Can alkaline batteries be charged? What is the difference between saline and alkaline batteries

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The history of autonomous power sources goes back to the distant Middle Ages, when the biophysicist Galvani discovered an interesting effect in his experiments with the cut off legs of a frog. Later, Alessandro Volta described this phenomenon and, based on it, created the first galvanic battery, today called a battery.

The principle of operation of the Volta column

As it turned out, Galvani did his experiments with electrodes made of different metals. This prompted Volt to think that in the presence of an electrolyte conductor, a chemical reaction can take place between different materials, causing a potential difference.

He created his device based on this principle. It was a pile of copper, zinc, and cloth plates with acid, interconnected. Due to the chemical reaction, an electric charge was supplied to the anode and cathode. In those years it seemed that Volta had invented a perpetual motion machine. In fact, it turned out a little wrong.

Battery device

Today, batteries use the same principle: two reagents connected to each otherelectrolyte. As it turned out later, the amount of energy that can be obtained as a result of the reaction is finite, and the process itself is irreversible.

In a classic s alt battery, the active substances are placed in such a way that they do not mix. Contact between them is carried out only thanks to the electrolyte, which enters them through a small hole. There are also current collectors in the batteries that transfer it directly to the device.

These days, the most commonly bought batteries are saline or alkaline. They have the same principle of operation, but different chemical composition, capacity and physical service conditions.

Feature of alkaline batteries

Duracell batteries have revolutionized the world of autonomous power supplies. In the middle of the last century, the developers of this company discovered that alkali can be used instead of acid in galvanic cells. Such batteries have a large capacity compared to s alt and resistance to extreme operating conditions.

In addition, it would seem that a dead battery after a while can work a little more in the device. In this regard, many people began to have a question: is it possible to charge alkaline batteries? The answer is unequivocal: no.

In the Union, the batteries were charged…

Many craftsmen in Soviet times charged dead batteries. So they thought. In fact, the design of the battery does not allow you to reverse the chemical processes, as is the case with batteries.

The old galvanic cells useds alt, which could clump or form a crust of sediment on current collectors. Running current through the battery made it possible to eliminate these awkward moments and force more reagents to react. Unfortunately, in most cases, about 30% of the substance remained unused. Thus, what the craftsmen called recharging the battery was actually just a small shake-up.

Modern galvanic cells leave no more than 10% of the substance unused. The more expensive the reagents, the greater their capacity for the same size. Batteries on silver last 7-10 times longer, but they are also not at all cheap. In normal household conditions, simple s alt batteries are quite enough. They don't cost so much to put your he alth at risk trying to figure out a way to recharge them.

Modern batteries and the dangers of recharging them

In industry, many firms are engaged in the production of galvanic cells. They are inexpensive and available to everyone at any hardware store or electronics store. Therefore, the question of whether alkaline batteries can be charged is completely irrelevant. For example, they contain caustic alkali. In an enclosed space, the battery may boil and explode during the reverse current flow of the charger.

Even if your battery has survived one charge cycle, its capacity will not increase significantly. Batteries Duracell and othersgalvanic cells are likely to lose their charge again fairly quickly. In addition, they may leak electrolyte, which will significantly damage the device in which they are located. It turns out that instead of imaginary savings, there is a risk of serious damage. Therefore, there is no point in wondering if alkaline batteries can be recharged.

How to extend battery life?

Ordinary saline batteries do not work well in conditions of heat and frost. Therefore, it makes no sense to use them in such weather. This is due to the fact that the electrolyte tends to freeze or go into a gaseous state, which significantly reduces its conductivity.

A dead battery will work for some time if it is slightly wrinkled with pliers. Just be careful not to damage the case, otherwise the electrolyte will leak and ruin the device.

Reagents tend to clump together. This prevents them from reacting. To aid the process, tap the battery on a hard surface. You will be able to shake out another 5-7 percent of its power.

Not everyone knows that the popular AA alkaline battery, like other batteries, can self-discharge. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the date of manufacture. Old batteries have a short life span.

You cannot mix different types of electrochemical cells. Because of this, they significantly lose charge. This will also happen if fresh batteries are added to dead batteries.

Galvanic cells do not work well in cold weather and quickly lose their charge. Warm them up in your hands before installing. This will return them to their original capacity.

Now you know that when asked if alkaline batteries can be charged, the answer is no. But you can significantly extend their life, following the rules of operation. Regarding this particular type of battery, there is another trick: use two sets of elements. When one starts to lose its charge, replace it with another and let it rest.