Low mercury or mercury free alkaline manganese dioxide-zinc cell

摘要

Low mercury or mercury free primary or secondary alkaline manganese dioxide-zinc cell that comprises a manganese dioxide cathode with a manganese dioxide active material and a conductive powder. The active material and powder are uniformly mixed and pressed to form a porous cathode body. The cell further comprises a gelled zinc anode, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an alkaline electrolyte. The anode gel comprises a modified starch as a gelling agent capable of releasing hydrogen gases developed during slow corrosion of zinc in the anode. A hydrogen recombination system can be used in the cell to limit inside pressure within permitted limits by recombining the evolved hydrogen.