An alkaline battery receives energy from manganese dioxide and zinc metal reactions. These types of batteries have a longer shelf life as well as higher energy density. They produce the same voltage as zinc-carbon batteries and other zinc-chloride batteries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Alkaline Batteries

Here are the pros and cons of using alkaline batteries.

Pros

  • They have a longer shelf life than other types of batteries because of their high energy density.
  • There are some alkaline batteries that you can recharge and use over 100 times.
  • Alkaline batteries have a higher resistance to colder temperatures in comparison to other types of batteries.
  • Alkaline batteries retain up to 90 percent of their energy even after being stored for over two years.
  • You can carry them on a plane.
  • They don’t cost as much as lithium batteries and other types of batteries.

Cons

  • They are heavier and bulkier than what you get with a lithium battery.
  • If you use a faulty battery charger, the battery might explode.
  • With time alkaline batteries can leak, and the corrosive liquid may damage the device.
  • The chemicals from an alkaline battery are toxic.
  • The internal resistance is high, but it reduces the output.

Alkaline batteries are a popular choice with smart devices and with devices that it might be inconvenient to try to replace the batteries regularly.

Which Batteries Are Alkaline?

The alkaline batteries come in various sizes ranging from 9V to D, C, AAA, AA, and others. AAA and AA are best for low-drain applications like toys. The C, D, and 9V alkaline batteries are for high-drain applications like laptops. Other alkaline batteries include coin cells, AAAA, and micro alkaline button cells.

The most commonly used battery cell size is the AA alkaline battery, though AAA is a close second. There is a steady demand for C and D batteries, as they get used for specific devices. The more specialized alkaline batteries like coin cells and button cells get used in medical and industrial settings.

There is a constant demand for all of these types of batteries because they fuel essential items. Even though the C, D, and 9V batteries are less common, professionals use them in specialized equipment.

Can You Mix an Alkaline Battery With a Lithium Battery?

You cannot improve the way a device performs by mixing alkaline batteries with lithium batteries. It will make the performance weaker and can cause damage to the device. It may also cause the battery to rupture or leak. You also shouldn’t mix various battery brands within the same device.

Proper Battery Disposal

An alkaline battery is disposable, and you must replace it after it has fully discharged. Typically, an alkaline battery can fuel a device for 2 to 4 months, except for some low-drain applications. After this point, you have to replace the batteries.

When disposing of alkaline batteries, many people throw them in the garbage. This results in them being discarded improperly in landfills, where the toxic substances contained within can break down and eventually enter the environment through our soil, water, and even the air.

That’s why it’s important for both individual consumers and organizations alike to get help from a licensed electronics disposal company like Newtech Recycling. Together we can help make the world a cleaner, healthier, and altogether better place.

Related Terms: Electronic Recycling, TERRA, ITAD

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