Why do alkaline batteries lose their capacity after 50 times of recharging?

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In summary, alkaline batteries can be recharged but they lose their capacity after 50 times of recharging due to corrosion causing unwanted reactions on the surface of the battery. With a charger, some of the lost ions can be recovered, but not all of them. This is why alkaline batteries can only be recharged about 100 times. On the other hand, lithium batteries have a lower voltage and are less reactive, allowing them to last longer. The difference lies in the rates of unwanted side reactions and the amount of metal reserves in the battery. The lost ions in alkaline batteries are usually from reactions with air on the outside surface, rather than inside the battery itself.
  • #1
Physicsissuef
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I read a lot of articles where says that alkaline batteries can be recharged, but it also says that they lose their capacity after 50 times of recharging? What makes them lose their capacity after 50 times of recharging?

Here are some articles:
http://www.afrotechmods.com/reallycheap/batteries/batts.htm"
http://www.allaboutbatteries.com/Alkaline-charging.html"
 
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  • #2
Corrosion causing unwanted reactions. A standard reduction potential difference exists that results in voltage from the electron flow from anode to cathode. However, this electron flow is not limited to simply anode/cathode as a species such as H20 can also react and you can have undesired side reactions happening on the surface of the battery.
 
  • #3
Jax said:
Corrosion causing unwanted reactions. A standard reduction potential difference exists that results in voltage from the electron flow from anode to cathode. However, this electron flow is not limited to simply anode/cathode as a species such as H20 can also react and you can have undesired side reactions happening on the surface of the battery.
but with the charger I get back the ions that have corroded so the battery is working same like on the start.
 
  • #4
Physicsissuef said:
but with the charger I get back the ions that have corroded so the battery is working same like on the start.

If this were the case then you could keep using the same battery and you would never have to buy another rechargeable battery. Some of your ions are lost, not on the inside of the battery, but on the outside surface. They can form various precipitates with other reactants that didn't come originally from the battery (such as from the air).
 
  • #5
Jax said:
If this were the case then you could keep using the same battery and you would never have to buy another rechargeable battery. Some of your ions are lost, not on the inside of the battery, but on the outside surface. They can form various precipitates with other reactants that didn't come originally from the battery (such as from the air).
But why alkaline battery can be charged for about hundred times, and lithium battery 2 years? What is the difference?
 
  • #6
Physicsissuef said:
But why alkaline battery can be charged for about hundred times, and lithium battery 2 years? What is the difference?

Lower voltage batteries tend to last longer. Voltage means Joule/Coloumb, how badly electrons want to flow; higher voltage means more reactive (and we harness the spontaneity of the reactions). A car battery is much higher voltage but when the car's on the alternator also forces it to run in reverse to recharge it every time.

It's all about rates, how fast does an unwanted side reaction occur and how much do we have in metal reserves before there's no more electron flow.
 
  • #7
Jax said:
If this were the case then you could keep using the same battery and you would never have to buy another rechargeable battery. Some of your ions are lost, not on the inside of the battery, but on the outside surface. They can form various precipitates with other reactants that didn't come originally from the battery (such as from the air).
You mean that some of the reactants reacted with air, and they are lost on the outside surface of the battery, not in the battery?
 

What is an alkaline battery?

An alkaline battery is a type of disposable battery that uses zinc and manganese dioxide as its primary components, with an alkaline electrolyte solution. It is commonly used in portable electronic devices such as remote controls, toys, and flashlights.

How does an alkaline battery work?

An alkaline battery works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. When the battery is connected to a circuit, the zinc and manganese dioxide react with the alkaline electrolyte solution to produce electrons, creating a flow of electricity.

How long do alkaline batteries last?

The lifespan of an alkaline battery depends on various factors such as the brand, type of device it is used in, and usage patterns. On average, an alkaline battery can last between 2 to 7 years in storage and 48 hours to 10 years in use.

Are alkaline batteries rechargeable?

No, alkaline batteries are not rechargeable. Attempting to recharge them can cause leakage, overheating, and potentially damage the device they are used in.

Why do alkaline batteries leak?

Alkaline batteries can leak due to a variety of reasons such as old age, exposure to extreme temperatures, mixing different types of batteries, or leaving them in a device for too long after they have died. Leakage can also occur if the battery is damaged or punctured.

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