system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
What's the difference between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries?

Why are the rechargeable batteries more expensive than normal batteries? 

Edit: thank you everybody for the answers!
gpt
There are many differences between rechargeable batteries (a group of secondary cells) and non-rechargeable batteries (a group of primary cells) the main differences being the materials used as cathode, anode and electrolyte in the battery as well as the shape, construction and purpose of the battery (pacemakers, emergency lighting, portable power tools all have different energy requirements and associated costs).

A primary cell is a battery that is designed to be used once and discarded, and not recharged with electricity and reused like a secondary cell (rechargeable battery). 

In general, the electrochemical reaction occurring in a primary cell is not reversible, rendering the cell unrechargeable. As a primary cell is used, chemical reactions in the battery use up the chemicals that generate the power; when they are gone, the battery stops producing electricity and is useless. 

In contrast, in a secondary cell, the reaction can be reversed by running a current into the cell with a battery charger to recharge it, regenerating the chemical reactants.

The processes and materials required to produce secondary cells are more expensive than those of primary cells so rechargeable batteries have a higher initial cost but tend to be more economical in the long run as you can usually recharge the battery up to 1000 times.