Duracell Battery Type (Alkaline, Lithium, Rechargeable)

Everyone knows Duracell. In 2016, Statista identified them as the leading battery brand in the US, boasting a 39.9 percent market share. The brand is a household name in most countries. But which of their batteries is right for you? To answer that question, you must first understand the attributes each Duracell Battery Type brings to the table:

Alkaline Batteries

According to Battery Station, Duracell sells an extensive line of alkaline batteries. The platform traces the brand’s success to its Copper Top alkaline batteries. But what makes alkaline batteries so special?

Advantages And Applications Of Duracell Alkaline Batteries

According to this Duracell Guide, their alkaline batteries work in everything from lights and game controllers to digital cameras and toys. They appear in high and low-drain devices. People flock to the battery type because of the following benefits:

They have a long shelf life (five to ten years), losing five percent of their energy or even less annually.
They deliver more energy despite lasting longer due to their superior energy density.
You can trust the battery type to maintain its capacity for a longer duration.
You can connect these batteries in series if your application requires a higher voltage.
You can also connect Duracell’s alkaline batteries in different configurations to accommodate numerous electrical requirements.
They are less likely to leak.
You can deploy them at very low temperatures. For instance, Battery specialties have found that Duracell AAA batteries have an operating temperature range of -20 – 54 degrees C.
You can find alkaline batteries in every standard size that matters.
They don’t have unique or complicated disposal requirements.

Alkaline Battery Chemistry And How It Works?

You have a zinc anode, a manganese dioxide cathode, and a potassium hydroxide electrolyte.
The battery type’s name comes from the use of potassium hydroxide, an alkaline electrolyte.
The zinc anode loses electrons (and oxidizes) because it is more active. The Manganese, which is less active, reduces as it receives the electrons. Electrical4U has published the formulas showing the chemical reaction that occurs in an alkaline battery.

Comparing Duracell Alkaline Batteries to Other Brands

Some people call Duracell the best brand in the world, but how does it compare to other brands? Consider the following:

1). VS Energizer

They are both environmentally friendly because of the absence of mercury.
Duracell leaks more slowly when it expires.
Duracell has a longer life expectancy.
Energizer will last longer in clocks.
Duracell is more expensive.

2). VS Amazon Basics

Duracell lasts longer.
You can find both in the same sizes and formats.
Duracell is more expensive.
Duracell is more widely available.

3). VS Varta

Duracell is more expensive.
Duracell lasts longer.
Varta is more likely to leak.

4). VS GP

Duracell is more expensive.
Duracell is more widely available.
Duracell performs better in high-drain applications.

5). VS Kirkland

While more consumers prefer Kirkland, Duracell has a higher market share.
Duracell is more expensive.
Duracell is less likely to leak.
Duracell provides more power.
Duracell has a longer shelf life.

6). VS Rayovac

Equal longevity.
The shelf life is similar.
Duracell is more expensive.
Rayovac 9V batteries are slightly taller.

Lithium Batteries

While Duracell’s alkaline batteries are incredibly popular, their lithium batteries will last eight times longer. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run and also vital to critical devices such as smoke alarms. You will find them in various types, including:

Cobalt Oxide – Lithium cobalt oxide batteries appear in phones and laptops.
Manganese Oxide – Lithium manganese oxide batteries are safer and more reliable than their lithium-ion counterparts. The products are temperature stable.
Lithium Iron Phosphate – safer and stable, boasting low-resistance attributes.
Lithium Nickle Manganese Cobalt Oxide -High specific energy density.
Lithium Nickle Cobalt Aluminum Oxide – You find them in electric power trains.
Lithium Titanate – You find this fast-charging type in public transportation (Electric buses).

Benefits Of Using Duracell Lithium Batteries In High-Drain Devices

You can find them in every standard size, including double A, triple A, 9V, and various specialized sizes.
Long-lasting
They can withstand extreme temperatures (Discharge temperature: -4 to 130 F, Charge temperature: 32 to 114 F, Storage Temperature: 20 to 95 F). According to fortress power, lithium batteries will stop charging at temperatures below freezing even though they won’t necessarily freeze. The batteries will also continue to discharge.
Lithium batteries are lightweight.
They have a high energy density.
Expect 80 percent of the battery’s rated capacity even after 200 cycles.
Expect a low self-discharge (lithium-ion cells lose 2 percent of their charge per month).
You can customize them to meet unique demands.
Low maintenance (no need for priming equipment or scheduled cycling for lithium-ion batteries).

How Lithium Batteries Differ From Alkaline Batteries?

Alkaline batteries use zinc, manganese dioxide, and potassium hydroxide. Lithium batteries use metallic lithium for the anode.
Lithium batteries are reusable. You can charge them. This makes them more cost-effective even when their initial price tag is higher.
You find lithium batteries in portable power tools because they have a lightweight construction.
Lithium batteries tend to last longer, which explains their presence in smart devices, particularly items where changing the batteries is difficult.
An alkaline battery’s higher energy density introduces problematic side effects such as potential potassium hydroxide leaks. The agent is caustic. Besides irritating the skin and respiratory system, it can also damage circuit boards in electronic devices.
Alkaline batteries create a disposal problem. They don’t have unique disposal requirements. However, because they can’t be recharged and people replace them frequently, you have to worry about finding a fitting place to leave them when they lose their charge.
Lithium batteries last longer because you can recharge them. Admittedly, many manufacturers have introduced rechargeable alkaline batteries in recent years.
Lithium batteries have a higher voltage because they run more powerful applications.

Tips For Maximizing The Performance Of Duracell Lithium Batteries

Try to completely discharge the lithium battery every few weeks. North East Battery wants you to do this every 30 cycles.
Don’t expose the battery to extreme temperatures. Stay within the optimal range the manufacturer recommends.
Don’t overcharge the battery. Even if the device has circuits preventing overcharging, you should nurture a habit of unplugging it when it charges to completion.
Avoid over-discharging. Don’t drain the battery to zero frequently.
Don’t strain the batteries by exposing them to intense conditions such as heavy loads and prolonged use. Again, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep the batteries in a cool, dry storage space.
Use the manufacturer’s recommended chargers.
Don’t expose the batteries to moisture.

Rechargeable Batteries

Duracell recommends their rechargeable batteries above all other options, especially for digital cameras, handheld gaming consoles, and other high-drain devices. While non-rechargeable batteries will work, you must replace them frequently, which is expensive. Duracell rechargeable batteries are the most convenient option on the table.

Depending on your location, you will encounter three primary types of rechargeable batteries, namely:

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) – These are older, cheaper batteries with memory problems. You must discharge them entirely before attempting to recharge them every single time. This will optimize their performance. Expect roughly a thousand cycles.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) – You can partially discharge and charge these batteries a thousand or more times. They have a higher capacity than nickel-cadmium.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) – This type is superior to NiMH and NiCd. It doesn’t suffer from memory problems.

With Duracell, you can buy Duracell Recharge Plus (Standard), which works in ordinary devices, or Duracell High Capacity, which accommodates high-drain devices.

Pros Of Choosing Duracell Rechargeable Batteries

Longer shelf life.
Environmentally friendly (Because you replace them less frequently).
They are cheaper in the long run because you can recharge them.
Their rechargeability makes them more convenient.
A better fit for high-drain devices.

Cons of Choosing Duracell Rechargeable Batteries

The initial cost is high.
You must wait for the battery to charge before using it. This makes them a poor fit for emergencies.
You must buy a charger, preferably an expensive high-quality charger.

How To Properly Recharge Duracell Rechargeable Batteries?

Insert the batteries in the charger. Match the battery and contact polarities.
Plug the charger into a wall socket.
According to this Duracell guide, the charger LED should turn red if the battery is charging.

Specialty Batteries

Duracell makes batteries that don’t necessarily fit the norm. They are not unique in this regard. However, Duracell’s specialty batteries are among the best in the world.

Exploring Duracell’s Specialty Battery Offerings

Rechargeable AA 2500mAh and AAA 900mAh batteries.
Specialty LR44 Alkaline Coin Batteries.
MN21 12V Batteries.
1216 Lithium Coin Batteries.
377, 376, 303, 357, 370, 371, 364 (etc.) Silver Oxide Coin Batteries.
MN21/23 Alkaline Batteries.
AAAA Alkaline Batteries.
J Alkaline Batteries.
27 Alkaline Batteries.
N Alkaline Batteries.
Ultra Lithium 245, 223
Lithium 1/3N.
Lithium 28L.
Ultra Lithium CR2, 123

Specific Applications For Duracell Specialty Batteries

Specialty batteries come into play when an electronic device requires a size and shape that is not common. Some devices need a miniaturized battery that delivers the same power and capacity as a larger one.

For instance, you can’t put AAA batteries in car keys. You need coin batteries because they have a flat shape. The same applies to watches, hearing aids, alarms, etc.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Specialty Batteries

Specialty batteries are not restricted to high-end brands. Most of the prominent brands offer specialty batteries.
Specialty batteries are not limited to a specific chemistry. You can find them in silver oxide, alkaline, and lithium.
Smaller specialty batteries are neither as cheap nor as expensive as people think. Like conventional batteries, you can find specialty batteries in every price range.
A specialty battery’s environmental impact is neither smaller nor larger than a conventional battery’s. It depends on the construction and chemistry.
Specialty batteries are just as long-lasting as their standard counterparts. Their power output is equally stable.

Optimum VS Standard Batteries

Duracell keeps hyping the performance of their Optimum line. But is that hype justified? Is Duracell Optimum genuinely superior to the standard Duracell battery?

Understanding The Differences Between Duracell Optimum And Standard Battery Lines

The two are similar in many ways. Their nominal voltage is basically equal. However, Duracell uses a proprietary cathode system to enhance the Optimum battery’s performance. This produces the following attributes:

A higher running voltage (The actual voltage the device receives).
More power.
A longer life.

Duracell has given the Optimum line a new design to set it apart. The package includes a resealable storage tray.

Which Type Of Duracell Battery is Best Suited For Specific Devices?

You don’t have to overthink the Duracell Optimum battery’s application. It can work in any high-drain device that accommodates standard batteries. The only significant difference is the additional power and longer life.

When the experts at the Hardware Connection inserted a Duracell Optimum battery into a flashlight, it was brighter and lasted longer before dimming.

Reviews And Customer Feedback On Optimum And Standard Batteries

For the most part, customers like Duracell Optimum batteries. It looks like they’ve observed the benefits Duracell has promised.

However, Top Class Actions have highlighted a class-action lawsuit some people filed against Duracell in recent years for selling Duracell Optimum batteries at a higher price even though they don’t offer the extra life and power the company claims.