Rechargeable alkaline batteries can be cheaper than other batteries in the long run.
Alkaline batteries were introduced in 1970, providing an improved dry cell with better efficiency compared with the carbon zinc or zinc chloride batteries, which have been around a lot longer. Alkaline batteries have alkaline electrolyte chemistry, whereas zinc carbon batteries have acidic electrolyte chemistry. Alkaline batteries can be stored for two years at room temperature, losing only 10 percent capacity. After four years of storage, they lose only 20 percent storage capacity.
Construction
The alkaline battery contains an electrochemical system consisting of an anode made from a gelled mixture of amalgamated zinc powder and potassium hydroxide electrolyte. The cathode is made from a mixture of high purity electrolytic manganese dioxide and carbon. Carbon is added for increased conductivity. An inner steel container contains a brass sheet metal anode collector, which serves as the cathode. The three-way electrochemical reaction takes place between the conductive carbon matrix cathode, the large surface areas of amalgamated zinc and the conductive electrolyte solution.
Durability
Alkaline batteries offer greater storage capacity, a longer storage life and better performnace in both low and high temperatures, including sub-zero temperatures. The alkaline electrolyte design prevents voltage dropping during storage and allows longer storage capacity than zinc chloride batteries. There is also far less leakage risk with alkaline batteries, and because the contents are not acidic, leakage does not damage surrounding materials.
Types and Sizes
Alkaline batteries commonly come in AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt sizes, and due to the alkaline battery not having a carbon rod cathode, they can be made a lot smaller. Smaller units are available in non-standard sizes for specialized uses. Alkaline batteries are generally disposable but rechargeable alkaline batteries are available. The rechargeable type lose storage capacity each time they are recharged, so they are not a popular choice for rechargeable batteries.
Uses
Regular alkaline batteries are good for general use, and they are reasonably cheap to buy, but they do not perform well in high-drain devices such as digital cameras. Alkaline batteries are recommended for use in remote controls, toys, flashlights and clocks. There are high-drain alkaline batteries that are especially designed for digital cameras, but they are more expensive.
Disposal
Alkaline batteries are not recyclable, and because they are made from non-toxic materials, they can be safely disposed of without damaging the environment.
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