Alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries
Common household batteries used in smaller devices such as remotes, toys and clocks.
What types of batteries exist?
From the alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries we use daily to advanced lithium-ion technology in electric vehicles: the world of batteries is surprisingly diverse. Discover the different types of batteries, their chemical processes, pros and cons, and why recycling them is crucial for our future.
Types of batteries
Batteries can be categorized in various ways, for example, as disposable or rechargeable.
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Disposable batteries
Disposable batteries are also called single-use or primary batteries. You can only use them once. When a disposable battery is depleted, it cannot be recharged, and you must bring it to a collection point. We mainly use disposable batteries for electronic devices that consume little power such as your TV remote, wall clocks, and calculators. These batteries lose their capacity (self-discharge) a bit slower than rechargeable batteries. We therefore also use them in devices like smoke alarms and flashlights.
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Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are found in laptops, mobile phones, cameras, tablets, etc. Whenever they run out, we can simply recharge them. Did you know that you can extend the lifespan of your batteries by charging them in the right way? A rechargeable battery can be charged up to 1000 times and thus turns out to be more cost-effective for certain applications.
Available battery formats
The AA battery
The most well-known battery is the AA battery (also sometimes called a penlite or mignon battery). It is the typical cylindrical battery found in toys, remote controls, computer mice, bicycle lights, flash units, and compact cameras.
The AAA battery
The smaller sibling of the AA is the AAA battery or the triple A battery. This pencil battery or micro battery is used for the same applications as the larger variant.
The AAAA battery
Finally, in the A series, you have the very fine AAAA battery. This is suitable for very thin applications such as flexible flashlights and for a stylus pen to write on a tablet.
The button cell
We'll stay in the 'mini-department' of the battery world. The flat button cell has a slim design, with the poles very close to each other. This battery is ideal for devices such as kitchen scales and alarm clocks.
The 9 Volt battery
The more block-shaped 9 Volt battery is recognizable by its protruding poles. It can be used in devices like smoke detectors, older remote controls, and wireless microphones.
The battery pack
A battery pack comes in two versions, the 'bare' and 'dressed' version. This type of battery is mostly used in industrial settings.
The traction battery
A traction battery is used for electric vehicles and vessels. You can find this type of battery in forklifts, pallet jacks, and sweepers.
This was just a selection from the range of batteries based on their size. But as you might guess, the full list is even longer.
Battery composition
A battery must have specific compositions to be able to deliver energy. Here are the most common types of battery compositions:
