Batteries are usually used to function/ run portable electronic devices. There are two types of batteries are Alkaline batteries and Lithium batteries. They are cost-effective and have a quite high charge density. Both the battery types (alkaline batteries and lithium batteries) are effective in powering a number of/ several electronic gadgets.
Alkaline vs Lithium Batteries
The main difference between alkaline and lithium batteries is that the former has the capability/ potential of providing a high amount of energy for a long time or period while on the other hand the latter loses its strength as time passes and hence can’t provide energy for a long duration.
Alkaline batteries are high-energy-yielding primary batteries. It is prepared by the reaction between manganese dioxide and zinc metal. Even though they have a high energy-yielding capacity, these batteries provide equal amounts of voltage as a zinc chloride battery or a zinc-carbon battery. These batteries also provide a decent charge density.
Lithium batteries are primary batteries that contain lithium as the anode and hence are referred to as lithium metal batteries. They provide a high charge density and transmit a voltage between the range of 1.5 V to 3.7 V. The main battery setup consists of an anode (lithium), a cathode (manganese dioxide), and an electrolyte (salt of lithium).
Comparison Table Between Alkaline and Lithium Batteries
| Parameters Of Comparison | Alkaline Batteries | Lithium Batteries |
| Significance | Alkaline batteries are primary, energy-yielding batteries that have a quite high shelf life. | Lithium batteries are high charge density primary batteries that have a moderate shelf life. |
| Voltage Range | Alkaline batteries serve a voltage power ranging between 1.55 V to 1.65 V. | Lithium batteries serve a voltage power ranging from 3.0 V to 4.2 V. |
| Shelf Life | These batteries have a shelf life ranging from 5 to 10 years. | These batteries have a shelf life ranging from 3 to 6 years. |
| Devices Used In | Alkaline batteries are used in gadgets like CD players, toys, radios, etc. | Lithium batteries are used in electronic devices like thermometers, calculators, hearing aids, etc. |
| Also Called | “AA batteries” is another way to refer to alkaline batteries | “Lithium metal batteries” is another name for lithium batteries. |
What are Alkaline Batteries?
Alkaline batteries are primary, high-energy-yielding, and high-charge density batteries. They have a quite long shelf life. The shelf life of alkaline batteries ranges from five to ten years.
Alkaline batteries run on a high energy density. The energy these batteries provide is way higher than zinc carbon batteries and zinc chloride batteries. Alkaline batteries or AA batteries also have a high charge density.
AA batteries compose of manganese and zinc dioxides as electrodes. The electrolyte used in this case is alkaline and is either sodium or potassium hydroxide. These batteries an excellent and very good leakage resistance.
Alkaline batteries have a shelf life of five to ten years. This is the shelf life of an alkaline battery when it’s kept at room temperature. Room temperature in general ranges between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. They are very unlike other cylinder-shaped lithium batteries.
Alkaline batteries are quite cheap, easily affordable, and available. The latter has a quite heavy body which makes it inconvenient to be used in a few electronic devices. The voltage provided in this case is between 1.55 V to 1.65 V.
Alkaline batteries are used in the following electronic gadgets:
- CD players
- MP 3 players
- Radio
- Flashlight
- Toys
- Digital cameras
What are Lithium Batteries?
Lithium batteries are also called lithium metal batteries. The reason behind the name is that the anode used in a lithium battery is lithium metal. They have a very high charge density and a quite high cost per unit. This property of lithium batteries separates them from other battery types.
Their voltage contribution ranges between 1.5 V to 3.7 V. The batteries are light weighted and hence are an easy tool to be used in electronic devices. In this case, lithium acts as the anode, manganese dioxide acts as the cathode, and salt of lithium mixed in a solvent (organic) serves as the electrolyte.
Lithium batteries are used in a number of portable electronic gadgets like:
- Vaping gadgets
- Electronic kinds of toothpaste
- Hoverboards
- E-bikes
- Scooters
- Laptop
Lithium batteries have a shelf life ranging between three to six years. They are light weighted and easy to use. These batteries also have a heavy cost price.
Lithium metal batteries function in extreme climate conditions. They can operate in extreme cold conditions without any problem. These batteries can also work in extreme hot climatic conditions without any hassle. This property of lithium metal batteries to work in extreme environmental conditions makes them perfect to be used outdoors.
Main Differences Between Alkaline and Lithium Batteries
- Alkaline batteries are also called AA batteries while on the other hand lithium batteries are also called lithium metal batteries.
- Alkaline batteries operate/ function up to 5 to 10 whereas lithium batteries function up to 3 to 6 years.
- Alkaline batteries generate energy for a long duration while on the other hand lithium batteries generate energy for a short period of time.
- Alkaline batteries are sold at cheap rates or prices whereas lithium batteries are sold at quite heavy charges.
- Alkaline batteries have a heavyweight while on the other hand lithium batteries are light weighted.
Conclusion
Alkaline batteries and lithium batteries are the most widely used batteries. They are used to generate power in a number of electronic gadgets. These batteries are primary and have a quite high charge density.
Alkaline batteries are used in portable electronic devices like toys, flashlights, and radios. They have a moderate voltage range. These batteries also have a very long shelf life.
Lithium batteries are used in a number of gadgets like MP3 players, thermometers, hearing aid, and calculators. They provide a high voltage range and have a short life period in comparison to an alkaline battery. These types of batteries are also a little dangerous as they produce a lot of heat.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X05001212
- https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=BW5MAAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR15&dq=info:BTpveTRmAfQJ:scholar.google.com/&ots=UDkxx-JNSO&sig=-tb7yzxcKrcUscM8OEvnNhbxk7o&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false