Can I charge alkaline batteries? What is the difference between salt and alkaline batteries

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

The principle of the action of the Volta Post

As it turned out, Galvani conducted his experiments with electrodes from different metals. This led Volta to the idea that, in the presence of an electrolyte conductor, a chemical reaction can occur between different materials, causing a potential difference.

He created his device on the basis of this principle. It was a pile of copper, zinc and acid-clad slabs connected together. Due to a chemical reaction, an electric charge was applied to the anode and the cathode . In those years, it seemed that Volta invented the perpetual motion machine. In fact, it turned out a little wrong.

Battery installation

Today, the same principle is used in batteries: two reagents connected by an electrolyte. As it turned out later, the amount of energy that can be obtained due to the reaction is finite, and the process itself is irreversible.

In a classical salt battery, the active substances are placed in such a way that they do not mix. The contact between them is made only by the electrolyte, which gets to them through a small hole. Also in the batteries there are current collectors that transmit it directly to the device.

Nowadays, most often, they buy salt or alkaline batteries. The principle of operation is the same, but different chemical composition, capacity and physical conditions of service.

Feature of alkaline batteries

The Duracell batteries have become a turning point in the world of autonomous power supplies. In the middle of the last century, the developers of this company discovered that instead of the acid in the electrochemical cells, alkali can be used. Such batteries have a large in comparison with the salt capacity and resistance to extreme operating conditions.

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

In the Soviet Union, the batteries were charged ...

Many folk craftsmen in Soviet times were charging the old batteries. So they thought. Actually the device of a battery does not allow to turn chemical processes back, as it happens with accumulators.

In the old galvanic cells, salts were used that could become stuck in lumps or create a crust of sediment on the current collectors. Passing current through the battery made it possible to eliminate these awkward moments and cause more reagents to react. Unfortunately, in most cases about 30% of the substance remained unused. Thus, what the craftsmen called battery charging, in fact it was just a little shake-up.

Modern galvanic cells do not leave more than 10% of the substance unoccupied. The more expensive the reagents, the greater their capacity at the same size. Batteries on silver work every 7-10 longer, but they are also not at all cheap. In ordinary household conditions is quite enough simple salt batteries. They are not so expensive to risk health, trying to come up with a way to charge them.

Modern batteries and the danger of recharging them

In the industry, many companies 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 it is possible to charge alkaline batteries is quite irrelevant. For example, they have a caustic alkali in their composition. In a confined space, during the return flow of the charger, the battery may boil and explode.

Even if your battery has experienced one charge cycle, its capacity will not increase significantly. Batteries Duracell and other galvanic cells are likely to quickly lose their charge again. In addition, they can leak electrolyte, which will significantly damage the device in which they are. It turns out that instead of imaginary saving there is a risk of serious damage. Consequently, it makes no sense to speculate about whether it is possible to charge alkaline batteries.

How to extend battery life?

Normal salt batteries do not work well in conditions of heat and frost. Therefore, it makes no sense to use them in this weather. This is due to the fact that the electrolyte has the property of freezing or passing into a gaseous state, which significantly reduces its conductivity.

The battery will work for a while if it is slightly wrinkled with pliers. Only you need to be careful not to damage the case, otherwise the electrolyte will flow and spoil the device.

Reagents tend to stray into clots. This does not allow them to react. To help the process, tap the battery against a hard surface. Another 5-7 percent of its power you will get shaken out.

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

It is impossible to mix different types of electrochemical cells. From this they essentially lose their charge. Also this will happen if you add fresh batteries to the batteries.

Galvanic cells do not work well in the cold and quickly lose their charge. Wrap them in your hands before installation. This will restore them to their previous capacity.

Now you know that the question is whether it is possible to charge alkaline batteries, the answer is negative. But you can significantly extend their lives, observing the rules of operation. Regarding this type of battery, there is another trick: use two sets of elements. When one starts to lose its charge, replace it with another one and let it rest.