Around 80% of batteries made in the United States are alkaline. Moreover, over 10 billion individual units leave factories worldwide annually. They find their way into familiar household applications, for example toys, radios, electronic cameras, and MP3 and CD players. These batteries come in C, AA, AAA, N, and 9V sizes where their density and longer shelf life come in handy. Despite this, most consumers have no idea what happens inside alkaline batteries.
The Chemistry Inside Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries have alkaline potassium hydroxide electrolytes, hence the name. Whereas zinc-carbon batteries use acidic ammonium chloride or zinc chloride.
Waldemar Jungner came up with the idea in 1899. Thomas Edison, working independently produced his own version in 1901. However, the first commercial model only appeared in 1960.
The negative electrodes are zinc, and the positive ones manganese dioxide in all alkaline batteries. These materials sacrifice themselves during discharge, with the potassium hydroxide electrolyte playing no role in the reaction. The nominal voltage is 1.5V, although the duration of the charge depends on how much power the device draws. The amount of current produced depends on battery size.
Rechargeable Versus Single-Life Alkaline Batteries
Most alkaline batteries are primary cells meaning they are redundant after their first discharge. Attempting to recharge them can have corrosive consequences if the electrolyte expands and bursts the case.
That said, genuinely rechargeable ones do compare favorably in terms of cost. However, their life is only approximately 20 cycles following a deep discharge.
Safe Disposal of Alkaline Batteries
While modern alkaline batteries are technically disposable as household garbage, regulations do vary between American states. Thus, we recommend checking first with your city authority, or licensed recycling depot. The cells play an important role in society. Now you can use them knowing what is inside alkaline batteries and tell your friends.
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