Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries will gradually lose their charge over time even when they are not in use. In order to get the maximum possible usability out of these batteries, following a few storage tips will help increase their lifespan.
Packaging:
One easy tip is to keep new batteries sealed in their original packaging. This protects batteries from dust and humidity which can both hurt the lifespan of a battery. Keeping them sealed also makes sure that the new batteries will not be mixed up with used ones. The other reason that new batteries should be kept separate from used ones is that if they are placed close together, it is possible for the older battery to conduct electricity from the new battery and slowly discharge it.
Direction:
If you do have to take new batteries out of the packaging for storage, they should be arranged so that the positive terminals are facing one direction while the negative terminals are facing the other. If positive and negative terminals touch, or are even close to each other, they can idly conduct electricity and discharge each other. Batteries should also be taken out of their devices if they will not be used for some time for this same reason.
Temperature:
Storage temperature is another factor that changes the lifespan of a battery. When regular alkaline batteries are stored at room temperature, they discharge at a rate of about two per cent per year. As the temperature goes up, batteries lose their charge at a faster rate. When they are stored at 85 degrees, they lose about 5 per cent of their charge per year, and if the temperature reaches 100 degrees, batteries can lose 25 per cent of their charge per year.
Rechargeable:
Rechargeable batteries lose their charge at an even greater rate. At room temperature, NiCd and NiMH batteries can lose 40 per cent of their charge in only 30 days. Because lower temperature also lowers the self-discharge rate of batteries, storing them in the freezer will dramatically lower the discharge rate of rechargeable batteries. After the same 30 days in the freezer, a rechargeable battery will only lose 4 per cent of its original charge. Batteries stored in the freezer should be placed in a zip lock bag so they will not be in contact with moisture. Standard alkaline batteries will only have a minuscule reduction in their discharge rate when stored in a freezer and is not really worth the hassle.
State-of-charge
Another storage tip for rechargeable batteries has to do with how much charge the battery is holding. When storing rechargeable batteries, they should be stored at a 40 per cent state-of-charge. When batteries are stored at this state, they will lose their charge at a lower rate. For example, a lithium-ion battery with a 40 per cent charge stored at room temperature will still have a charge of 96 per cent after 3 months. If the exact same battery was stored at a full 100 per cent charge, it would only have a charge of 80 per cent after three months.
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