Silver Oxide vs Alkaline Batteries – Which One Is Better?

Silver oxide and alkaline batteries are the two most common types of batteries used in today’s devices. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that make them better or worse for certain applications. But what actually makes one different from the other?

The main difference between the two battery types lies in their energy capacity. Silver oxide batteries offer a higher power density than alkaline batteries. In other words, they can store more energy in less space. Besides, silver oxide batteries boast a flatter discharging curve than their alkaline counterparts.

Let’s enlighten you further through our silver oxide vs alkaline batteries comparison so that you can make an informed choice next time you’re out shopping for batteries.

Overview of Silver Oxide Battery

A silver oxide battery is a type of primary battery that uses silver oxide as the positive electrode (cathode) and zinc as the negative electrode (anode). The electrolyte used in silver oxide batteries is potassium hydroxide.

While discharging, these batteries retain a higher voltage for a longer time than alkaline batteries before complete depletion. That’s why silver oxide batteries are often used in devices that require a constant power supply such as watches, cameras, and medical devices.

Silver oxide batteries come as small, button-shaped cells with a diameter of 7-28mm. They require a modest amount of silver to be manufactured and can last up to 10 years when stored properly.

Moreover, these batteries are often rechargeable; although the number of recharge cycles is limited, typically around 200-500.

What Is a Silver Oxide Battery Used for?

Silver oxide batteries are often used in small electronic devices that need a long shelf life and high energy density.

Due to their superior energy-to-weight ratio, silver oxide batteries are used in a variety of applications including- Watches, Cameras, Remote controls, Calculators, Medical devices, and so on.

Benefits of Silver Oxide Battery

Thanks to their higher energy density, silver oxide batteries can offer a longer runtime than alkaline batteries. They also boast a flatter discharge curve, meaning the voltage of these batteries remains constant for a long time before dropping down suddenly. Other benefits include-

• They are smaller in size and lighter in weight than alkaline batteries.
• These batteries have a greater operational voltage, making them ideal for a constant power supply.
• They have a higher tolerance to discharge and can be used in a wider temperature range.
• These batteries have a longer shelf life than alkaline batteries and can last up to 10 years.

Overview of Alkaline Battery

Like silver oxide batteries, alkaline batteries are also primary batteries that use zinc as the negative electrode and manganese dioxide as the positive electrode. The electrolyte used in alkaline batteries is potassium hydroxide.

Alkaline batteries come in various shapes and sizes, from small button cells to large cylindrical batteries. They are less expensive to manufacture than silver oxide batteries and can last up to 3-5 years when stored properly at room temperature.

Voltage-wise, alkaline batteries offer a higher initial voltage but their voltage drops quickly as the battery drains. That’s why these batteries are not ideal for devices dependent on constant power.

What Is an Alkaline Battery Used for?

Alkaline batteries are often used in electronic devices that don’t require a constant power supply such as smoke detectors, torches, and remote controls. Since they boast a higher initial voltage, these batteries are also used in high-drain devices such as digital cameras and portable gaming devices.

Benefits of Alkaline Battery

The main benefit of alkaline batteries over silver oxide batteries is their price. Since they use materials that are more readily available, alkaline batteries are less expensive to manufacture.

Other benefits include-

• Alkaline batteries are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
• They combine long life and long shelf life.
• They have a higher initial voltage, making them ideal for high-drain devices.
• These batteries can last up to 3-5 years when stored properly.
• They’re safe to handle and easy to use.

Silver Oxide Vs Alkaline: Comparison Chart

The following chart will give you a quick overview of the main differences between silver oxide and alkaline batteries-

Factors	Silver Oxide	Alkaline
Chemical Composition	Silver oxide and zinc	Manganese dioxide and zinc
Voltage	Nominal-1.55V, cutoff-1.2	Nominal-1.5V, cutoff-0.9
Current Output	Comparatively lower	Comparatively higher
Annual Discharge rate	2-10%	10-15%
Shelf life	5-10 years	3-5 years
Power conservation	Up to 20% greater than alkaline	Usually less than Silver oxide
Suitable for	Delicate devices, Devices requiring a constant current	High-drain devices
Cost	Between $0.50 and $3.00	Between $0.20 and $1.00

What Are The Differences Between Silver Oxide And Alkaline Batteries?

Now that we’ve looked at the basics of silver oxide and alkaline batteries, let’s compare and contrast these two types of batteries in terms of their chemical composition, voltage, current, discharge rate, shelf life, cost, and more.

Chemical Composition

The main difference between silver oxide and alkaline batteries lies in their chemical composition. As we saw earlier, silver oxide batteries use silver oxide as the positive electrode while alkaline batteries use manganese dioxide.

In silver oxide batteries, the negative electrode is made of zinc and the electrolyte used is a mixture of potassium hydroxide and water. Besides that, it uses 3-7% powdered graphite as a conductive material to help with the internal chemical reaction. The purity of the silver used in these batteries is 99.99%.

On the other hand, alkaline batteries use metallic zinc as the negative electrode, substituting zinc chloride in zinc-carbon batteries. The electrolyte used is potassium hydroxide, which is a stronger alkali than the one used in silver oxide batteries, thus the name “alkaline.”

Voltage

A silver-oxide battery’s nominal voltage is 1.55V, and its cutoff voltage is 1.2V. However, the silver-oxide battery’s actual voltage remains highly stable during discharge, dropping only to 1.2V just before completion (based on temperature, age, current, etc.).

An alkaline battery’s nominal voltage is 1.5V and the cutoff voltage is 0.9V. The voltage of an alkaline battery during discharge also drops slowly over time, from 1.5V at the start to around 0.7V at end of discharge.

Current

The maximum current output of a silver-oxide battery is determined by the surface area of the positive electrode. For example, a 3.6V watch battery with a diameter of 10mm can output a maximum current of 0.1mA.

On the other hand, the maximum current output of an alkaline battery is determined by the reactivity of the manganese dioxide electrode. For example, an AA alkaline battery can output a maximum current of 3A.

So, if you need a battery for a device that requires high current output, an alkaline battery is a better option.

Discharge Rate

The annual discharge rate of a silver-oxide battery is much slower (avg. 2-10%) than that of an alkaline battery (avg. 10-15%). This is due to the slower chemical reaction of silver oxide when compared to manganese dioxide.

As a result, devices that require a constant current over a long period of time, such as heart-rate monitors or glucose meters, use silver oxide batteries.

Shelf Life

The shelf life of a silver-oxide battery can be up to 10 years, while the shelf life of an alkaline battery is about 3-5 years.

This is because silver oxide batteries are less reactive than alkaline batteries and therefore can last longer when not in use. Temperature also plays a role in shelf life, with higher temperatures reducing the shelf life of both types of batteries.

Size and Weight

Silver oxide batteries are available in a wide range of sizes, from the tiny button cells used in watches to larger batteries used in medical equipment. Alkaline batteries are also available in a variety of sizes, from AA to D, which are the most common sizes.

In terms of weight, silver oxide batteries tend to be lighter than alkaline batteries due to their lower electrolyte content.

Power Conservation

The flatter discharge curve and the higher voltage allow silver oxide batteries to hold more electrical charge than an alkaline battery of the same size. It is also possible for silver oxide to deliver as much as 20% more energy than alkaline batteries.

Stability

Compared to alkaline cells, Silver Oxide cells maintain a more stable voltage throughout their discharge cycle. They also produce less gassing under heavy loads, making them ideal for use in delicate electronic equipment.

On the other hand, alkaline batteries are more stable at high temperatures and have a higher maximum discharge current.

Applications

Silver oxide batteries are commonly used in small electronic devices requiring a longer shelf life, such as watches, calculators, and hearing aids. They are also used in larger medical devices such as heart-rate monitors and glucose meters.

Alkaline batteries are more commonly used in everyday devices such as flashlights, remote controls, and toys. They are also used in high-drain devices such as digital cameras and wireless mice.

Cost

The cost of silver oxide batteries is much higher than the cost of alkaline batteries. This is because silver is a more expensive metal than manganese, and silver oxide batteries have higher silver content.

Typically, silver oxide batteries cost between $0.50 and $3.00 each, while alkaline batteries cost between $0.20 and $1.00 each.

Is Silver Oxide Battery Better Than Alkaline?

The answer to this question depends on what you need the battery for. If you need a battery for a device that requires high current output, an alkaline battery would be the better choice.

However, if you need a battery for a device that requires a constant current over a long period of time, such as a heart-rate monitor or glucose meter, a silver oxide battery would be the better choice.

In terms of cost, silver oxide batteries are much more expensive than alkaline batteries. But let’s not forget the fact that silver oxide batteries can provide up to 20% more power than an alkaline battery of the same size.

And on the whole, when you consider the other key factors, such as discharge rate, shelf life, and stability, silver oxide batteries are generally the better choice performance-wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about silver oxide and alkaline batteries.

Are Silver Oxide Batteries The Same As Lithium Batteries?

No, silver oxide batteries are not the same as lithium batteries. Silver oxide batteries are primary batteries, with a voltage of 1.5 volts. Lithium batteries are secondary batteries, with a voltage of 3.5-3.7 volts. Besides, lithium batteries are secondary batteries, which means they can be recharged.

Do Silver Oxide Batteries Leak?

Yes, all batteries leak eventually. However, silver oxide batteries leak at a much slower rate than alkaline batteries, thanks to their chemical properties that make them more stable throughout a much longer period of time. Besides, their construction is such that they are less likely to leak in the first place.

Are Alkaline Batteries Safer Than Silver Oxide?

There is no clear answer to this question as both battery types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Alkaline batteries are more stable at high temperatures and have a higher discharge rate, making them more suitable for use in sensitive electronic equipment. On the other hand, silver oxide batteries have a longer shelf life and are less likely to leak.

How Long Do Silver Oxide And Alkaline Batteries Last?

The lifespan of a battery depends on many factors, such as type, brand, size, and operating conditions. In general, silver oxide batteries last longer than alkaline batteries. A silver oxide battery has a shelf life of around 5-10 years, while an alkaline battery has a shelf life of around 3-5 years.

Conclusion

Both silver oxide and alkaline batteries have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The type of battery you need will depend on the specific requirements of your device.

Usually, it’s a matter of tradeoffs. For instance, you may need to get an alkaline battery if you’ve got a high-drain device to run, while you’ll use silver oxide if you’re looking for a high-capacity solution that provides plenty of power in as little space as possible.

Of course, the right choice will depend on what your device needs are. And since there are also various size considerations, you’ll want to choose the right battery type for your device accordingly.