Batteries are one of the most useful devices in everyday life that are produced and offered in various types. Among these models, the alkaline battery is one of the most widely used, which has a special place in the market with its unique features, including long life, produced from non-toxic chemicals, etc. In this article from EDC, we will discuss what an alkaline battery is, its advantages and disadvantages, and its common applications to help you make the best choice for your needs.
What is an alkaline battery?
Alkaline batteries, or alkaline batteries, are among the most popular and widely used batteries in household and industrial devices. The performance of these batteries depends mainly on the chemical reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide, which occurs in an alkaline environment and produces stable electrical energy. Key advantages of alkaline batteries include high current and continuous discharge capability, making them a good choice for a variety of devices due to their durability and high performance.
Compared to conventional batteries, alkaline batteries have up to 120 or 130 times more capacity. This is especially useful in devices that require a consistent voltage. Although alkaline batteries are slightly more expensive than conventional batteries, they are more cost-effective over time due to their longer lifespan and reduced need for frequent replacement.
With their durability and consistent performance, alkaline batteries are an ideal choice for high-power household and industrial devices and are available in a variety of capacities and sizes for various applications.
History
The alkaline battery has a long history dating back to the early 20th century. The first alkaline battery was invented by Thomas Edison in 1901, but was not commercially viable due to its high manufacturing cost and low energy output. It was not until the 1950s that Louis Avery, a chemical engineer, developed the modern alkaline battery. This new design dramatically improved energy density and made batteries affordable for everyday use. Since then, alkaline batteries have become a staple in homes and industries around the world.
How is an alkaline battery constructed?
An alkaline battery is made up of several layers and components that work together to produce a steady electric current. The structure is designed to best produce and store electrical energy. The main components of an alkaline battery are:
Positive and negative terminals: The two metal ends of the battery that carry the electric current to the device. The positive and negative poles are located at the two ends of the battery and are usually marked with “+” and “-”.
Collector valves or pins: The valves are connected to the battery poles and help transfer current from the inside to the outside.
Washer: Washers are usually located in the negative part of the battery and have two main functions; preventing direct contact of the negative pole with the chamber and absorbing internal pressures of the battery. This part prevents the battery from malfunctioning.
Separator pin: This part is an ion-conducting separator that is located between the cathode and anode materials. The separator pin is completely immersed in the alkaline electrolyte and provides the flow of ions.
Cathode material: On the outside and top of the separator, a cathode material based on manganese dioxide is located. This material loses electrons and plays an important role in creating an electric current.
Anode: Near the positive pole, the zinc-based anode is located. This material is the main source of electrons and is involved in the chemical reaction of the battery.
Alkaline electrolyte: The electrolyte is located inside the battery and helps transfer ions between the cathode and anode materials. This alkaline environment speeds up chemical reactions.
Alkaline battery features
Some of the most important features and benefits of these batteries are:
High energy density: Alkaline batteries have a higher energy density than other primary batteries. For example, their energy density is more than twice that of Leclanche and zinc-carbon batteries. This feature allows the alkaline battery to store more energy in a smaller size and less weight.
Long life: Alkaline batteries produce the same amount of energy while having a longer life than other batteries. Some models can store energy for up to 10 years and have a very low discharge rate, which helps preserve stored energy even when not in use.
High safety and environmental friendliness: Alkaline batteries do not contain acids and heavy metals such as lead and are mainly composed of harmless materials such as steel, zinc and manganese. In addition to greater safety, this also has a low environmental impact and does not require special disposal. However, it is better to dispose of them in recyclable waste.
Flexibility in voltage and application: Alkaline batteries can be used in series to create higher voltages. These batteries are produced in different sizes, which allows them to be used in various applications such as household appliances, toys, watches and some electronic devices.
Alkaline Battery Applications
Alkaline batteries are used in a variety of applications due to their high durability, high energy density, and stable charge retention. Below are some of the most important applications of these batteries:
Home Electronics: Alkaline batteries are very common in home appliances such as television remotes, flashlights, clocks, and radios. These batteries are popular due to their long life and ability to maintain a charge.
Long-term charging is very suitable for these devices.
Electronic toys: Alkaline batteries are used in toys because of their durability and continuous power supply. Motorized and light-up toys often require powerful alkaline batteries to be able to work for a longer period of time.
Medical and safety devices: Many small medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, blood sugar testers, and digital thermometers use alkaline batteries. Safety devices such as smoke alarms use this type of battery because they have a long lifespan.
Digital cameras and flashes: Digital cameras, photo flashes, and other photographic equipment that require high instantaneous current use alkaline batteries. These batteries help photographers use their equipment for longer periods of time.
Wireless keyboards and mice: Alkaline batteries are used to power wireless devices such as keyboards and mice. These batteries are ideal for use in these devices due to their long life and stability.
Small power tools: Alkaline batteries are widely used in small portable power tools such as electric screwdrivers, shavers, and electric toothbrushes due to their durability and high power.
Wall and desk clocks: Many wall and desk clocks use alkaline batteries to power them.
Disadvantages of Alkaline Batteries
Despite their many advantages, alkaline batteries have a few disadvantages that can limit their use in some cases:
Heavier weight than lithium batteries: Alkaline batteries are heavier than lithium batteries, which can be a problem in portable and small devices such as medical devices or certain toys.
Possibility of leakage in low-quality products: If low-quality or substandard alkaline batteries are used, there is a greater chance of chemical leakage from them. This leakage can lead to damage to the device and even corrosion of its internal parts.
Non-rechargeable: Unlike lithium batteries and some other types, alkaline batteries are not rechargeable and need to be replaced after their energy is depleted. This feature increases the cost of battery replacement in applications that use a lot of energy.
Classification of Alkaline Batteries by Shape and Size
Alkaline batteries are divided into different categories by shape and size, each of which has a specific application. Below we introduce the main types of these batteries:
Button batteries: Due to their small size and compact design, these batteries are suitable for small and low-power devices such as headphones, wristwatches and some medical devices. Alkaline button batteries usually have a voltage of 1.5 volts.
Rectangular batteries: These types of batteries, which are larger in size, are used for specific purposes and offer different voltages. Rectangular alkaline batteries are less commonly used compared to pen and semi-pen models.
AA batteries: One of the most common types of batteries and are used in most electronic devices such as TV controls, toys and remote controls. These batteries have a voltage of 1.5 volts and are a standard size that makes them suitable for many devices.
AAA batteries: These batteries are used in smaller, less power-hungry devices, such as remote controls and some small electronics. AAA batteries also have a voltage of 1.5 volts and are smaller than the AA type.
A23 batteries: These types of batteries are distinguished from other batteries by their higher voltage of 12 volts. A23 batteries are commonly used in devices that require higher voltage, such as some automatic door controls and security systems.
How an alkaline battery works
The production of energy in an alkaline battery comes from a chemical reaction. When the battery is connected to a device, the zinc in the anode oxidizes, releasing electrons. These electrons then travel through the device, creating an electric current and returning to the cathode. At the cathode, the manganese dioxide undergoes a reduction reaction and absorbs electrons. This continuous flow of electrons produces the electricity needed to power our devices.
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Here’s a simple example of how an alkaline battery works:
Suppose you have a flashlight and you have an alkaline battery inside it. When you press the button on the flashlight, a short circuit is created between the positive and negative terminals of the battery, and the battery starts producing electrical energy.
In this process, the zinc element in the anode section of the battery reacts with the alkaline electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) and produces extra electrons.
These electrons tend to move from the anode (negative terminal) to the cathode (positive terminal).
When the circuit in the flashlight is connected, electrons move from the anode to the cathode, creating an electric current in the flashlight circuit.
As a result, this current causes the flashlight to light up. At the cathode, these electrons react with manganese oxide, and the chemical energy in the battery is converted into electrical energy, which turns on the flashlight bulb.
In short, when the flashlight circuit is closed, the alkaline battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy, and this energy turns on the flashlight.
Are alkaline batteries rechargeable?
Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable. These batteries are known as primary batteries, meaning that
