Highlighting the key differences, similarities, and applications of LR44 and 357 batteries

To reap the relevant source of power supply, it would be very crucial to know the parameters about a battery such as its energy capacity and its dimensions too. So, in this article, we shall begin our adventure with highlighting the peculiarities of the LR44 compared with the 357 batteries, their points of contact and landmark uses.

LR44 Battery vs 357 Battery: Key Differences

LR44 Battery vs 357 Battery: Key Similarities

Since we have a quick take on emphasizing the comparative factors as well as the similarities, now let us comprehensively explore more about LR44 Battery and 357 Battery.

What is LR44 Battery?

LR44 is the size of a button, alkaline battery, but not rechargeable, that are utilized in appliances such as watches, thermometers, calculators and toys, among other items. It provides continuous power to low drain electronics.

The wide availability and low cost of the LR44 make it suitable for most household devices. It is not rechargeable, but it is a reliable power supply at a lower cost to small devices.

Chemical Composition of an LR44 Battery

● Type: Alkaline button cell battery

● Anode (Negative Electrode): Zinc (Zn)

● Cathode (Positive Electrode): Manganese dioxide (MnO₂)

● Electrolyte: Alkaline potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution

● Separator: Usually a porous material soaked with electrolyte to separate anode and cathode while allowing ionic flow

At the Anode (Negative Electrode):

1. Zinc metal is oxidized to zincate ions, releasing electrons: Zn(s) + 4OH⁻ (aq) → Zn(OH)₄²⁻ ​(aq) + 2e⁻

2. The zincate ion then decomposes to form Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and water: Zn(OH)₄²⁻​→ZnO(s) + H₂​O(l) + 2OH⁻

At the Cathode (Positive Electrode):

1. Reduction reaction takes place when Manganese Dioxide reacts with water and electrons.

2. 2MnO₂​(s) + H₂​O(l) + 2e⁻ → Mn₂​O₃​(s) + 2OH⁻(aq)

Cell Reaction (Anode + Cathode): 

Electrochemical Reaction: Zn(s) + 2MnO₂​(s) → ZnO(s) + Mn₂​O₃​(s)

Benefits of LR44 Battery

1. LR44 batteries are quite prevalent and readily available both at the shops and online on a global scale.

2. LR44 batteries tend to be relatively cheap to other kinds of button cells such as silver oxide.

3. LR44 are suitable in small, portable devices due to their form; small and in the button-cell form factor.

4. LR44 provides a voltage of 1.5V suitable for many electronic devices with low power requirements.

5. Compared to older mercury batteries, LR44s are less toxic and can last for 3-5 years when stored properly.

DURACELL LR44 battery

Disadvantages of LR44 Battery

1. LR44 batteries typically have lower battery capacity in comparison to silver oxide batteries like the 357.

2. Voltage drops rapidly during discharge resulting to non-performance.

3. LR44 are not suitable for devices with high-drain applications due to shorter runtime.

4. LR44 offers less stable voltage in comparison to silver oxide button cells such as the 357.

5. LR44 Battery can be hazardous to environment if not disposed or recycled properly.

Applications of LR44 Battery

1. Used in small electronic toys, especially those with lights or sounds.

2. Common power source for many handheld calculators and laser pointers.

3. Frequently used in medical and household thermometers.

4. Some blood glucose meters and other portable medical devices use LR44 batteries.

5. Used in gadgets with low power consumption and in lower-end watches.

LR44 Battery Equivalents

Pricing and Availability of the LR44 Batteries

LR44 Batteries can be purchased from the website of unikeyic Electronics for a bundle price of $8.87.

What is 357 or SR44 Battery??

The silver oxide SR44 (also called 357 battery) is a 1.55V battery of button cell type. It is well placed in smaller electronic gadgets where a constant and stable flow of power is needed so they can use it in watches, calculators, medical equipment and even laser pointers.

It is notable that this battery is appreciated due to a long shelf life, stable voltage of output and a high energy density in comparison to alkaline equivalents. The 357/SR44 is also a stable product in precision equipment when there is a must on standard performance.

Chemical Composition of a 357 Battery:

● Anode (Negative Electrode): Zinc (Zn)

● Cathode (Positive Electrode): Silver Oxide (Ag₂O)

● Electrolyte: Usually an alkaline solution such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

Electrochemical Reaction inside a 357 Battery:

● At the Anode (Oxidation): Zn(s) + 2OH− → Zn(OH)2​(s) + 2e−

● At the Cathode (Reduction): Ag2​O(s) + H2​O + 2e− → 2Ag(s) + 2OH−

● Overall Cell Reaction: Zn(s) + Ag2​O(s) → Zn(OH)2​(s) + 2Ag(s)

Benefits of 357 Battery

1) Delivers a steady voltage of about 1.55 V during much of its discharge cycle.

2) Designed with a larger capacity (~165-180 mAh) in the same size as alkaline LR44 (~110-130 mAh).

3) Low Self-Discharge Rate 357 Battery is useful in High-Drain Applications.

4) The 357 Battery has good performance at a wider temperature range of environment with a stable capacity and voltage.

5) 357 Batteries are mostly non-toxic and more environmentally friendly.

Seiko Instruments SR44SW-5SE battery

Disadvantages of 357 Battery

1) Silver oxide batteries are generally more expensive than alkaline equivalents like LR44 due to the precious metal content (silver).

2) 357 Batteries are not widely available and can lead to environmental hazard due to improper disposal.

3) Silver oxide batteries like 357 have good shelf life but are generally outlasted by lithium coin cells in storage.

4) 357 batteries are primary button cells which cannot be recharged further if depleted.

Applications of 357 Battery

1) Used in small toys and electronic gadgets where long-lasting power sources are required.

2) Found in remote controls for cameras and certain portable electronic devices.

3) It can act as a power supply to light meters, analog wristwatches, laser pointers and pocket calculators.

4) Applied in medical equipment such as glucometer, hearing aids and digital thermometers where the seriousness of accuracy and stability are vital.

Pricing and Availability of the 357 Batteries

357 batteries can be purchased from the website of Unikeyic Electronics for a bundle price of $3.41.