Zinc-Carbon Battery (Leclanché Cell)

Zn + 2MnO₂ + 2NH₄Cl → ZnCl₂ + Mn₂O₃ + 2NH₃ + H₂O

Overview

The zinc-carbon cell uses a zinc casing as anode and a carbon rod surrounded by MnO₂ paste as cathode, with ammonium chloride paste electrolyte. Cell voltage is about 1.5 V. Invented by Georges Leclanché in 1866, it was the dominant primary battery for over a century before being largely replaced by alkaline cells.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Zinc Zn	1	(s)
Reactant	Manganese Dioxide MnO₂	2	(s)
Reactant	Ammonium Chloride NH₄Cl	2	(s)
Product	Water H₂O	1	(l)

Everyday Example

The cheapest AA and AAA batteries at the store are zinc-carbon cells, suitable for low-drain devices like remote controls and clocks.

Industrial Importance

Zinc-carbon batteries still account for billions of units sold annually in developing countries due to their low cost.

Properties

Type: Electrochemical
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -280.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alkaline Battery Discharge Anodizing of Aluminum Cathodic Protection (Zinc Sacrificial Anode) Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis Chrome Electroplating Copper Electroplating Daniell Cell (Zinc-Copper Galvanic Cell) Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction to CO Electrochemical Machining (ECM) Electrolysis of Molten NaCl (Downs Process)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Zinc-Carbon Battery (Leclanché Cell)?

The balanced equation is: Zn + 2MnO₂ + 2NH₄Cl → ZnCl₂ + Mn₂O₃ + 2NH₃ + H₂O.

What type of reaction is Zinc-Carbon Battery (Leclanché Cell)?

Zinc-Carbon Battery (Leclanché Cell) is a electrochemical reaction.

Is Zinc-Carbon Battery (Leclanché Cell) exothermic or endothermic?

Zinc-Carbon Battery (Leclanché Cell) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -280.0 kJ/mol.