zinc-manganese dioxide cell

Zinc-manganese dioxide batteries are the most common type of battery used globally for everyday devices like flashlights, toys, and radios. These batteries offer an initial voltage of about 1.55 to 1.7 volts, which decreases as they are used.1

There are three main variations:
* Zinc-carbon battery: Also known as the Leclanché cell, this is a traditional, inexpensive dry cell invented in 1866. It uses a zinc alloy anode and a cathode made of manganese dioxide mixed with carbon black and electrolyte.1
* Zinc chloride battery: A modern adaptation of the zinc-carbon battery, it uses plastic seals and a purer manganese dioxide cathode. It offers better continuous service than the zinc-carbon type and avoids toxic mercury and cadmium.1
* Alkaline battery: This type provides the highest power density. It features a manganese dioxide-graphite cathode and a powdered zinc alloy anode with a potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Alkaline batteries offer significantly higher capacity and are the most popular household battery.1

While zinc-mercuric oxide batteries have a higher energy density, their mercury content has led to their use primarily as reference cells.2