drycell

Dry cell is a type of electrochemical cell in which the electrolyte is a paste rather than a free liquid. This design makes the cell compact, portable, and less prone to leakage, which contributed to the widespread use of dry cells in consumer electronics.

The most common modern dry cells are zinc–carbon and alkaline batteries. The original Leclanché cell, developed in the 1860s, used a zinc case as the anode, a carbon rod as the positive electrode, and a paste electrolyte of ammonium chloride and manganese dioxide. In zinc–carbon cells, the manganese dioxide acts as a depolarizer and the paste electrolyte facilitates ion transport. Alkaline dry cells substitute a high-purity manganese dioxide cathode with a potassium hydroxide paste electrolyte, yielding higher energy density and longer shelf life.

Construction typically features a cylindrical zinc can that forms the anode, a central carbon rod as the cathode, a paste-based electrolyte, a porous separator to keep electrodes apart, and an outer wrapper with a vent for gas. The design is sealed and intended for single use in most common sizes (A, AA, AAA, C, D, and button cells).

Most dry cells are primary batteries, meaning they are not designed for long-term recharge. Rechargeable variants exist (notably some nickel-based cells) but are less common in everyday consumer products. Dry cells remain popular for devices that require compact, inexpensive, readily available power sources.

Safety and disposal guidelines emphasize avoiding leakage, heat, or flame exposure, and recycling where possible due to metal content and electrolytes.