How Do Alkaline Batteries Differ From A Non-Alkaline One?

1. How Do Alkaline Batteries Differ From A Non-Alkaline One? Dry cell batteries come of many uses to us in our daily lives. But not many people actually know about their classifications. Dry cell non-rechargeable batteries can be classified in many ways: on the basis of application, by letter designations and also by voltage ratings. One can also classify them on a chemical basis by stating if they are alkaline batteries or non-alkaline. Speaking more accurately, one can classify them on the basis of their electrolyte, alkaline batteries having a base electrolyte and a non-alkaline battery having an acid electrolyte. But only the basic difference will not do a world of good. We must learn about how they differ in performance as well and when to use which one. Differences Alkaline dry cell batteries typically have zinc as anode and manganese dioxide as cathode. The electrolyte is obviously non-acidic and it is in the form of a paste. Normally potassium hydroxide (KOH) is used as an electrolyte in this type of batteries. Typically, an alkaline battery is steel can within which manganese dioxide is packed in the outer cathode region while zinc and the electrolyte are filled in the inner anode region. The electrolyte thus acts as a mediator for the reaction to commence between the anode and the cathode. Non-alkaline dry cell batteries have zinc anode and manganese dioxide or carbon rod cathode with an acidic paste acting as electrolyte. Typically, a mixture of ammonium chloride and zinc chloride is used as electrolyte. The construction of a non-alkaline battery is actually the reverse of alkaline batteries. The outer anode is constructed of the zinc container while the carbon rod serves as cathode in the inner region. The acidic electrolyte is mixed with the cathode and mediates the reaction between the anode and the cathode. For more information find us.