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Are Alkaline Batteries Rechargeable?

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Most alkaline batteries are marked with a “non-rechargeable” warning. But in fact alkaline batteries are still rechargeable, and can be recharged dozens of times at most.

However, the requirements for charging alkaline batteries are very strict. If you do not master the conditions, it is very easy to cause security problems. Some of the basic conditions are: only a small current can be used for charging, and shallow discharge, frequent charging and so on.

In fact, this method is not practical and not safe. Because the current of most chargers is relatively large, it is easy for the liquid in the battery to flow out, corrode the electrical appliances, and also cause safety hazards.

Therefore, when using alkaline batteries, strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings, and it is best not to charge them. Now I am doing a simple analysis in combination with the structure of alkaline batteries.

1. Alkaline batteries are named after their alkaline electrolyte. Like all dry batteries, the structure of alkaline batteries is mainly composed of positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and electrolyte. The more common alkaline batteries are cylindrical in shape. The specific structure of the battery and its constituent materials are as follows:

Positive electrode: In close contact with the shell is a positive electrode ring made of electrolytic manganese dioxide, graphite and carbon black, the shell is a nickel-plated steel shell with a positive electrode cap, and the steel shell doubles as a positive electrode current collector;

Negative electrode: The paste is made of powdered zinc particles, which is in the middle of the lithium battery, and a brass current collector is inserted into it, and the current collector is connected to the bottom of the negative electrode;

Electrolyte: paste KOH electrolyte, mixed with negative electrode to make paste;

Diaphragm and sealing ring: Inside the battery, the positive and negative electrodes are separated by a diaphragm, and the steel shell is separated from the outside by a nylon or polypropylene sealing ring.​

The structure of alkaline batteries is from outside to inside: sealing ring, steel shell (also used as positive electrode current collector), positive electrode, diaphragm, negative electrode, electrolyte, copper tube (also used as negative electrode current collector), etc. In addition, there is a button-shaped alkaline battery, often called AG battery, which is a type of button battery.

The structure of alkaline batteries made of various shapes is the same. According to this definition: alkaline batteries are primary batteries with zinc as the negative electrode, manganese dioxide as the positive electrode, and potassium hydroxide solution as the electrolyte, referred to as alkaline manganese battery.

2.As a battery with zinc and manganese dioxide as the main raw materials. Alkaline batteries are used as disposable batteries if they are to be recharged. The charging time should not be too long. Continuously charging ordinary batteries for a long time can easily cause overheating and explosion (the electrolyte in the battery flows out).

If you want to charge, it is best to choose a corresponding charger, because this type of charger can ensure that the voltage of the battery is low when charging, thereby reducing the charging speed of the battery, and generally there is an overheating protection device to ensure normal charging.

The number of charging and discharging cycles of ordinary alkaline batteries: about 10 times, provided that the corresponding charger is used.

Limiting the number of repeated use of ordinary alkaline batteries lies in the electrode materials, and the charging time is too long. After the reverse reaction of the original battery material is completed, it is equivalent to the direct electrolysis of KOH (here refers to alkaline batteries), which is actually the electrolysis of water. The phenomenon of battery swelling that we see occurs, and finally the battery ruptures due to the excessive pressure in the battery.

According to the structure of alkaline batteries, the raw materials inside and the reaction principle of converting chemical energy into electrical energy, alkaline batteries are not recommended for charging. For more knowledge about alkaline batteries, please follow my blog and follow our Micropower brand batteries.

Carl Zhang

Carl Zhang

I am a senior sales with 15 years in the battery industry and a bachelor's degree in economics.
I will be sharing some of my expertise on batteries and my insights into the battery industry in my blog, which should help you with your purchases in China.

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