What are Alkaline Batteries?
Alkaline batteries supply many electronic devices with power. Since the invention of the alkaline battery, there have been many further battery developments. Nickel-cadmium (nicad), lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries provide more power than non-rechargeable alkaline batteries, but alkalines are still in wide-spread use.
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Uses
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Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines an alkaline battery as "A long-lived dry cell with an alkaline electrolyte that decreases corrosion of the cell." (See Reference 1) Alkaline batteries come in many sizes to fit many electronic devices--portable compact disk players, boom boxes, remote controls, digital cameras and smoke alarms, for example.
Size
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Alkaline batteries come in several sizes for many devices. The most popular sizes are: AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt. Other alkaline batteries come in "button" sizes--small disks to fit watches, hearing aids, and other small devices. All other things being equal, the larger the battery, the longer it lasts.
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Components
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Key components of alkaline batteries are two electrodes, an electrolyte and a separator. The positive electrode, the anode, is made of zinc powder. The negative electrode, the cathode, is made of manganese dioxide. For improved conductivity, graphite is added to the cathode. The usual electrolyte is potassium hydroxide. The separator can be many materials; its function is to separate the electrodes from the electrolyte.
Cost
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Alkaline battery costs vary depending on the manufacturer. Companies that spend a lot on marketing, like Duracell and Energizer, charge more for their batteries than lesser-known manufacturers. Cost also varies by size; larger batteries (and 9-volt batteries) typically cost more than small ones.
Competition
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Among the major manufacturers of alkaline batteries are Duracell, Energizer and Rayovac. Competition among brands encourages retailers to offer periodic discounts. When batteries go on sale, stock up.
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