Mercuryzellen

Mercuryzellen, also known as mercury cells, are a type of primary battery that uses a paste made from mercury(II) oxide and zinc powder as the anode. The cathode is typically made from a paste of powdered carbon and mercury(II) oxide. The electrolyte is a paste of potassium hydroxide. When the cell is discharged, the mercury(II) oxide is reduced to metallic mercury, which is deposited on the carbon cathode. The zinc anode is oxidized to zinc oxide, which dissolves in the electrolyte. The cell has a high energy density and a long shelf life, making it suitable for applications where weight and space are critical, such as in hearing aids and certain types of watches. However, due to environmental concerns and the toxicity of mercury, the use of mercury cells has declined in recent years. They are now largely replaced by non-toxic alternatives such as alkaline batteries.