Batteries can twist our mind and imagination at times. Sometimes the unthinkable resurfaces. Has it ever crossed your mind how to recharge a non-rechargeable battery? It creates confusion on our troubled mind, but we still entertain these thoughts, wondering if it is possible.
Can we charge non-rechargeable batteries? The answer is both a yes and no. Yes, you can try charging an alkaline battery for example, but you have to take the risk and danger in doing it. The possibility of the battery exploding is very high. With that kind of answer, then I guess it is a no.
There are many experiments done in the past about charging non-rechargeable batteries. Some have been succesful, but the rate of failure is more significant than the success rate.
Would you risk your life and property over proving something like charging non-rechargeable batteries?
Of course not, but if you want to try and prove it to yourself, you can do it any time. Just make sure that you always have your precautionary measures in case things went wrong.
Is There Any Way To Recharge A Non Rechargeable Battery?
Yes, it is indeed possible to charge non-rechargeable batteries, but the question remains, will it be safe to do such action? Experts will still say that it is not recommendable and it is highly risky to experiment on the matter.
However, many people have tried and proven that non-rechargeable batteries can and is possible to be charged. There are many videos on Youtube that demonstrate this issue.
The most conclusive thoughts I can give here is that no non-rechargeable batteries are ever and non-rechargeable. Non-rechargeable cells can be charged. To prove this point, I will present two experiments regarding this matter.
Experiment 1
One man on Youtube did the test and hacked the issue on charging non-rechargeable batteries. He did it by using a timer. The timer is set that charging time will not go beyond 2 hours. He knows that when he overheats the battery, it will explode. He will charge the battery in little doses at a controlled time until it reaches the fully charged state.
He tried to remove the battery from the charger at the end of the two hours. Then he repeats the process until its fully charged.
Experiment 2
In another blog, the man used a Second Wind Alkaline battery Charger to prove his point that non-rechargeable batteries can indeed receive a charge. However, this particular charger is compatible only for alkaline batteries, and it can never be used on NiCd, NiMH or Li-ion batteries.
The same strategy was used. He removes the battery at the end of the 90 minutes. He repeats it reaches the fully charged mode.
Yes, non-rechargeable batteries can be charged, but the risk factor remains. You can do it to prove the point that it is possible. But, to do it without pretensions and inhibitions remains questionable.
Recharging non-rechargeable batteries poses a lot of danger to yourself and even to your properties. Cells are a significant fire hazard. Again, I repeat, it can be done, but we do not usually do it for safety purposes.
Can Non-Rechargeable Alkaline Battery Be Charged?
Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable. It has components that make it impossible to recharge. However, with some of the hacks presented on the internet, people have proven that alkaline batteries can be revived if you are willing to take risks.
Let’s define alkaline batteries and know its specific components first. For the information of everyone reading this, alkaline batteries get their energy from metal zinc and manganese oxide. It has a longer shelf life than other types of cells. It also has a higher energy density.
Alkaline batteries can be recharged, but it is not advisable to do so. As I keep saying on this article, you can restore it, but do it with caution because anything can happen. The fact that the alkaline batteries are sealed, there is very high pressure in it. This issue is what makes alkaline batteries susceptible to explosion.
Can Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Be Charged?
Non-rechargeable lithium batteries are used for portable devices like digital cameras. On the other hand, a lithium-ion battery or Li-ion batteries are rechargeables. Like the non-rechargeable lithium, a Li-ion battery is used for electronically run devices and vehicles.
You can charge a non-rechargeable lithium battery. However, the same precautions are set. Lithiums are highly sensitive to heat, so you can never overcharge it. Whether it is rechargeable lithium or not, cheating is not advised.
What Will Happen If I Try To Recharge A Non Rechargeable Battery?
I said it, and I will repeat it, do not try to charge non-rechargeable batteries. You may have succeeded once, but it never means that you will be able to make it the second time. There are specific reasons why we should never try it.
● It contains hazardous chemicals. The chemical content of non-rechargeable batteries is hazardous. Placing it in a charger may cause chemical reactions that could escape the assault. This reaction may cause the battery to explode or emit dangerous fumes.
● It can overheat. Rechargeable batteries tend to overheat, what more with a non-rechargeable one. They are not created for that purpose. Some of the chemical contents may efficiently react to overheating. The battery seal may break if there is overheating.
How Do Non-Rechargeable Batteries Work
Non-rechargeable batteries are most commonly known to us as the “AA or AAA” batteries. They are classified as dry cell because it contains no liquid in it. And since there is no liquid inside the cell, it is considered to be safer than other battery types.
1. Batteries are made up of four components, two anions (negative charge) and two cations (positive charge). The series of chemical reactions inside the cells is known as the oxidation-reduction process.
2. Inside the battery, the oxidizing agent is known as the cathode and it is the one that receives the electrons from the anode. The anode is known as the reducing agent because it releases the particles.
3. This kind of chemical reactions will eventually result in the flow of ion between the cathode and anode. At the same time, it frees the electrons from the electrode atoms.
4. When the circuit is completed, electricity is released thus making the battery works to supply the energy needed to power the device.
The Most Popular Types of Batteries Used Today
I have listed here some of the most popularly used batteries today. It is a combination of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. It is good to update yourself on the kind of cells you used for your gadgets. Knowing the components, allows you to charge it accordingly.
Lead Acid Batteries
It is an extended type battery and requires a massive load of current too. Lead acid batteries are the ones we used on vehicles, like cars, trucks, motorcycles, and others.
Alkaline Batteries
The most commonly used batteries in the household. We used alkaline batteries for toys, flashlights, calculators and the like. The usual voltage of an alkaline battery is 1.5V, except the 9 Volts battery.
Nickel Metal Hydride or NiMH
We used it on our mobile phones and other portable electronic devices. It becomes a popular battery to use because it takes longer to charge it. However, this type of cell easily discharges when not in use.
Nickel Cadmium or NiCd
Invented in 1899 by the Swedish Inventor Jungner, NiCd charges a lot faster than NiMH. It also can store more energy. The downside of this battery is the memory effect. It loses charge more quickly. It also contains a very harmful chemical.
Lithium-Ion or Li-ion Batteries
It has the same amount of energy as the NiMH batteries, but it charges faster. It has no memory problem and contains no toxic material. Music players, tablets and even the latest Samsung and Apple I-phone use this type of batteries.
Li-Po or Lithium Polymer Batteries
It is commonly used in remote-controlled toys, robotics, and other electronically controlled gadgets and devices. It is using polymer electrolyte and not a liquid polymer. It is a rechargeable battery.
Battery Category
We categorized batteries into two. All battery types belong to either of these groups. They are classified according to chemical composition, the size, its form factor.
1. Primary Batteries. These are the non-rechargeable batteries. Non-rechargeable are disposable batteries. It is made of electrochemical cells which cannot reverse the electrochemical reactions.
Primary cells range from the coin batteries to AA or AAA batteries. It is commonly used in standalone applications where you considered charging as impossible.
2. Secondary Batteries. These types of batteries are the ones which contain electrochemical cells which can reverse its electrochemical reactions. In other words, secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries.
It is commonly used in high drain applications and other devices which makes it impossible to be using the single charged cells. There are four different chemical compositions for a rechargeable battery, Lithium-ion, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride, and Lead Acid.
Non-Rechargeable Battery Vs. Rechargeable Battery
Which one is better, non-rechargeable or rechargeable batteries? Both batteries have their specific purpose and use. Depending on the situation and the thing you will need the battery for will tell you which one you are supposed to use.
Non-rechargeable Batteries
● It is beneficial during emergencies where power is not available.
● It is cheaper.
● Available anywhere even in small stores or shops.
Rechargeable Batteries
● It saves time and money because you will not replace it every time.
● It lasts longer.
● It is suitable for high-drain devices or electronic gadgets.
Weird things exist. The experimental mind of the people led them to do the impossible. How to recharge non-rechargeable batteries is discovered out of curiosity and is proven to be possible. However, safety will still count as a priority.
