Zinc-carbon battery - Technical Information

The positive terminal is a carbon rod surrounded by a manganese dioxide powder and carbon powder. The electrolyte is past made from zinc chloride and ammonium chloride dissolved in water. These materials are wrapped in a zinc casing that often also serves as the negative terminal of the battery.

The ideal cell potential for zinc-carbon cells, much like zinc-chloride batteries and Leclanché cells, is rather difficult to determine. The reactions of the primary components, such as the Daniel Cell reaction ($$Zn(s) → Zn_2+(aq) + 2e^- = -0.76V$$) are well understood, but the reaction between side components are fairly complex and vary widely based on ambient conditions and preparation of the materials. Overall, the cell potential is around 1.5V.


 * Zinc-carbon battery
 * Zinc-carbon battery - Chemistry