Rechargeable Batteries vs Leaking Alkaline Batteries

[NW-Bound]

Leaky alkaline batteries do not create the same mess as leaky zinc-carbon batteries. It's because the electrolyte in alkaline batteries is, well, alkaline or basic, while the electrolyte in zinc-carbon batteries is acidic.

The acidic electrolyte will eat away the terminal contacts of the battery holder and causes permanent damage. On the other hand, I can usually clean out the mess of the alkaline leakage with a toothbrush and a bit of water, and everything works again.


PS. Both NiCad and NiMH batteries use an alkaline electrolyte. I can usually clean up their leakage mess successfully, like I do with leaky alkaline batteries.

 

[Jerry1]

Thanks. I wondered why it didn’t ruin things like battery acid does. I never made the connection that an alkaline battery would leak alkaline and not “battery acid”.

I too have cleaned them out and moved on, but I still very much do not like the leakage. However, knowing it is not acid does make it a little better.