Natural discharge manganese powder:an important positive electrode raw material for primary batteries

Natural discharge manganese powder (a key form of natural manganese ore product) is indeed an economical 

and widely used positive electrode raw material for primary batteries (non-rechargeable batteries). Its 

application is closely linked to its unique chemical properties, cost advantages, and the working principle of primary 

batteries. Below is a detailed breakdown of its role, related battery types, performance characteristics, and application

 considerations:

1. Core Role in Primary Batteries: Why It’s Used as a Positive Electrode

The positive electrode of a battery is the site where reduction reactions occur during discharge. Natural discharge

 manganese powder (mainly composed of manganese dioxide, MnO₂, with small amounts of impurities like iron, 

silicon, and aluminum) acts as the "oxidizing agent" in primary batteries—its manganese element 

(in the +4 oxidation state, Mn⁴⁺) gains electrons during discharge, driving the battery to release electrical energy.

Its core function can be understood through the simplified reaction mechanism of a typical primary 

battery (taking the zinc-manganese dry battery as an example):

• Anode (negative electrode, zinc casing): Oxidation reaction occurs—zinc (Zn) loses electrons to

• form zinc ions (Zn²⁺),  

• Cathode (positive electrode, manganese powder): Reduction reaction occurs—Mn⁴⁺ in MnO₂

• gains electrons and combines with water (H₂O) and hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the electrolyte to form

• manganese(III) oxide (Mn₂O₃) and water, 

In this process, natural manganese powder provides the necessary "electron-accepting sites" for

 the battery—without its reducibility, the battery cannot complete the electron transfer cycle, and

 electrical energy cannot be output.

2. Main Primary Battery Types Using Natural Discharge Manganese Powder

Natural discharge manganese powder is most commonly used in zinc-manganese dry 

batteries—the most widely produced and used primary battery type globally (accounting for over 70% 

of primary battery output). It is mainly applied in two subcategories:

• Leclanché battery (ordinary dry battery): The traditional zinc-manganese battery(e.g., AA/AAA batteries

• labeled "R03/R6"). Its positive electrode is a mixture of natural manganese powder, carbon powder (to

• improve conductivity), and electrolyte (ammonium chloride solution). It is low-cost, suitable for low-current

• devices (such as remote controls, clocks, and small toys).

• Alkaline zinc-manganese battery: An upgraded version of the Leclanché battery. Although some

• high-performance alkaline batteries use electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) for better

• discharge performance,

• mid-to-low-end alkaline batteries still use natural manganese powder (or a blend of natural and electrolytic

• manganese powder) to balance cost and performance. It is suitable for medium-current devices (such as

• portable radios and small flashlights).