Household batteries can be divided into saline and alkaline batteries. Until recently, saline batteries were popular and in demand and existed, almost unchanged, in the form in which they began to be used. After the introduction of alkaline batteries on the market in 1960, it was the latter that became most popular.
Salt batteries are older than alkaline batteries
The first battery was invented by the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta in 1800, and it was a saline battery. His discovery was that he combined zinc and silver metal discs and brine-soaked cardboard. Since then, scientists have refined the design and composition of batteries.
In 1820, British scientist John Daniel developed batteries that could use zinc and copper sulfate as an electrolyte. The power of such devices was 1.1 volts, and they could last for 100 years when used in doorbells, telephones and other appliances.
Alkaline batteries were first developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by scientists Thomas Edison and Voldemar Jungner. They were presented to the general public only in 1960. The first alkaline batteries sold contained small amounts of mercury. In modern ones, its amount is reduced to a minimum.
How do batteries work?
To understand the difference between alkaline and saline batteries, you should refer to the general principle of operation of these devices. When the device is connected to the battery, a reaction occurs, as a result of which electrical energy is generated. This reaction is called electrochemical.
Electrons move inside the battery, creating an electric current, from which the devices are powered. The anode and cathode are separated by an electrolyte, that is, an insulator. The electrons collect around the anode, the negative end of the battery. They move to the cathode when two opposite ends of the battery are connected by a wire from the outside. As soon as the device is turned off, the connection disappears, and with it the electric current. The anode in the batteries is zinc and the cathode is magnesium dioxide.
The difference in the performance of salt and alkaline batteries
The most common salt type batteries are zinc. In a zinc salt battery, the electrolyte consists of a salt - zinc chloride.
In general, alkaline batteries are 5-7 times more efficient than salt batteries.
Unlike salt batteries, alkaline batteries use an alkali solution (potassium oxide hydrate) instead of a salt solution as an electrolyte. Alkaline batteries are more efficient than saline batteries. The secret is that instead of a zinc case, they use a powder of the same metal, and the alkali, interacting with the cathode and anode, produces more energy. Duracell is a prime example of an alkaline battery.
Zinc-salt batteries operate at temperatures from -20 to + 70 ° C. Their standard sizes are AA and AAA, and can be used in a wide variety of devices, from flashlights to wall clocks. Their shelf life is on average 2 years.
The average battery power is 1.5 volts.
Alkaline (aka alkaline) batteries will last longer. They can be stored for up to 10 years. Thanks to an alkaline electrolyte, they perform better at low temperatures. They are no different in size from salt ones.
Until recently, alkaline batteries could not be recharged, but recently it has become possible. Such batteries can not only be recharged over and over again, but they can hold a charge for many years. This is the great environmental advantage of such batteries.
Alkaline batteries are better suited to the needs of today's market, as their power consumption is constantly increasing.
