What is an Alkaline Battery?
An alkaline battery is a disposable battery featuring manganese dioxide and zinc electrodes. Many types of electronic devices specify the use of alkaline batteries since they offer quick, high-current charging.
As compared to a non-alkaline battery, an alkaline battery delivers slightly more energy and a longer shelf life. Simple yet sophisticated, this type of household battery contains a few main components.
Container. A standardized container construction from steel holds the components of the battery together.
Cathode. This portion of the battery that causes electricity to flow.
Anode. A material made of powered zinc is installed inside the container last.
Separator. This material separates the cathode from the anode and prevents a reaction from occurring unless the device is powered on.
Electorlyte. Plays a role in contacting the anode and helping the battery's ions and electrons to flow.
Collector. This is the brass pin located in the center of the anode that collects currents and sends them to the negative terminal on the bottom of the battery.
Alkaline or Lithium, What's the Difference?
Alkaline Batteries: Reliable Power for Everyday Use
Alkaline batteries are a popular choice for many household devices due to their reliability and affordability. These batteries are particularly well-suited for low to moderate-drain devices such as remote controls, clocks, and flashlights. They offer a steady and long-lasting power supply, ensuring your devices run smoothly without frequent replacements.
Lithium Batteries: the Powerhouse of Performance
Lithium batteries, often referred to as rechargeables, are known for their high energy density and long shelf life. They are ideal for high-drain devices like digital cameras, gaming controllers, and other electronics that require a significant amount of power over a short period. Lithium batteries are also more resilient in extreme temperatures, making them a great choice for outdoor use.
Versatility: Both alkaline and lithium batteries are available I common sizes (like AA, AAA, C, D) and can power similar devices.
Performance Needs: Depending on your device's power requirements and usage patterns, either alkaline or lithium batteries could be the better choice.
Cost: Alkaline batteries are generally more affordable than lithium batteries. If cost is a significant factor, alkaline might be the way to go.
Performance: For high-drain devices, lithium batteries offer superior performance and longevity. They also maintain their charge longer when not in use.
Environment: While both types can be disposed of responsibly, rechargeable lithium batteries can be used multiple times, reducing waste.
Tips to Remember
Store them in a cool, dry place.
Remove them from your electronic devices when not in use for extended periods of time.
Remove them from your electronic devices that are being powered by household AC current.
Keep them separate from metal objects like paper clips or coins that could influence the battery's polarity.
Don't use batteries of different brands or ages together.
Get the Performance You Want From the Brands You Trust
Everyday Value
Batteries Plus Alkaline
Designed with our 30+ years of expertise behind the. Batteries Plus alkaline batteries are premium batteries at the perfect price.
Trusted Brand
Duracell Coppertop
Engineered to deliver dependable power for all your household devices. Guaranteed to last 10 years (5 years for 9V) in storage.
Trusted Brand
Energizer Lithium
Designed to deliver peak performance, even in extreme temperatures. Holds power for 20 years in storage.
Alkaline Alternative
Shop Our Top Commercial Brands
Everyday Value
Batteries Plus Alkaline
Designed to supply premium power for your devices longer at a budget-friendly price point.
Trusted Industrial Brand
Rayovac UltraPro
Engineered for professionals. Guaranteed fresh for 10 years (5 years for 9V) in storage.
Trusted Industrial Brand
Duracell Procell Constant
Designed to deliver durable, long-lasting power professionals expect.
Trusted Industrial Brand
Duracell Procell Intense
Designed to last longer in high-drain professional devices that require a large amount of power or have high power peaks.
Trusted Industrial Brand
Duracell Bulk Coppertop
Duracell Coppertop has been a trusted battery fro businesses for decades. When you need a lot of them, we've got you covered.
Trusted Industrial Brand
Energizer Industrial
Exclusively for Business Customers
Keep going with Energizer Industrial. Energizer Industrial keeps your devices powered with fewer battery changes.
Alkaline Alternative
Energizer Lithium
Designed to deliver peak performance, even in extreme temperatures. Holds power for 20 years in storage.
From the Blog
FAQs
No, alkaline batteries are not rechargeable. We carry a selection of rechargeable batteries for use in portable electronic devices.
Store alkaline batteries in a cooler, dry place and out of direct sunlight. Storing batteries in too hot or too cold environments can cause the batteries to fail prematurely.
All it takes is a cotton swab and some vinegar or lemon juice. Read about the simple process in "How to: Clean Alkaline Battery Acid From Electronics"
Electronics usually require a higher power output. You should look for batteries designed for "high-drain devices", these batteries are designed for these electronic devices and will last longer than standard alkaline batteries.
Alkaline batteries generally have a shelf life of between 5 and 10 years and are great batteries to stock up on. How long will it last in your device? That is hard to say, it greatly varies depending on the device it’s powering.