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How does a zinc chloride battery differ from a zinc-carbon battery?
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Cutaway view of an alkaline–manganese dioxide power cell.
The zinc chloride battery is a modern adaptation of the traditional zinc-carbon battery, also known as the Leclanché cell. While both are primary batteries that provide an initial voltage of 1.55 to 1.7 volts, they differ in composition and performance:1
- Electrolyte Composition: The zinc-carbon battery uses an electrolyte consisting of a saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride with roughly 20 percent zinc chloride. In contrast, the zinc chloride battery utilizes plastic seals that allow it to largely dispense with ammonium chloride.1
- Cathode Materials: Zinc chloride batteries typically use a blend of high-purity synthetic manganese dioxide, whereas zinc-carbon batteries use impure manganese dioxide.1
- Performance and Safety: The zinc chloride battery offers greater continuous service, particularly in motorized devices like toys. Furthermore, it is considered more environmentally friendly because it can perform satisfactorily without the use of toxic mercury and cadmium in the zinc alloy, which are often found in traditional zinc-carbon cells.1
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