Alkaline batteries and carbon zinc batteries are very common types of batteries on the market. They are both non-rechargeable disposable dry batteries, which is their similarity. But there are also many differences between these two types of batteries. Below, I will explain to you the differences between them.
Battery materials
For batteries, the most important parts are the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolyte. Different types of batteries use different materials for the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolyte.
The positive electrode of alkaline batteries uses manganese dioxide, the negative electrode uses zinc powder, and the electrolyte is potassium hydroxide solution.
For carbon zinc batteries, its positive electrode uses manganese dioxide, and the negative electrode uses zinc, but the electrolyte is ammonium chloride or zinc chloride aqueous solution.
Performance
Because the materials used are different, the chemical reactions involved in the battery are different. Therefore, the energy density of alkaline batteries is greater than that of carbon zinc batteries. The storage capacity of alkaline batteries is even five times that of carbon zinc batteries.
Alkaline batteries have a smaller internal resistance. In the environment of high current of instantaneous discharge, alkaline batteries perform better and are more applicable. Therefore, alkaline batteries are more suitable for devices with high current and high power consumption. Carbon zinc batteries are suitable for devices with low current and low power consumption.
Security
Early alkaline batteries contained mercury in their internal materials, a heavy metal that is harmful to the environment. However, with the popularity of mercury-free alkaline batteries, alkaline batteries have gradually become environmentally friendly batteries, and their safety has been greatly improved. Even when alkaline batteries are used up, they can be discarded as ordinary household garbage.
Carbon zinc batteries are not as environmentally friendly as alkaline batteries. Because some carbon zinc batteries contain cadmium, which is not environmentally friendly.
In addition, alkaline batteries use steel shells and are not easy to leak. Carbon zinc batteries use zinc shells or iron shells, which are less leak-proof than alkaline batteries.
However, it should be noted that when using and storing these two batteries, it is recommended to follow the specifications to minimize potential hazards. Of course, there is no need to be too nervous. As long as they are used correctly, there will be no safety problems with these two batteries.
Weight
In this regard, alkaline batteries are heavier than carbon zinc batteries of the same size and type.
Battery life
Alkaline batteries have more stable chemical properties and lower self-discharge rates, so they can be stored for a relatively longer time.
For example, the alkaline batteries commonly found on the market have an actual lifespan of up to four years, while carbon zinc batteries only have a lifespan of two years.
However, for disposable batteries, their lifespans can meet the needs.
Cost effective
Comparing alkaline batteries and carbon zinc batteries of the same size and model, the former is naturally more expensive than the latter, because alkaline batteries have greater performance advantages. Carbon zinc batteries have better cost-effectiveness.
Application
Alkaline batteries are suitable for electronic devices with large discharge capacity, long discharge time, and higher energy consumption, such as electric toothbrushes, tablet computers, digital cameras, electronic toys, electric shavers, wireless mice, etc.
Carbon zinc batteries are suitable for electronic products with small current and low power consumption, such as radios, quartz clocks, remote controls, etc.
In actual use, many consumers will mix these two types of batteries, or use them without considering whether the electronic device is suitable. This is a bad habit. I suggest that when using batteries, different types of batteries should not be mixed, and they should be used according to the application scenario.
About the Author
Liteway is a professional manufacturer and supplier of alkaline batteries, carbon-zinc batteries, and lithium batteries based in Ningbo, China.
We have more than 20 years of manufacturing and exporting experience in the battery field, providing battery manufacturing and OEM/ODM services to customers all over the world. We are a co-manufacturer for many battery brands and have been unanimously recognized by our partners during the cooperation process.
Alkaline batteries are one of our battery series. If you want to learn about our Alkaline batteries, please click here.
If you would like to learn more about our carbon zinc batteries, please click here.
If you want to cooperate with us and let us manufacture and customize batteries for you, please contact us.
