what substances is found in battery
1 A variety of substances are used in lithium batteries, but a common combination is a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and a carbon anode. 2  Lead-acid battery (rechargeable) : This is the chemistry used in a typical car battery. Zinc-carbon battery: The zinc-carbon chemistry is common in many inexpensive AAA, AA, C and D dry cell batteries. 2  The anode is zinc, the cathode is manganese dioxide, and the electrolyte is ammonium chloride or zinc chloride. 3  Alkaline battery: This chemistry is also common in AA, C and D dry cell batteries.