From what I have read, the battery operated ones usually use ionization detection which is more prone to false detection from dust and other particles in the air. The photoelectric ones are supposed to be less susceptible to dust but supposedly, there are some that have better dust exclusion barriers that should further reduce false detection. Putting them farther away from heavy dust sources may help.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.