2. Alkaline batteries (Zn/MnO2)

2.1 General

In parallel with the use of saline batteries, research to improve self-sufficient power supply systems led to the development of alkaline batteries, whose basic chemistry is much the same. Unlike saline batteries, alkaline batteries use a highly concentrated potassium-based electrolyte, which modifies the electrochemical reactions taking place at each electrode to enhance the battery's performance. Like saline batteries, alkaline batteries have a zinc anode and a manganese dioxide cathode; they were developed in the late 1950s and marketed in the early 1960s. Their electrical characteristics are better than those of saline batteries when used in equipment requiring more power. With the development of a wide range of motor-driven equipment over the last few decades, these...