Which type of battery is designed to be used only once and cannot be recharged?

The type of battery that is designed to be used only once and cannot be recharged is a primary battery. Primary batteries are typically non-rechargeable and are intended for single-use applications. They undergo a chemical reaction that generates electric energy until the reactants are depleted. Common examples of primary batteries include alkaline batteries and lithium batteries that power household devices like remotes and flashlights.

In contrast, lead-acid batteries and secondary batteries (also known as rechargeable batteries) can be recharged after they have been depleted so that they can be used multiple times. Pumped storage batteries, while also not widely recognized as traditional battery types, are used for energy storage in power grid applications but do not fit the category of disposable batteries. Thus, the key characteristic of primary batteries—that they are designed for one-time use without recharging—validates the selection as the correct answer.