A charger that keeps the charge current constant during the charging process but allows the voltage to fluctuate (typically used on NiCd and NiMh chargers).

The battery voltage at which the discharge is terminated. The cutoff voltage is specified by the battery manufacturer and is generally a function of the discharge rate.

A sequence where a charged battery is discharged and recharged.

The number of cycles that are available under specified conditions from a secondary battery before it fails to meet specified criteria relating to performance.

The positive and negative plates are rolled up and placed into a cylindrical container (as opposed to stacking the plates in a prismatic cell design).

The ratio of the quantity of electricity (usually in ampere-hours) removed from a battery to its rated capacity.

The opposite of absorption, when the material retained by a medium or another material is released.

Electrical current that flows in one direction only. Batteries produce direct currents as the current flows from a negative to a positive source.

The conversion of the chemical energy of a battery into electrical energy, and the withdrawal of the electrical energy into a load.

The rate, usually expressed in amperes, at which the electrical current is taken from the battery.

Never burn any battery, it may explode, it will release caustic electrolytes, and it may distribute harmful metal oxide particles.
Batteries containing silver, cadmium and mercury must undergo special disposal or may be returned.
Lithium batteries containing more than 0.5grams of Lithium metal present a special hazard.
Alkaline, NiMh, Zinc-Air, small Li-ion and Lithium coin cells, and conventional torch batteries can be put in domestic waste.

The current withdrawn from a battery during discharge.

A cell with immobilized electrolyte. The term "dry cell" is often used to refer to the Leclanche cell.

The operating regime of a battery including factors such as charge and discharge rates, depth of discharge, cycle duration, and length of time in  standby mode.

Discharge or charge power, in watts, expressed as a multiple of the rated capacity of a cell or battery that is expressed in watt-hours. For example, the E/10 rate for a cell or battery rated at 17.3 watt-hours is 1.73 watts. (This is similar to the method of calculating the C-Rate.)

The movement of electrons along a conductor.

The weight of a substance that is deposited at an electrode when the quantity of electricity which is passed is one coulomb.

The site, area or location at which electrochemical processes take place.
The raised positive pip on a torch battery is connected to the battery cathode; the flat end is connected to the negative anode.
In a Lead-Acid battery (car battery), Lead is the anode and the acid (sulfuric acid, battery acid) is the electrolyte. Lead Dioxide is the cathode.
In a NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium) battery, Nickel is the anode and Cadmium the cathode..

The medium which provides the ion transport mechanism between the positive and negative electrodes of a cell.

Negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

The prescribed voltage at which the discharge (or charge, if end-of-charge voltage) of a battery may be considered complete.

The output capability of a cell or battery, usually expressed in watt-hours.

The ratio of the energy available from a battery to its volume (Wh/L) or weight (Wh/kg).

Typical fast charge time for a NiCd is 1 to 3 hours. The fast-charger detects the state of charge and switches to trickle charge when full-charge is reached.

The use of batteries which are charged by an application to be ready for use if the primary power to the application fails. Also called standby or backup.

Similar to trickle charge. Compensates for self-discharge on an SLA battery.

Discharging a cell in a battery, by the other cells or an external power source, below zero volts into voltage reversal.

A battery that produces an electric current from mechanically or continually replaced electrodes, e.g. hydrogen/ oxygen cells proposed for electric cars. Not generally available off-the-shelf.
Instead of burning the fuel to generate heat, the fuel cell generates electricity.

Device used for cutting off an electrical current in the event of emergency or under hazardous conditions.

The emission of gas from one or more of the electrodes in a cell. Gassing commonly results from local action (self-discharge) or from electrolysis of water in the electrolyte during charging.

The ratio of the energy output of a cell or battery to its weight (Wh/kg). This term is used interchangeably with the term 'specific energy'.

Connection to the earth or some conductor which takes the place of the earth.

Waste which is classified as "hazardous" (i.e.. potentially harmful to the environment) by the government.

The standard unit of frequency. A frequency of one complete cycle per second is a frequency of one hertz.

A discharge rate, in amperes, of a battery which will deliver the specified hours of service to a given cutoff voltage.

A device used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a cell.

Used in relation to the battery's internal resistance, a test during which a battery is subjected to alternate periods of discharge and rest according to a specified discharge regime.

The opposition exhibited by a circuit element (cell or battery) to the flow of an alternating current (AC) of a particular frequency as a result of resistance, induction and capacitance.

The opposition exhibited by a circuit element to the flow of a direct current (DC). In a cell, the internal resistance is the sum of the ionic and electronic resistance of the cell components.
When a battery is connected to a circuit to do work, the current in the circuit is in inverse proportion to the resistance of the circuit plus the internal resistance of the battery. This can lead to the batteries warming up.

ionXtra-Power® is a new exclusively developed and constantly improved  nanoceramic material.

On the island of Hokkaido, in the 1950ies, a Nanotech researcher found a special stone while analysing the curative power of volcanic lakes, whose waters have measurable positive effects on human health. Due to these and subsequent research results, in 1965 the location of the stone has been added to the list of Japan's National Heritage Sites. It was the first milestone of the ionXtra-Power® and AkkuFresh® foil research and development.

The core of the ionXtra-Power® material and its modified forms contain titanium-dioxide, manganese-oxide, iron-oxide, aluminium-oxide, silicon-dioxide, zinc, calcium, chlorine, potassium and magnesium.

As a result of more than 25 years of R&D and of using the opportunities of nanotechnology,  a mineral combination of natural, microporose crystal particles was created with the name of ionXtra-Power®.

The AkkuFresh® foil is made by applying 2µ thin ionXtra-Power® powder into a layer through nanotechnology.

A voltage drop associated with the electrical resistance (R) of a battery or current flow (I). A voltage drop is the product of the current (in amperes) and resistance (in ohms).

Still the most popular type of battery used today, its main application is for the automobile industry, although it has a growing number of other applications. Its advantages include low costs, high voltage per cell and good capacity life. Disadvantages include poor low temperature performance, a relatively heavy weight, and that it cannot be left in a discharged state for too long without being damaged. Related batteries: Absorbent Glass Matt (AGM) Gel, Gel Cell sealed lead acid.

Zinc-Carbon pre-Alkaline torch batteries. In the lofts of old houses often there are open topped glass jars that used to have a carbon and zinc rod and ammonium chloride solution as an electrolyte, to provide a wet cell battery that powered the door bell. 1.5 volts, still made as a dry battery.

One of the more recent rechargeable battery technologies, Li-Ion batteries can deliver 40% more capacity than comparably sized NiCd batteries and are one of the lightest rechargeable batteries available today. Li-Ion batteries are the batteries of choice in notebook computers, wireless telephones and many camcorder models. They are also one of the more expensive rechargeability technologies.
3.6 volts per cell, light weight, high capacity, expensive batteries.
Not that much difference in capacity for the same volume as NiMh, but significantly lighter.
Li-Ion batteries can be 'Top Up' charged- recharged at any convenient time, without waiting for the battery to be completely discharged. About storage: store them as they are and allow them to self discharge slowly. Recharge them fully again when you want to use them.

A battery technology similar to Lithium-Ion.
Current “lithium-polymer” batteries are technically “Lithium Ion Polymer”, since pure lithium-polymer batteries are not yet commercially viable. Pure lithium-polymer batteries, once available, will theoretically provide considerable benefits over current battery technologies.
Today’s lithium-ion polymer batteries perform similarly to lithium-ion batteries, but can be made much thinner – as thin as 1mm.

A primary battery (non-rechargeable) that is quickly entering mainstream electronic design, particularly in consumer, portable equipment and non-volatile memory back-up applications where small size, long life and low costs are the primary requirements. Lithium batteries have superior cold temperature performance and a shelf life of 5-10 years.
The 3rd element, after Hydrogen and Helium. This position at one of the extremes gives it some interesting properties. Very different types of batteries are made containing Lithium; some are rechargeable some are not; some are safe, some are not.

Lithium-Manganese Dioxide coin cells. Zinc-Manganese Dioxide -Alkaline- cells are made in the same sizes. The Lithium cells have a larger capacity and voltage. Often interchangeable.†
Not rechargeable. Never try to recharge.
3 to 3.6 volts nominal per cell.
Less than 0.5 grams Lithium per cell.
Better tolerance of temperature extremes than other domestic batteries,. -50C to +70C.
Long shelf life (10years+) and long life in low-drain service.

The discharge current provided by a battery, or drawn by a battery powered device.

Magnesium batteries are used in sea going safety equipment. They are made without an electrolyte. When immersed in sea water, the salty water acts as an electrolyte and they produce power. They have a good but finite shelf life even in humid conditions. Once activated they must be replaced.

A primary battery (non-rechargeable) similar to the alkaline battery though not as strong in total energy. Available in the same size as Alkaline and Carbon/Zinc ("AA", "AAA", "C","D", 9volt), the Manganese Dioxide chemistry is noted for its ability to retain its charge while being stored at high temperatures and operates well at temperatures as low as -40C with little loss of capacity.

A phenomenon in which a cell or battery operated in successive cycles to the same, but less than full, depth of discharge temporarily loses the rest of its capacity at normal voltage levels.

Some rechargeable batteries are said to have a memory. If they are part-used and recharged before the whole charge is used up, they ‘remember’ this and next time will only use that part of their capacity. Therefore part of their capacity is lost. This is theory, it is much debated.
NiCd and NiMh batteries are said to suffer from the "memory effect".
NiCd and NiMh batteries prefer complete cycles; full charge then use until empty, do not recharge before storage, allow them to self-discharge during storage.
In the real world, either of these batteries will accept less than the ideal and provided that they are recycled completely, full to empty, reasonably often they will put up with what comes in between.
NiMh batteries display less "memory effect" than NiCd.

Good batteries have been made via using Mercury. These are not in common use nowadays because of potential pollution. Silver-Oxide or Zinc-Air cells make good or superior alternatives.

An inter-metallic compound or alloy in which hydrogen has been absorbed. Also, the negative electrode in a nickel-metal hydride battery.

The voltage of a battery halfway through the discharge between the start of the discharge and the end voltage.

Refers to battery capacity. A 1/1000th of an amp, e.g.: 1.0Ah = 1000mAh.

A terminal or electrode which has an excess of electrons.

One of the most proven and historically most widely used rechargeable batteries. Very dependable and "robust" but contain cadmium and have relatively low capacity when compared to other rechargeable systems. Very good high rate discharge capabilities make them very popular in high drain applications such as power tools.
Due to its Cadmium content this battery must be disposed of safely. NiCd batteries have gained a bad reputation for displaying the memory effect.

NiCd batteries prefer to be charged when they show a drop in power (to over-discharge a battery pack is to risk ‘voltage reversal’ of the weakest cell).
Store as they are, and recharge before use.
NiCd batteries self-discharge. They lose about 40% of their charge in 4 weeks.
NiCd batteries have a low internal resistance:
they can deliver a high current,
they don’t overheat easily in use,
they can be charged quickly.
Used sensibly, they have a life span twice as long as that of NiMh or Li-ion batteries.
1.2 volts per cell, reasonably constant over the discharge cycle.

Interchangeable with most NiCd batteries, nickel metal hydride (NiMh) batteries generally deliver 10-25% greater capacity than NiCd’s and are environmentally more friendly than NiCd’s since they do not contain cadmium. Used in many wireless phones and camcorders.
Nickel Metal Hydride is, in some ways, a successor to NiCd batteries, yet in some other ways it is still inferior.
No special disposal necessary.
Increased capacity.
Less prone to ‘memory effect’.
Slower charging: a fast NiCd charger, i.e. one which would charge the battery under 8 hours, is generally unsuitable.

The characteristic operating voltage or rated voltage of a battery.

A measure of resistance that causes one volt to produce a current of one ampere.

The difference in potential between the terminals of a cell when the circuit is open (the 'no-load' condition).

The process of discharging a cell or battery beyond its cutoff voltage and possibly into voltage reversal.

To force a current through a cell after all the active materials have been converted to the charged state, that is, continued charging after reaching 100 % charged status.

Term used to describe the interconnection of cells or batteries in which all the like terminals are connected together (positive to positive, negative to negative). Results in increased capacity (sum of the total). NiCd, NiMh and Lithium cells should not be connected in parallel.

The phenomenon by which a metal, although in conditions of thermodynamic instability, remains indefinitely un-attacked because of modified or altered surface conditions.

In electricity, the condition of being positive or negative.

The lowering of the potential of a cell or electrode from its equilibrium value caused by the passage of an electric current.

A terminal or electrode which has a shortage of electrons.