How Do Energizer Batteries Work?

Battery Basics

All types of batteries work by creating electric current through the movement of charged particles between two electrodes, the cathode/positive terminal and anode/negative terminal. These two electrodes create an electrochemical reaction through an intermediary substance called an electrolyte. The real differences between battery designs are in the specific electrochemistry used in a battery design, namely what the cathode, anode and the electrolyte medium are made of.

Zinc Manganese Batteries

The most common Energizer batteries are the non-rechargeable alkalines, such as the AAs, AAAs, Cs, Ds and 9 volts. These are based on zinc-manganese electrochemistry. The anode is made of zinc powder, and the cathode is made of manganese dioxide. The electrolyte is made of potassium hydroxide.

Nickel Hydride Batteries

Energizer's rechargeable batteries are an improvement on the nickel cadmium battery. They substitute a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for cadmium in the anode, but the cathode is still nickel oxyhydroxide. The electrolyte remains potassium hydroxide as well.

Lithium Ion Batteries

Energizer also has a line of lithium ion batteries. These batteries use graphite for the anode, and the cathode is made from a lithium oxide. The electrolyte is composed of solid lithium salts mixed in an organic solvent.

Resources

• Energizer Batteries
• Battery University