Button cell (lozenge battery) - definition
Button cell (lozenge battery) - definition
The button cell (lozenge battery) is a compact electrical power source with a cylindrical design, characterised by its small dimensions and flat profile. Its construction is based on a metal enclosure acting as the electrical poles, where the outer casing is the positive pole and the bottom of the cylinder is the negative pole. The interior of the cell contains electrolyte and electrodes made of electrochemically active materials, which allows the generation of electromotive force due to redox reactions.
The chemical structure of a button cell determines its voltage characteristics and energy capacity. The most commonly used technologies include lithium, alkaline, silver-oxide and zinc-air cells, which differ in electrode composition and operating characteristics. Lithium cells offer high energy density and long life, while silver-oxide cells are distinguished by their stable voltage and low self-discharge, making them particularly suitable for precision devices.
Due to their small size and high reliability, button cells are widely used in electronic devices that require a long-term, stable power supply with minimal current consumption. They are used in quartz watches, calculators, hearing aids, medical implants and battery-backed memory systems. Their hermetic design provides resistance to moisture and environmental factors, which is key in applications with high performance requirements.
The electrical characteristics of a button cell include output voltage stability over a wide temperature range and the ability to operate under low current load conditions. In the case of zinc-air cells, a design with holes to allow oxygen access to the cathode allows for high energy capacity while maintaining a lightweight and compact structure. Systems requiring precise energy management use advanced voltage monitoring and over-discharge protection methods to increase cell life and optimise operational efficiency.
Recycling and disposal issues for button cells arise from the presence of heavy metals and chemicals that can pose a risk to the environment. Modern manufacturing technologies focus on reducing mercury and cadmium content and developing environmentally friendly methods of recovering active materials, thereby reducing the negative impact on the ecosystem and improving the life-cycle efficiency of these cells.
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