Can primary batteries be recharged?

Primary batteries are designed for single-use applications and cannot be recharged effectively. They generate electrical energy through a chemical reaction that is not reversible. Once the chemical components in a primary battery are depleted, they cannot be restored to their original state by reversing the chemical reaction, which is essential for recharging.

In contrast, secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride batteries, are specifically designed to undergo charge and discharge cycles and can be replenished multiple times. Understanding the difference between these two types of batteries helps highlight why primary batteries cannot be reused or recharged once their energy has been exhausted, making the assertion that they cannot be charged accurately reflect their intended design and use.