What are alkaline batteries and what are they made of?

The development of modern technologies has given us a huge variety of devices. Most of them require a source of constant electricity to operate. In many cases, this function is performed by small batteries - batteries.

Alkaline power sources are especially popular. At the same time, few people are familiar with the history of their appearance, main characteristics and features.

History of alkaline batteries

The first alkaline battery appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. This was done by two American inventors - Thomas Edison and Waldemar Junger.

Duracell has assumed the role of the main supplier of alkaline power sources to the electrical goods market. At the beginning of the twentieth century, portable radio devices actively developed and quickly gained popularity. Therefore, there is a high need for small batteries.

Alkaline batteries did an excellent job of their assigned function. After all, compared to other current sources, they were small in size, sealed, and had high energy intensity.

They have proven themselves to be a reliable and uninterruptible power source, so they do not lose their popularity today.

Reference. The second name for alkaline batteries is alkaline.

Composition and structure of an alkaline battery

Knowing the design of the current source, you can find out the operating principle of the device. So, electric current is generated here using the anode and cathode. The latter consists of the elements:

• manganese dioxide;
• special binding components;
• acetylene black or graphite;
• alkaline solution of potassium hydroxide.

Some cells use sodium or lithium solutions instead of potassium hydroxide. To give a thicker consistency, special natural or synthetic substances are added to electrolytes.

The anode is made of zinc coated with an anti-corrosion coating. Previously, mercury or lead were used for this. Modern batteries contain less harmful substances, such as aluminum.

The design of alkaline batteries is not much different from salt batteries, only all the elements are located in different places:

1. The entire inside of the batteries is filled with zinc paste. Zinc itself is in powder form. Thanks to this, a large area of ​​interaction between the elements is achieved. Therefore, these batteries can “boast” of high energy capacity compared to salt batteries.
2. Zinc is thickened with a special composition. At the same time, it generates a negative charge, which is removed by a brass rod.
3. Manganese dioxide is mixed with acetylene black or another carbon component. It is separated from the anode using a separator.
4. A steel glass coated with nickel is responsible for discharging the positive charge.
5. To prevent possible short-circuiting of the components, the shell is insulated from the anode.
6. Using a plate, the negative charge is removed from the steel.
7. The design includes a gasket. It is necessary to remove gases formed during a chemical reaction.It is worth adding that, compared to salt batteries, less gases are produced here.
8. The gas chamber and membrane are responsible for safety. They protect against explosions by collecting the resulting gases. If the pressure exceeds the permissible limits, the membrane will burst and the electrolyte will leak out.

Characteristics of alkaline batteries

The main parameters of alkaline batteries are:

1. Charge capacity. Depending on the type, it varies from 1500 to 3000 mAh.
2. Voltage. The batteries are capable of delivering voltages from 1.5 to 9 V.

These are the main parameters that you need to pay attention to before purchasing.

In addition, they are able to function in any weather conditions. The permissible temperature conditions for operation and storage are from minus 20 to + 50 degrees C. Products from some manufacturers are able to fully function even under more severe conditions.

Types of batteries

It is sometimes difficult for an inexperienced user to understand the existing sizes, markings and classifications of batteries. The selection process is also complicated by the fact that each country uses its own type of marking, while batteries from different manufacturers are presented on the market - from Europe, Asia, North America, and Russia.

The only thing that first catches your eye before purchasing is the shape of the product. So, the following options exist:

1. Cylindrical. These include “finger”, “little finger” and the so-called “barrel”. They are a regular cylinder of various sizes. The diameter depends on the specific type of current source.
2. Disk. People call them “watches” or “tablets”. The name is explained by their appearance - they are a flattened disk of various sizes.

There is also a letter designation that appeared in the USA. This is what is widely used in most countries:

1. AAA. "Little fingers." Their height is 44.5 mm and width is 10.5 mm.
2. AA. "Finger" The height of the product is 50.5 mm, width - 14.5 mm.
3. C. “Sentry” or “tablet”. This is how a medium-sized current source is designated: 50x26.5 mm.
4. D. Large “tablet” with dimensions 61.5x34.2 mm.
5. 1604D. People call it “crown”. Its dimensions are 67x26x22 mm.

Dimensions may differ from standard ones by a couple of millimeters. This is explained by the fact that some manufacturers enclose current sources in an additional capsule. It protects them from moisture getting inside or gives them shockproof properties.

Advantages and disadvantages of alkaline batteries

Like any other device, alkaline batteries have a number of pros and cons.

The advantages include:

• high energy intensity compared to salt current sources;
• versatility allows them to be used in various devices;
• low risk of deformation or electrolyte leakage;
• low cost;
• wide range of sizes;
• low level of self-discharge;
• long service life and storage.

The disadvantages of the device are:

• high price;
• the need for proper disposal;
• tendency to self-discharge.

Scope of use

In everyday life, we are surrounded by a variety of devices that require a power source to operate. Thus, alkaline batteries can be found in the following devices:

• various watches;
• kitchen scales;
• toys for children;
• various medical devices, for example, blood pressure monitors or thermometers;
• medical technical devices: electric wheelchairs, various sensors, hearing aids;
• portable music speakers, radios;
• car alarm remotes.

Since each device has a number of unique characteristics, they require batteries with the appropriate level of energy capacity. Therefore, when choosing a battery, you should pay attention to this characteristic. Several recommendations will help you choose a truly high-quality power source:

1. Pay attention to the expiration date of the device, as well as the manufacturer.
2. You should not buy batteries for future use, as they are prone to self-discharge.
3. Buy products from famous brands.
4. Never throw devices that have become unusable into the trash - hand them over to specialized collection points.

Alkaline batteries have become a part of our lives. They are widely used in a wide variety of devices. Despite the long history and simple design, the products have undergone only minor changes, without losing their popularity.