Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

I've always used either two S-76 Silver Oxide or two LR44 Alkaline-manganese batteries however I'm thinking about changing over to a single 3V CR 1/3N Lithium power cell. Anyone have experience with the Lithium power cell, or are you still using twin Silver Oxide or Alkaline-Manganese batteries.

Reason for this query is to use the most eco-friendly power source. Current marketing "wisdom"? is claiming that lithium-ion batteries are the most popular eco-friendly option (the logical here is they strike a balance between sustainability and performance). This battery uses lithium ions to move an electrical charge between the battery's positive and negative electrodes.

That said there is no free lunch here... My background in Geology reminds me that lithium-ion, solid-state, and flow batteries require the extraction of raw materials like cobalt, metal salts, and lithium. For Lithium that is almost entirely from The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which btw is the main source of cobalt globally—in fact, well over 70% of the world's cobalt comes from these mines

The ugly t***h here is that the US Department of Labor is now finally informing the public of the horrific working conditions in many of these mines.

"Our research shows that lithium-ion batteries are produced with an input—cobalt—made by child labor."
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods/supply-chains/lithium-ion-batteries

But wait, the Nikon F3 battery is so small and lasts for up to one year?
The Paradox is where does one draw a line in the sand...

Albeit I'm still undecided on Lithium batteries at this juncture and will probably simply go with Alkaline-Manganese instead.... Your thoughts?

Enough said...
Happy Thanksgiving and best wishes for much Joy and Family Sharing during this special time of year.

rcarol

My concern would be the voltage output of one battery technology vs the other. Have you researched this aspect?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Perhaps do this:
Certified not to have child labor, have living wages, guaranteed human rights for all and environmentally friendly extraction and restoration.
Otherwise cannot be imported into the USA.

thom w Loc: San Jose, CA

1.5 +1.5 is 3, I see no problem. If a single lithium is thinner than 2 alkaline, shimming the cell seams a reasonable alternative. If it spends more time on the shelf than being used, the lithium will far outlast the others.

thom w Loc: San Jose, CA

I'm not against that, but expect the price to rise dramatically.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

So we currently pay through the nose for oil etc. For such.