Characteristics
Primary cell with a nominal open circuit voltage of 1.5 Volts produced in very high volumes.Chemistry based on a zinc anode and a cathode/depolariser of manganese dioxide which absorbs the liberated hydrogen bubbles which would otherwise insulate the electrode from the electrolyte. It uses a carbon rod as the cathode current collector with an electrolyte of ammonium chloride. Its variants have been in use for over a century. The performance of Leclanché cells improved by 700% between 1920 and 1990.
Also referred to as Zinc- Carbon Cells or Dry Cells (not to be confused with Solid State Cells) despite having an aqueous electrolyte since in modern cells the electrolyte of ammonium chloride and zinc chloride is produced in gel form or held in porous separators to reduce potential leakage if the cell becomes punctured.
Variants include
- Zinc carbon (Carbon cathode)
- Zinc chloride (Ammonium chloride electrolyte replaced by zinc chloride)
- Alkaline manganese ( Ammonium chloride electrode replaced by potassium hydroxide)
Advantages
Inexpensive materialsLow cost
Available in a wide range of sizes including AAA, AA, C, D and 9Volt sizes.
Suitable for a wide range of consumer applications
Interchangeable with alkaline batteries
Shortcomings
Propensity to leakThe basic zinc carbon battery has a lower energy density than the competing alkaline batteries
Poor low temperature performance. Do not function well in sub-zero temperatures.
The use of naturally occurring manganese dioxide from different sources can lead to wide performance variations due to the presence of small quantities of impurities such as nickel, copper, arsenic, and cobalt.
Not rechargeable
Applications
General purpose, low cost applicationsToys
Remote controls
Flashlights
Clocks
Consumer applications
Losing market share to alkaline cells and newer technologies
Costs
Lowest cost primary batteries
