[EvaH (OP)]

Michael got in touch to ask:

Why can’t batteries such as AA and AAA size be recharged? What’s the difference between regular batteries and rechargeable especially lithium versions? Is this a “Big Battery” conspiracy to sell  more batteries, or are there valid reasons?

We'll be answering this on next week's show, but what do you think?

[alancalverd]

'Twas ever thus. The answer, in one word, is Chemistry.

[Winfort]

Rechargeable batteries are reusable power sources that can be recharged many times - at least several hundred times. This is less damaging to the environment, for which batteries are toxic.

Rechargeable batteries are in the same format as conventional batteries, most commonly AA and AAA. They are labelled Rechargeable and their capacity in milliampere hours (mAh) is indicated on the case. Rechargeable batteries discharge faster than rechargeable batteries, but make up for this by the number of recharging cycles.

To recharge rechargeable batteries you need a special device that you plug into an outlet. This is usually sold with the batteries. The most common rechargers are available for AA and AAA formats with the ability to charge two or four batteries at the same time. There are also universal chargers to charge all popular battery formats.

[Colin2B]

Rechargeable batteries are reusable power sources that can be recharged many times .........

While you were busy trying to spam us you might have had the decency to answer the question.

[katieHaylor]

This question has now been answered on the show. You can listen here - https://www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/question-week/why-arent-all-batteries-rechargeable

[VinsonPerez]

how Are YOU?

[Kryptid]

how Are YOU?

Please don't spam. This isn't the appropriate thread for that.

[CliffordK]

I have to think the answer is somewhat more complex than simple battery type. 

I'm pretty sure years ago I have recharged alkaline batteries.  One can often get a couple of charge cycles out of them, but they also have a tendency to leak, so I try to avoid using them too long.

Button batteries can be marketed as either rechargeable (for example LIR2032), vs non rechargeable (CR2032).  I think the anodes/cathodes may have slightly different chemistries, but one can often get a couple of charge cycles out of the non-rechargeable button cells.

The non-rechargeable batteries often have many more amp hours. 

I wonder if it is not as much of a chemistry issue, but rather a matrix issue.  So the anode/cathode doesn't get fully reconstituted with each charging cycle. 

This is also the reason why some batteries can last a very long time if light cycled, but can be destroyed quickly if deep cycled.

[Petrochemicals]

How, prey tell, do these work then?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SBC1001-Battery-Alkaline-Batteries-Rechargeable/dp/B00872D8WU