Carbon zinc and alkaline are two types of batteries that we mostly use. Alkaline batteries have zinc in their composition. So, many of us get confused about their uses and differences. However, knowing the difference is important as they determine where and when you should use them.
Both alkaline and carbon zinc batteries are dry cell batteries, but the former uses potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte, and the latter uses Zinc or Manganese Dioxide. Again, the alkaline batteries have come after the zinc ones.
There are more differences in their usages. In this article, I will provide detailed carbon-zinc vs alkaline battery comparison to clear your all confusion out.
What Is A Carbon-Zinc Battery?
A Carbon Zinc Battery is a dry cell primary battery that supplies direct electric power from the electrochemical reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide.
It can produce up to 1.5 voltages, having a zinc anode that is considered a container of the battery.
The Carbon rod is being used as the Cathode that collects current from the manganese dioxide electrode.
Random Carbon Zinc batteries are named for this reason.
For random uses, the battery contains an aqueous paste of Ammonium Chloride possibly mixed with some Zinc solutions.
However, these batteries may have a short shelf life, and they are not rechargeable. In an unwanted environment, battery life reduces.
Where Do We Use Carbon-Zinc Battery?
Carbon zinc batteries were the first commercial dry batteries. That’s why they were very popular at the time.
Although better technologies have come with time, these batteries are still getting used in low-drain or intermittent devices such as a torch, remote control, radio, etc.
What Is An Alkaline Battery?
Alkaline Battery is also a dry cell that provides current from electrochemical reactions. It has the same structure as a carbon-zinc battery.
However, it has more shelf life and power density because of having alkaline electrolytes in it. It uses potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte instead of Zinc or Manganese Dioxide.
Though it produces the same voltages, alkaline batteries are preferable. It is reusable too. As these batteries have come after the zinc ones, the safety process and other features are also improved in this battery.
Where Do We Use Alkaline Battery?
An alkaline battery is a good choice to use in a remote or flashlight or CD player or MP3 Player or CCTV.
Alkaline batteries have a better density of energy. These are the most used battery nowadays. 80% of the batteries used in the United States are alkaline batteries. They can provide high energy for a longer time to the high drain devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, etc.
Carbon Zinc Vs Alkaline Battery: A Detailed Comparison
Let’s take a look at the key comparisons between these two batteries before going to a detailed one.
| Features | Carbon-Zinc | Alkaline |
|       Electrolyte          | Acidic | Basic |
| Capacity | Lower | 4-5 times higher. |
| Shelf Life | 1-3 years | 7 years |
| Leakage | Prone to Leakage | Developed with Anti-prone technology |
Construction
Firstly, there is a major difference between these two types of batteries in terms of construction.
The metal body of a zinc battery is made out of zinc, and it is the anode of the battery. But in alkaline batteries, the metal body serves only as a case to house the internal components.
The zinc anode of alkaline batteries is kept in powder form within the body.
Another difference is the type of electrolyte. Zinc batteries use acidic electrolytes, but alkaline batteries use KOH as an electrolyte which is a base.
Expense
Alkaline batteries are more expensive than any zinc battery.
In fact, they cost 1.5-2.0 times more than carbon-zinc batteries. That’s some users find it inaccessible. However, the price has been reducing for the last 20 years as the production has increased.
Capacity
Capacity is the amount of energy that a battery can store. The capacity of an alkaline battery is 4-5 times higher than that of a carbon-zinc battery.
That’s why they can provide more energy and are used in appliances that consume high energy. They lose 5% capacity each year.
Durability
The carbon-zinc battery has a zinc body. The drawback of this is the fact that zinc eventually degrades over time.
As a result, carbon-zinc batteries have a shorter shelf life. They last for 1 to 3 years.
On the other side, alkaline batteries last for almost 7 years. Moreover, unlike zinc batteries, alkaline batteries are not prone to leaks. So, it will be in good condition for a longer period.
Environmental Impact
Zinc carbon batteries contain heavy metal cadmium, which is harmful to the environment. They also cause environmental degradation by leaking harmful substances into the ground.
But alkaline batteries are more eco-friendly. They have the least amount of toxic substances in their composition. They contain a very small amount of mercury which is 0.025%, and not any other harmful content.
Moreover, alkaline batteries are made with developed anti-leakage technologies. So they generally don’t leak. That’s why they are safer and more reliable. Alkaline batteries have become popular for being eco-friendly.
Which One to Choose- Carbon Zinc Or Alkaline Battery?
Although the discussion may make you biased towards the alkaline battery, they may not be the better suit for you in every case. Choosing the right battery type depends on its appliances.
Who Should Use Carbon Zinc Battery?
Carbon Zinc batteries have more resistance. They are suitable for appliances that use little energy. You should use them in remote control, radio, clock, smoke detector, etc.
Also, if you need to run a device for only an occasion, you can go with them. It will allow you to use these appliances for a longer time with less money.
Some Recommended Carbon Zinc Batteries :
These AA batteries are heavy duty and come with 1.5v. You can use them in torch, remote control, radio, etc.
This budget-friendly pack of AA batteries is a great choice for clock, thermostat, camera and more. It will serve you for 3 to 4 years.
Who Should Use Alkaline Battery?
As described above, an alkaline battery has a much higher capacity than a zinc battery. That’s why they are great for long-term use and for appliances that need high power. You can use them with a CD player, electric brush, electric toy, etc.
Some recommended alkaline batteries :
These Duracell alkaline batteries are long-lasting and come with 10-year guarantee in storage. You can use them in toys, calculators, flashlights, clocks, portable electronics, keyboards and many more.
This 20-pack, 1.5 volt AA alkaline batteries are suitable for reliable performance like game controllers, flashlights, toys, clocks, digital cameras, and more.
Conclusion
Did you go through the ultimate carbon-zinc vs alkaline battery battle?
So far, you must have understood the core difference between these two batteries. Alkaline batteries are much more reliable, safer, and effective in terms of use.
However, carbon-zinc batteries also have a fair market share because of the low cost and effectiveness in low-energy devices. So, determine what your purpose is and then choose the best one for you!
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