Understanding AA Battery Types: Alkaline, Lithium, NiMH and Ni-Zn

For example, some batteries last longer, some work better in extreme temperatures, and some are rechargeable, saving you money and reducing waste in the long run. It’s not just about picking up the cheapest pack off the shelf; it’s about choosing the right battery for the job. 

This not only helps your gadgets run smoother and longer but also helps you save money and reduce your environmental footprint. By getting to know the ins and outs of these different battery types, you can make smarter decisions that fit your needs and even do a little good for the planet along the way.

Chemistry and Composition

Alkaline, Lithium, and NiMH batteries are pretty different when it comes to what’s inside. 

Alkaline Batteries 

Alkaline batteries were the first commercially available batteries. They were invented simultaneously, but independently, by Waldemar Jungner and Thomas Edison. However, their early batteries were overshadowed by the first dry cell alkaline invented by Canadian Lewis Urry in the 1950s.

An alkaline battery relies on zinc as the negative electrode and manganese dioxide as the positive electrode. Both substances are consumed as the battery discharges. As such, alkaline batteries are single use, disposable batteries. Once discharged they cannot be safely recharged.

Alkaline batteries are the cheapest on a per-unit basis. They offer consistent performance from start to finish. In other words, you do not notice a drop-off in power until an alkaline battery reaches end-of-life. 

"Alkaline batteries are known for their long shelf life, typically lasting 5 to 10 years, making them ideal for devices that are used infrequently." - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unfortunately though, alkaline batteries are difficult to recycle.

Lithium Batteries

Also known as Li-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries are the newest of the three primary types. They are rechargeable batteries commonly used in portable electronics. The battery in your cell phone, for example, is Li-ion.

Research into lithium-ion batteries began in earnest in the 1970s. However, it wasn't until the early 1990s that the first commercially available Li-ion battery came out. Thanks to the explosion of personal electronics over the last two decades, Li-ion technology has been advanced considerably.

Although Li-ion batteries are the most expensive of the three, they tend to pay for themselves very quickly, which is their primary advantage. "Lithium batteries offer superior capacity, generally in the range of 2,700 to 3,400 mAh, which makes them ideal for devices that require more power.” - Energy.gov which makes it quite ideal for high-power requiring devices. A good Li-ion battery can be charged twice as many times as an NiMH battery which you can check out here.

NiMH Batteries

NiMH batteries were invented in the late 1960s. Development was more or less the result of automotive sector investments from companies like Volkswagen and Daimler-Benz. Car companies wanted better batteries that would be less expensive and more reliable.

The negative electrode in this type of battery is an intermetallic compound that includes nickel. The positive electrode is nickel hydroxide. Because the components are not consumed during discharge, NiMH batteries are rechargeable.

NiMH batteries are more expensive than alkalines. A typical battery gets about 500 charges before reaching end-of-life. Unfortunately, performance degrades with discharge and you notice a definite drop-off in power as time goes by. “The shelf life of (unused) NiMH batteries is typically shorter, around 3 to 5 years, due to their high self-discharge rate." – Battery University. NiMH batteries also take quite a long time to charge.

Ni-Zn Batteries 

Ni-Zn batteries are still relatively less common in the market compared to well-established battery technologies like Li-ion batteries.

Ni-Zn batteries, or Nickel-Zinc batteries combines the benefits of both NiMH and alkaline batteries. They offer a higher voltage than NiMH batteries, typically around 1.6V, which can provide better performance in devices that require a bit more power. Ni-Zn batteries are rechargeable and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional alkaline batteries. 

“Ni-Zn batteries are specifically designed to discharge the energy very rapidly in the battery. That is what power density does [enable high discharge rates over short periods of time], versus the energy density; high energy density batteries that discharge at lower rates for prolonged periods of time,” said Stave Jennings, a Sr VP Sales & Marketing for a manufacturer of Ni-Zn batteries which means that they’re well-suited for devices that require high power for short periods, for example, flash units in cameras. Ni-Zn batteries are also reliable because they can operate within a wide operating temperature range from 30˚C to 75˚C.

Each battery type has its strengths and ideal use cases, so the choice depends on the specific needs of the devices you are powering as we will see under “Usage Scenarios” below.

Usage Scenarios

Each type of AA battery shines in different situations depending on how they perform. Alkaline batteries are great for things like remote controls, clocks, and flashlights—basically, anything that doesn’t suck up a lot of power quickly and doesn’t need constant battery swaps. 

Lithium batteries would be the most suitable option for digital cameras, handheld GPS devices, and other electronics that demand consistent energy.

Alkaline batteries are well-suited for devices that have lower energy requirements and are used sporadically like TV remotes, wall clocks, or flashlights.

NiMH batteries are great for devices that are used frequently like wireless keyboards, mice, toys, or portable gaming consoles. Plus, because you can recharge them, they’re a more eco-friendly option that helps cut down on battery waste.

Finally, Ni-Zn batteries are particularly useful in applications where the higher voltage of 1.6V can be fully utilized. You could use them for certain power tools, flashlights, and devices that need a bit more power than what standard NiMH or Alkaline batteries can provide

Cost Analysis

When it comes to cost, each type of battery has its own sweet spot.

Alkaline batteries are the budget-friendly choice, usually running between $0.20 to $0.75 per battery, making them a solid pick for low-drain devices where you don’t need to swap out batteries often.

Lithium batteries are pricier, typically between $1.50 and $3.00 each, but they’re worth it for gadgets that need reliable, long-lasting power, especially in extreme conditions.

NiMH batteries come in at $2.00 to $4.00 per battery, which might seem steep at first. But since you can recharge them, they save you money in the long run, especially for devices that burn through batteries quickly.

Ni-Zn batteries on the other hand typically cost between $10 and $20 for a pack of 4 or about $2.50 to $5 each; for comparison, a pack of 4 AA NiMH batteries costs around $8-$15, while a similar pack of Li-ion batteries can be slightly more expensive, ranging from $15 to $25. The prices are competitive and more available on many marketplaces, you can both the batteries and charger on Amazon at less than $30 too.

Innovations and Trends

Battery tech is always evolving, and there are some cool advancements on the horizon. Alkaline batteries are getting better with longer-lasting formulas and improved designs that prevent leaks. Lithium batteries are seeing boosts in energy density and safety features, making them more versatile. There’s also a buzz around solid-state lithium tech, which could mean batteries that last even longer and are safer to use.

NiMH batteries are also stepping up, with new low self-discharge models that hold their charge better when not in use, along with improvements in capacity and faster charging times.

Ongoing advancements in Ni-Zn battery technology are improving performance metrics such as energy density and cycle life. Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes are making Ni-Zn batteries more competitive.

The future of batteries looks like it’s headed towards being more efficient, safer, and kinder to the environment.

Conclusion

Alkaline batteries, while cheap, are single-use, which means more waste, even though some companies are starting to offer recycling options. Making these batteries involves mining zinc and manganese, which isn’t great for the planet.

Lithium batteries, though also single-use, are recyclable, but mining lithium is tough on the environment.

NiMH batteries, being rechargeable, cut down on waste, but they still have nickel, a heavy metal, so they need to be disposed of properly. No matter the type, recycling your batteries is a must to keep their environmental impact in check.

When it comes down to it, choosing the right AA battery is all about what you need. Alkaline batteries are your go-to for low-drain devices where cost is a big factor and you don’t need to replace them often. Lithium batteries are perfect for high-drain gadgets or anything you’re using in extreme temperatures, offering reliability even if they’re a bit more expensive.

NiMH batteries are a smart choice for high-drain, frequently used devices, thanks to their rechargeability, which also makes them more eco-friendly.

Ni-Zn batteries hold a distinct position with their high voltage and environmental benefits. They are making strides in energy density, cycle life, and charging speed, narrowing the performance gap with Lithium and NiMH batteries. However, for applications where cost and longevity are critical, NiMH batteries currently have an edge. Ni-Zn batteries offer a compelling alternative, especially as technology continues to advance, potentially positioning them as a strong contender in the future battery landscape.

Think about how you’re using your devices and what matters most—whether it’s cost, performance, or environmental impact—when picking the best battery for the job.