Why All three listed chemistries are secondary (rechargeable) cells, meaning their internal chemical reaction can be reversed by pushing current back in. Nickel-metal hydride cells (about 1.2 V each) are common in AA-size rechargeables and older handheld packs, lithium-ion cells (about 3.6 to 3.7 V) power most modern HTs, phones and laptops, and lead-acid batteries (about 2 V per cell, 12 V typical) are the standard for vehicles, solar storage and emergency station power.
Watch out The tempting mistake is picking only one, usually lithium-ion, because it is the most familiar rechargeable. The non-rechargeable (primary) chemistries the pool cares about are carbon-zinc and lithium primary cells, which are not on this list.
Rechargeable list: NiMH, Li-ion, lead-acid. Primary (throw away): carbon-zinc and lithium metal.