Disposable (Primary) Batteries

Disposable primary batteries are replaced once the energy supply is depleted. Their energy is produced when the materials within the battery react and are exhausted. Common chemical chemistries for disposable primary batteries include zinc-carbon, zinc chloride, magnesium, alkaline-manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, zinc / air, and lithium. In the United States, disposable primary batteries carry designations such as AAAA, AAA, N, 1/3 AA, 2/3 AA, AA, 1/2 A, 2/3 A, A, 4/5 Cs, Cs, C, 1/2 D, D. Nonstandard disposable primary battery include prismatic cells, coin or button cells, sachet cells, lantern batteries, and battery packs. 

Zinc-carbon cells and heavy-duty zinc chloride batteries are two types of disposable primary batteries. Zinc-carbon cells, or "Leclanché" cells, were the first widely used household batteries. These disposable primary batteries are rated at 1.5 V per cell and are much lower in cost than alkaline batteries, but also have a lower energy density. Typically, zinc-carbon batteries are available in AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt sizes. Heavy-duty zinc chloride batteries (ZnCl₂) use a powdery mix for the cathode component. The mix is made of manganese dioxide (the active ingredient), carbon black (for electrical conductivity and moisture absorption), and zinc chloride electrolyte (assists the chemical reaction).

Disposable primary batteries with magnesium and alkaline-magnesium dioxide chemistries are also available. Magnesium cells have twice the service life of zinc cells of an equivalent size. Magnesium is also able to retain its capacity during storage because a protective film forms on the surface of the magnesium anode. Alkaline-manganese dioxide disposable primary batteries contain an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. They are rated at 1.5 volts per cell and are available in AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt sizes. These batteries have a good shelf life and are excellent for high drain rate applications in electronics. Alkaline batteries can deliver 50-100% more total energy than conventional carbon zinc batteries of the same size.  

Mercuric oxide primary batteries and silver oxide batteries are specialized types of disposable primary batteries. Mercuric oxide primary batteries (HgO) offer a reliable rate of discharge.  They come in a variety of sizes, have a long shelf life, and are designed for use in medical equipment. Silver oxide cells (Ag₂O) are commonly button cells that power small electronic devices such as watches, calculators, hearing aids, and other specialty devices. These disposable primary batteries are rated at 1.55 V per cell. Advantages include small size, high energy density, and long shelf life.

Zinc / air cell and lithium disposable primary batteries are also used in specialized applications. The zinc / air cell (ZnO₂) is a disposable primary battery is used in consumer products such as watches and hearing aids. In terms of 220 W h/kg, zinc / air batteries store more energy per unit weight than any type of primary battery. Lithium disposable primary batteries come in a variety of chemistries including lithium and sulfur dioxide, lithium and thionyl chloride, lithium and manganese dioxide, lithium and carbon monofluoride, lithium and copper oxide, and lithium and iodine.  Some lithium disposable primary batteries are rechargeable.

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