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Alkaline Battery




Alkaline batteries are a type of power cell dependent upon the reaction between zinc and Manganese Dioxide (Zn/ Mn O 2). Compared with traditional Carbon / Zinc Batteries , while both produce approximately 1.5 Volts per cell, alkaline batteries have a higher energy density and longer shelf-life. Compared with Silver -oxide Batteries , which alkalines commonly compete against in Button Cell s, they have lower energy density and shorter lifetimes.

A cell consists of a steel can, Nickel -plated at both ends, the negative, flat terminal being electrically isolated with a nylon seal. Inside the can is the manganese dioxide Cathode , a separator membrane, the powdered zinc anode in a Potassium Hydroxide water Electrolyte . Finally, at the axis is a Brass pin electrically connected to the negative terminal.

The two-half reactions that yield the power are:
: Zn (s) + 2OH^- (aq) ightarrow Zn(OH)_2 (s) + 2e^-
: 2MnO_2 (s) + H_2O (l) + 2e^- ightarrow Mn_2O_3 (s) + 2OH^- (aq)
The overall redox-reaction can be written:
: Zn (s) + 2MnO_2 (s) + H_2O (l) ightarrow Zn(OH)_2 (s) + Mn_2O_3 (s)

Around the 1990s, the addition of Mercury in alkaline batteries was stopped.

The long-lasting alkaline battery was invented in 1959 by Eveready Battery engineer Lewis Urry .

Rayovac produced a Rechargeable alkaline battery, which they called Renewal. There is also a Canadian company that specializes in rechargable alkalines called Pure Energy . Both of these are based on rechargeable alkaline manganese (RAM) technology developed by Battery Technologies Inc., a Canadian company (now defunct), as are RAM batteries produced by some other manufacturers.

Since some of these engineers are Canadian , it has been believed that Sudbury, Ontario produces nickel for the batteries.


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