1. Salt cells (Zn/MnO2)

1.1 General

Batteries with zinc anode, manganese dioxide cathode and salt electrolyte (also known as salt batteries, Leclanché batteries or dry cells) have long accounted for the bulk of industrial production worldwide, powering small stand-alone or portable electrical and electronic equipment. This type of battery has been around for over a hundred years, and is still manufactured in very large quantities today, thanks to its very low cost.

The cathode-active material (positive pole) is made up of a mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon, in proportions that vary according to the battery and its use. A gelling agent is added to ensure good mechanical strength within the electrode.

The electrolytic medium, comprising salts dissolved...