Page 206 - Lindens Handbook of Batteries

8.18 PRIMARY BATTERIES

FIGURE 8.10 Shelf-life characteristics of primary battery systems.

8.4 RECHARGING PRIMARY BATTERIES

Recharging primary batteries is a practice that should be avoided because the cells are not designed
for that type of use. In most instances, it is impractical, and it could be dangerous with cells that are
tightly sealed and not provided with an adequate mechanism to permit the release of gases that form
during charging. Such gassing could cause a cell to leak, rupture, or explode, resulting in personal
injury, damage to equipment, and other hazards. Most primary batteries are labeled with a cautionary
notice advising that they should not be recharged.
Technically, some primary cells can be recharged for several cycles under carefully controlled
charging conditions and usually at low charge rates. However, even if successful, they may not
deliver full capacity and may have poor charge retention after recharge. Primary batteries are not
designed to be recharged, and charging should not be attempted with any primary battery, unless one
is fully aware of the charging conditions, equipment, and risks.
The zinc/alkaline/manganese dioxide system has been designed in a rechargeable configuration,
as described in Chap. 28.