A primary battery is a single-use electrochemical storage device we cannot re-energize again. Whereas we could recharge a secondary one if we followed the maker’s instructions. Generally speaking primary batteries are cheaper, whereas secondary ones are better for the environment. There are three main types of primary batteries in use today.
The Three Main Types of Popular Primary Batteries
The most popular single-use types are alkaline, zinc carbon, and lithium-ion batteries. They represent milestones in the history of portable electricity, and each has their own distinctive role.
Alkaline Batteries Are Least Expensive Per Unit
The first alkaline batteries appeared in stores in the 1950’s. They use zinc for their negative electrodes, and manganese dioxide for their positives. They cannot be replenished after they are flat, because discharging them damages those components.
If cost is your main consideration then alkaline batteries may be your best choice. That’s because they retain consistent power until they are flat. No wonder they are so popular.
Zinc Carbon Batteries Have Slower Discharge Rates
The second of our three main types of primary batteries are increasingly popular. They use zinc for their positive electrode, and graphite and manganese / graphite for their negative side. But being primary they also cannot recharge safely.
They are not as powerful as alkaline batteries either. Zinc carbon batteries are therefore best suited for remote controls, clocks, smoke detectors etc that consume less energy.
Lithium Batteries Have Greater Density
Lithium batteries have the greatest density / energy capacity of the three primary battery types we review here. They use metallic lithium for their positive terminals, and usually manganese dioxide for other.
Single use, primary lithium batteries are popular in portable consumer devices. They cost more in the store than the other two, but provide longer service. They are particularly suitable for intermittent, ‘heavy use’ devices such as cameras and camcorders.
Choose the single-use battery type that’s best for you if you cannot convert across to rechargeable products. Recycle spent batteries whenever you can. It is the right thing to do. Please note this is a general introduction, and not intended to be comprehensive.
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