The materials inside rechargeable batteries do not contain alkaline substances. Moreover, rechargeable batteries are not alkaline batteries. They are two completely different types of batteries from alkaline batteries. They are different in terms of use, raw materials, working principles, etc., and the two cannot be equated.
Rechargeable batteries are secondary batteries, also called storage batteries. At present, the mainstream rechargeable batteries are mainly nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc. The chemical reactions inside these batteries are reversible, thus realizing the process of charging and discharging. They can convert external electrical energy into chemical energy for storage, and can also convert chemical energy into electrical energy for release.
Alkaline batteries have been used as disposable batteries since their design. They are called alkaline batteries because the electrolyte of this type of battery uses alkaline substances, such as potassium hydroxide solution.
Alkaline batteries cannot be recharged. The main reason is that their working principle (internal chemical reaction) is determined. The chemical reaction inside them is irreversible. When the electrical energy is released, the battery life is exhausted.
It is worth mentioning that there is also a saying that some special alkaline batteries can be recharged.
So what are these “special alkaline batteries” like?
Many years ago, I did see some people using chargers to charge alkaline batteries, but there are great risks in forcing alkaline batteries to charge. For example, it may cause the battery to overheat, explode, or leak. In addition, doing so will also reduce the battery’s capacity and life.
Even now, with all kinds of batteries emerging one after another and battery technology developing rapidly, such as rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium batteries, there is still a voice discussing rechargeable alkaline batteries. If this alkaline battery can achieve the rechargeable function, it should be that the internal materials have been adjusted, and a specific charger is also required when charging.
But this alkaline battery is not mainstream. Since there are already a large number of safe, reliable, high-quality, mature, and low-cost rechargeable batteries available on the market, there is no need to charge alkaline batteries.
At present, alkaline batteries produced by various manufacturers will warn in the instructions that the battery cannot be charged, otherwise there may be safety hazards. The author suggests that when consumers purchase and use alkaline batteries, as long as they follow the instructions, they can avoid unnecessary risks.
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.
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