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When selecting batteries for your household, business or industrial needs, you want to get the most value for your money.
You need a battery that holds up to the efficiency test:
- Long-lasting battery power
- Steady voltage
- Long cycle life for rechargeable batteries
- Low rate of discharge when in storage
Let’s have a look at some Energizer batteries that make the brand one of the industry leaders in efficiency.
Energizer Lithium Iron Disulphide (LiFeS2) Batteries
Side Note: Avoid storing the cells at excessively high temperatures above 60°C, as this may cause the sealing label to shrink, exposing the contents and reducing efficiency.
The cells are cylindrical with a spiral jellyroll construction, which consists of the anode, separator and cathode stacked in multiple layers that are wound together.
As a result of the spiral shape, the batteries have a higher interfacial surface area than the alkaline type. The significantly larger interface means faster chemical reactions, so the cells can handle high rate discharge applications efficiently.
Source: Energizer battery manual
The jellyroll construction also allows the cells to discharge at a fairly uniform rate, giving you a consistent performance for the entire battery lifespan.
It also means the cells have a high capacity. For instance, at 100 mA of current, an Energizer lithium AA would have a capacity of 3600 mAh vs. 1000 mAh for a comparable NiMH battery.
Source: Energizer battery manual
The LiFeS2 cells use lithium metal as the anode, iron disulphide as the cathode, and a lithium salt-based electrolyte.
The chemical reaction between lithium and iron disulphide creates a high 1.8 V open-circuit voltage which reduces to a nominal voltage of about 1.55 V when loaded.
Also, the reaction delivers a higher energy density of approximately 297 Wh/kg compared to about 143 Wh/kg for alkaline batteries. The cells are therefore suitable for high drain devices.
Note: Wh/kg measures how much energy is in a cell relative to its weight.
The lithium-based non-aqueous electrolyte used in the cells has low thermal conductivity, allowing the battery to operate regardless of temperature extremes.
The cells function well at temperatures as low as -40°C to as high as 60°C. Performance reduces at cold temperature due to slowing chemical reactions. However, the LiFeS2 cells will still produce a good current. For instance, they produce 200 milliamperes (mA) at -40°C.
Source: Energizer battery manual
The discharge reaction occurs when lithium reacts with iron disulphide to form lithium sulphide. As a result of the high reactivity of lithium, the battery maintains a significantly higher operating voltage.
For your safety and protection, the batteries use a system known as Positive Thermal Coefficient (PTC). This mechanism is designed to cut off battery operations when the heat generated rises to excessively high levels beyond 85°C in order to:
- Prevent the production and release of 1,2-dimethoxyethane and 1,3-dioxolane ethers which are both harmful substances
- Stop the battery from getting damaged or catching fire
The battery should start working as usual once it cools down.
The table below gives an overview of lithium iron disulphide batteries.
| Factor | Description |
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Appearance |
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Chemistry |
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Efficient Features |
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Care Precautions |
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Energizer Silver Oxide Batteries
The silver oxide (Ag2O) primary cell is a miniature battery typically used in small devices.
Source: Energizer battery manual
The cells are made up of:
- Silver oxide cathode mixed with a conductor (manganese dioxide or graphite)
- Powdered zinc anode
- Sodium or potassium hydroxide electrolyte
- Separators to prevent movement of solids in the battery
- Nylon sealing gaskets
- Corrosion resistance due to nickel exterior surfaces, which improve conduction
The battery is powered by a redox reaction between silver oxide and zinc, which forms zinc oxide and silver.
Silver is the best conductor of electricity, so these batteries have a large power capacity, especially considering their size. They have a higher specific energy (130 Wh/kg) and energy density (500 Wh/l), which is significantly higher than similar-sized cells.
Note: Specific energy and energy density measure the energy stored inside the battery. The energy density of Li-ion button cells is 200 Wh/l, and that of NiMH ones is 150 Wh/l.
Silver oxide cells have a wide range of applications, including in:
- Calculators
- Glucometers
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Hearing aids
- Photoelectric exposure devices
- Watches
- Keyless remote controlled doors and gates
- Heart rate monitors
These small silver oxide batteries have an open circuit voltage of 1.6 V and an operating voltage of approximately 1.5 V (can be higher depending on the device).
They also have a flat operating voltage drain, which means you’ll enjoy a more consistent output. The voltage will only drop when the cell comes to the end of its life.
Source: Energizer battery manual
As a result of the continuous voltage output combined with the low internal resistance, they work well with low-drain devices that need a continuous voltage output, such as watches.
They can last for up to 5 years in normal drain watches. In devices that need occasional high bursts of energy, such as LED watches with backlight or electronic toys, they can last for 2 to 3 years.
Silver oxide batteries show satisfactory performance when used in extreme temperature conditions from -10°C to 55°C.
The cells also have a long shelf life. They’ll retain over 90% of their capacity after five years in storage at 21°C.
The table below highlights the main features of Energizer’s silver oxide button cells.
| Factor | Description |
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Specifications |
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Efficient Features |
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Care and Precautions |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do battery brands matter?
Yes. It’s important to choose tried and tested brands such as Energizer, Duracell, Eneloop or Panasonic. Name brands have a track record of reliable energy capacity and consistent discharge rates.
Plus, they tend to last longer in storage, so you can buy them in bulk. Generic batteries may be cheaper in the short term, but you’ll pay more in the long run since they often have less stored capacity than well-known brands.
Do batteries last longer when refrigerated?
It’s partially true that batteries last longer in the refrigerator because the cold temperature slows down the chemical reactions. However, the moisture causes more harm than good.
The batteries may rust due to the excess moisture, resulting in the seals breaking or electrolyte leakages. For lithium-based batteries, the water will chemically react with lithium rendering the battery ineffective.
For other battery types, such as alkaline batteries, the electrolyte may absorb extra water interfering with how the battery works.
It’s best to store the batteries in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard. Remember to keep them in the original packaging and ensure the negative and positive terminals don’t come together.
Also, keep them away from metal objects, like coins or keys to prevent short circuits.
How do you dispose of batteries?
It’s best not to throw your batteries in the rubbish bin. Instead, place them in a separate plastic container and take them for recycling. Here are a few recycling places:
You can also use this tool to find a recycler within your area.
Get Your Energizer Batteries
Energizer batteries provide long-lasting reliability and efficiency, ensuring that your electronics run smoothly for the entire life of the battery.
At HBPlus Battery Specialists, we provide a wide range of Energizer battery options for all your devices, big or small.
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If you need help choosing the best battery for your needs, reach out to us. You can rely on our 30+ years of battery experience to point you in the right direction.
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