Alkaline Battery Development
Methodology
The Alkaline-Manganese Dioxide battery is a very simple, powerful cell. Like most batteries it
runs on an oxidation-reduction reaction between the cathode and anode. The cathode
consistes of electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD), while the anode consists of powdered Zinc.
The cell has a higher energy density, better service performance, longer shelf life, and lower
internal resistance than traditional Carbon-Zinc batteries. The primary re-dox reactions for this
battery are described below.
2MnO2 + H2O +2e  2MnOOH + 2OHZn + 2OH-  Zn(OH)4 + 2e
2MnO2 + Zn + 2H2O  2MnOOH + Zn(OH)2
The literature cell potential is 1.5 V and….. ????Amps
Design
Consists of three large batteries and two small.
Casing:
Hallow Steal rectangle with dimensions of 2”x 1.5”x1.5” and thickness of 1/8”. Lid is a
1.5” plastic square with a ….brass nail through the center. Casing was created using
ASU’s machiene shop
Large
Small
Lid
Height
2”
Width
1.5”
Length
1.5”
Thickness
1/8”
1/8”
1.5”
1.5”
N/A
Materials:
Cathode
60 grams
4 grams
Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide
(MnO2), EMD
Carbon (Graphite Powder)99.99+% metal basis
Poly(ethylene-alt-maletic
anhydride)
Potassium Hydroxide Solution
47%
Reactant
Electronic Conductor
Cathode Integrity, eases packing
Ionic Conductor
Dry materials, EMD, graphiteand Poly(ethylene-alt-maletic anhydride), where mixed well in a mortor
and pescal, then KOH was added to create a paste. The mixture was added to the casing, and then
packed to create a hollow caviety. The dye was removed with a vice.
Seperator
Potassium Hydroxide Solution 47%
Paper Towel
Two towels are folded across a dye , then soocked in KOH. The towels are then fitted, and compacted to
the sides of the cathode until the black of the cathode can be seen through the separator.
Anode
20 grams Zinc (Solid)
13 mL
Reactant, electronic conductor
Poly(ethylene-alt-maletic
anhydride)
Binding agent, Electrolyte
distribution
Potassium Hydroxide Solution
47%
Ionic Conductor
Dry materials, Zinc and Poly(ethylene-alt-maletic anhydride), where mixed well in a mortor and pescal,
then KOH was added slowly while mixing to present clumping. After the mixture becomes a paste it
was added to the hallow caviety. Additional KOH was added to keep the battery moist.
Metal Collector
1 ¾ “ brass pin
The brass pin was fitted through the battery’s cap such that ¼ “ is sticking out the top. The pin runs
through the center of the battery.
Seal
Plastic wrap
The battery was wraped in plastic wrap to prevent moister, and prolong the battery’s life. The plastic
wrap was heated slightly so create an air tight seal.
Unique Features
The EMD, donated by Tronox, is a secially made extremely pure material that is
conducsive to electron flow.
This battery is unique such that it is built inside out, the cathode is incerted first.
The …..amps andvolts.
Safety
The alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals — steel, zinc and manganese — and
do not pose health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.