>>2998
If you have a working microwave at hand, you probably don't need batteries.
Also, you can only change the rate at which the reaction takes place. This is the kinetic aspect of a reaction. The result will always have the same yield. This is the thermodynamic aspect of a reaction. In order to change the yield, you'd need to use different reagents or work at a different temperature, but I don't know the specifics.
In other words, a microwave would be needed only if you want to do it faster.