What are the characteristics of a 9V battery?

You may perhaps be interested to know about the 9V battery. Initially, they were used to operate transistor radios. Being of rectangular prism shape, they use snap connectors. The latter is present at the battery’s top part. Diverse versions of the battery are offered in the market. Primary 9V batteries offered are Lithium, Carbon-Zinc for heavy duty usage, and Alkaline. Secondary batteries are lithium ion, NiMH (nickel-metal hydride), and NiCd (nickel-cadmium). However, the battery’s application and performance vary between diverse chemistries. It means few chemistries are well-suited to certain applications. 

Ordinary alkaline battery (Manganese Dioxide/Alkaline/Zinc)

Being a primary battery, it supplies direct electric current that is generated electro-chemically between Manganese dioxide and zine before an alkaline electrolyte. It has derived this name as it possess KOH (potassium hydroxide) alkaline electrolyte instead of Zinc Chloride or acidic Ammonium Chloride. Alkaline electrolytes are used by various battery systems. However, different active materials are used for electrodes. It was in 1959 that alkaline cell was first introduced. However, it got popularly only during the 1980s. It includes longer discharging time even with heavy continuous discharge, heavy-duty discharge, leakage proof, and longer storage life. It takes longer time to discharge under low-temperature discharge. They are meant for all-round application. It includes handy audiovisual equipment, strobe cameras, digital cameras, portable LCD TVs, office appliances, shavers, game equipment, etc. 

Lithium battery

They are also referred to as lithium-iron disulfide batteries. When compared to alkaline counterparts, they offer several unique benefits. 

They are lighter and are more beneficial than alkaline batteries if used with cordless power tools and other portable gadgets. 

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They are designed to work smoothly even in extremely low temperatures, including freezing climate. Thus, they are an ideal choice to be used for outdoor applications. 

They can last longer and hence, the perfect choice for smart and hi-tech devices. It includes those gadgets whose battery frequent replacement is inconvenient. 

Thus, in most cases, this type of battery is a better alternative to the standard alkaline battery. However, this technology is more expensive. They are designed to outlast the normal lives of non-critical, inexpensive gadgets, like toys. Some airlines even restrict their entry. Such batteries are called li-ion batteries. They are rechargeable and reused several hundred times before their final disposal. They are convenient, inexpensive in the long run and come with longer lifespan. Hence, they are favored over disposable batteries. They reduce waste, thus having positive impact on the environment. Although a bit expensive than normal batteries, being rechargeable enables users to save precious money and energy. They are also an ideal choice for high-use items like gaming remotes, headsets, etc. Lithium batteries are disposable and not rechargeable. Standard ones comprise of pure metallic lithium. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries comprise of lithium compounds. Lithium battery is long lasting.

How long do such batteries last? Lithium battery longevity varies between manufacturers. However, they can outlast alkaline types by over six times. Few manufacturers assure that their batteries, if stored properly, can operate smoothly even for about two decades

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Nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH)

This rechargeable battery has a nickel hydroxide-based positive electrode and a metal hydride-based negative electrode. In 1989, it was launched and used primarily to power portable personal computers. Electric hybrid vehicles use this battery system due to its convenience and longevity. In today’s rechargeable battery market, NiMH occupies 10% sales volume while offering 40% higher specific energy. It enables two times higher ability. Moreover, voltage depression doesn’t affect them. Since it does not contain toxic cadmium, it is extremely safe to use. Its memory effect is lesser than nickel-cadmium type. They are environment-friendly and high-performing batteries with low self-discharge rates and long lifespan. They are used in a variety of applications in mobile communication, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles. 

They are available in diverse sizes, shapes, and are of three types, namely, coin or button cells, prismatic (small square), and cylindrical. Common sizes are F, D, C, SC, A, AA, and AAA. Usually, battery choice is based on intended usage and specific requirements. 

Electrochemical reaction concepts lie in the heart of Nickel metal hydride batteries. Such reactions enable chemical energy to get converted to electrical energy and vice-versa. Being segmented as alkaline battery, its positive electrode uses NiOOH (Nickel II Oxide Hydroxide) while hydrogen-absorbing alloy is used by the negative electrode. Electrolyte comprises of KOH (potassium hydroxide) solution. Positive electrode during the charging process converts to NiOOH from NI(OH)2. On the other hand, negative electrode is impacted by water electrolysis. Then, it absorbs hydrogen, thus, forming a hydride. 

Some of the key structural components are:

Positive electrode: Also referred to as hydrogen electrode, it has materials that adsorb hydrogen to function as primary active substances. They materials oxidize hydrogen to water, thus releasing electrons. In turn, it generates electrical current.

Battery casing: It performs essential functions like explosion prevention, waterproofing, and sealing. It comprises of internal components like negative and positive electrodes, separators, and electrolytes. 

Electrolyte: They facilitate electron and ion transport, encourage electro-chemical reactions and control overall battery performance. For electrolyte, they use KOH (potassium  hydroxide) solution. 

Negative electrode: Its main active substance is a hydrogen-absorbing alloy that absorbs hydrogen while charging. Thus, they are reduced to hydrogen gas while electrical current and electrons are released. 

Separator: It separates negative and positive electrodes and avoids direct contact, thus preventing short circuits.

9V battery longevity

To increase the battery’s longevity and shelf life, it will be necessary to store them in good condition. It will enable users to enjoy using it approximately for a decade or even more depending on manufacturer and product quality. Its service life is based on diverse factors. Load used and battery’s quality and chemistry also determines its longevity. When used for mild energy applications, it can function to the optimum for about 5 years. However, adverse environmental conditions, such as moisture and heat, combined with demanding applications may shorten its lifespan. 

9V battery and its usage

This battery serves diverse applications. It is commonly used in smoke alarms, radios, walkie-talkies, wall clocks, portable electronics and other electronic gadgets. 

Where to shop 9V batteries?

They are extremely popular and offered by many manufacturers globally. However, not all such batteries are created to appear and function the same. Always buy quality 9V battery from a reputed manufacturer/dealer. It helps avoid counterfeit or low quality batteries.