Zinc-air batteries are metal-air electric storage devices that work through the oxidation of zinc. They are inexpensive and have a large capacity, but most are not rechargeable. They have a high longevity when sealed, but discharge quickly once exposed to oxygen. They have three times the capacity of alkaline batteries and are used in remote areas. However, they have a high internal resistance and are not suitable for high-current items. They are also susceptible to moisture damage and should be disposed of properly.
A zinc-air battery is a type of metal-air electric storage and discharge device that works through the oxidation of zinc. Inexpensive to produce and having a relatively large capacity, they are used in applications ranging from in-ear hearing aids to electric enclosures. Most zinc oxide batteries are not rechargeable. New advances, however, have made rechargeable fuel cell-type designs possible in the 21st century.
The electrical properties of zinc were discovered in the early 20th century by scientists who built on 20th century techniques of producing a reaction by exposing various elements to oxygen. As with any battery, there are two ends. The positive end is known as the cathode and the negative end is called the anode. In the case of a zinc-air battery, the cathode is atmospheric oxygen and the negative is the zinc supply. Refillable designs often work by simply having a zinc anode cartridge that can be replaced with a new one.
Like all metal-air designs, a zinc-air battery starts working as soon as the cathode is introduced into the anode. In many cases, such as hearing aid batteries, the zinc is sealed with a tab. Prior to initial use, this tab is pulled and within five seconds the battery is fully charged.
One of the main advantages of zinc-air batteries is their longevity when sealed. A zinc-air battery with a tab can stay in place for up to three years and still hold nearly 100 percent of its overall capacity. Larger models with more effective seals can last indefinitely. After being exposed to oxygen for the first time, zinc air batteries discharge relatively quickly and must be used immediately.
A zinc-air battery can have up to three times the capacity of a similarly sized alkaline and this high capacity has made them ideal for use in remote areas. They were initially adapted to power items such as ocean buoys and railway signals. They were later applied to smaller applications such as watch batteries, which have similar long-term, low-current power demands.
The main disadvantage of zinc-air batteries is related to their naturally high internal resistance. This means that while there is high capacitance relative to the size, the ability to generate high current is small. A zinc-air battery that supplies a high current would need to be much larger than a similar alkaline battery, so they are not suitable for items such as consumer electronics. Zinc-air batteries are also more susceptible to moisture damage than other battery types and should be stored in sealed compartments for optimal performance.
In most cases, a small to medium-sized zinc-air battery can be disposed of normally with other waste. Larger ones or refillable models may constitute a hazardous substance in some jurisdictions. Consequently, they must be taken to a designated recycling or disposal facility.
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