What is an alkaline battery?
An alkaline battery (IEC code: L) is a type of primary battery which derives its energy from the reaction between zinc metal and manganese dioxide . Compared with zinc–carbon batteries of the Leclanché cell or zinc chloride types, alkaline batteries have a higher energy density and longer shelf life, yet provide the same voltage.
How much more capacity does an alkaline battery have than an acidic battery?
An alkaline cell can provide between three and five times the capacity of an acidic cell.
What is the negative electrode of an alkaline battery?
In an alkaline battery, the negative electrode is zinc and the positive electrode is manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ). The alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide is not part of the reaction, only the zinc and MnO 2 are consumed during discharge. The alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide remains, as there are equal amounts ...
How much of the US battery is alkaline?
Alkaline batteries account for 80% of manufactured batteries in the US and over 10 billion individual units produced worldwide. In Japan, alkaline batteries account for 46% of all primary battery sales. In Switzerland, alkaline batteries account for 68%, in the UK 60% and in the EU 47% of all battery sales including secondary types. Alkaline batteries contain zinc (Zn) and manganese dioxide (MnO 2) (Health codes 1), which is a cumulative neurotoxin and can be toxic in higher concentrations. However, compared to other battery types, the toxicity of alkaline batteries is moderate.
Why is zinc used in batteries?
Its purpose was to control electrolytic action at impurity sites, which would reduce shelf life and promote leakage. With reductions in mercury content being mandated by various legislatures, it became necessary to greatly improve the purity and consistency of the zinc.
How much current can an alkaline battery deliver?
A rule of thumb is that an AA alkaline battery can deliver 700 mA without any significant heating. Larger cells, such as C and D cells, can deliver more current. Applications requiring currents of several amperes, such as powerful flashlights and portable stereos, will require D-sized cells to handle the increased load.
When were nickel and iron batteries invented?
Thomas Edison's nickel–iron batteries manufactured under the " Exide " brand, originally developed in 1901 by Thomas Edison used a potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Batteries with alkaline (rather than acid) electrolyte were first developed by Waldemar Jungner in 1899, and, working independently, Thomas Edison in 1901.
What is an alkaline battery charger?
The phrase “alkaline battery” is one you may hear often without really understanding what it is. These batteries are made with an alkaline electrolyte of potassium oxide instead of ammonium chloride or zinc chloride, both of which are acidic components.
What are the disadvantages of alkaline batteries?
Alkaline batteries have a high internal resistance which reduces their run time and produces an early ‘low battery’ warning in most devices. They will not last long in applications that have high start-up current requirements or even require a lot of power while in use.
How many volts does an alkaline battery have?
Alkaline batteries can be disposable or rechargeable and are generally 1.5 volts per cell and are available in various sizes.
Why shouldn't batteries be stored in devices?
Batteries shouldn’t be kept in devices that are not used for a long time because they can leak and thu s completely ruin the device itself because of the corrosive nature of the leaked material. Alkaline types are also bulkier than other lithium batteries, which can give much higher energy. More From Doityourself.
Can alkaline batteries be disposed of?
Costs of an alkaline battery are also much lower than the other more sophisticated ones containing nickel and cadmium, and alkaline batteries can be disposed of as normal waste rather than requiring special disposal techniques.
Do you need to replace alkaline batteries?
Besides shelf life, these batteries also have a longer life span than their counterparts, so you won’t need to replace them nearly as often. Alkaline batteries function even at very low temperatures as well.
Can a battery charger cause alkaline batteries?
Keeping track of their usage and recharging at regular intervals when they are not yet fully discharged can help overcome this problem. The high cost of the battery charger initially can also be a disadvantage, and a defective battery charger can cause alkaline batteries to explode.
Overview
Recharging of alkaline batteries
- One of the advantages of alkaline batteriesover other primary batteries and rechargeable batteries is that it has higher energy density. For example, this battery has double the energy density of a Leclanché cell and zinc-carbon batteries. This allows the battery to produce the same energy while lasting longer than other batteries. The rechargeable...
History
Chemistry
Capacity
Voltage
Some alkaline batteries are designed to be recharged a few times, and are described as rechargeable alkaline batteries. Attempts to recharge standard alkaline batteries may cause rupture, or the leaking of hazardous liquids which will corrode the equipment. However, it is reported that standard alkaline batteries can often be recharged a few times (typically not more than ten), albeit with reduced capacity after each charge; chargers are available commercially. T…
Current
Batteries with alkaline (rather than acid) electrolyte were first developed by Waldemar Jungner in 1899, and, working independently, Thomas Edison in 1901. The modern alkaline dry battery, using the zinc/manganese dioxide chemistry, was invented by the Canadian engineer Lewis Urry in the 1950s in Canada before he started working for Union Carbide's Eveready Battery division in Cleveland, OH, …
Construction
In an alkaline battery, the negative electrode is zinc and the positive electrode is manganese dioxide (MnO2). The alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide is not consumed during the reaction, only the zinc and MnO2 are consumed during discharge. The alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide remains, as there are equal amounts of OH consumed and produced.
The half-reactions are: