How the Modern Alkaline Battery Was Invented

A 1957 patent from Union Carbide that defined the construction of the long-lasting alkaline battery, replacing older zinc-carbon designs.

What it covers

This patent describes a specific chemical and physical structure for a dry cell battery. It focuses on the arrangement of the anode and cathode materials to improve energy density and shelf life. By using a specific electrolyte and separator configuration, it allows the battery to maintain a steady voltage over a longer period compared to the older Leclanche cells that were standard at the time.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover lithium-ion or other rechargeable battery chemistries.
• —Does not cover the internal circuitry of the devices the battery powers.
• —Does not cover button-cell batteries with different structural sealing methods.

The clever bit

The innovation was in the structural geometry of the cell, which allowed for a much larger surface area of the active materials, significantly reducing internal resistance.

Why it matters

This invention was the foundation for the Eveready Energizer brand. It moved the world away from unreliable, short-lived batteries toward the high-performance alkaline cells that powered the portable electronics boom of the 1970s and 80s.

Real-world examples

• 1.Standard AA and AAA alkaline batteries
• 2.Eveready Energizer batteries