Abstract: An improved electrode useful in electrochemical cells utilizes as the electrochemically active material zinc, zinc oxide, cadmium, cadmium oxide or a mixture of two or more of these materials. This electrochemically active material is preferably in the form of a shape-retaining body and is in direct contact with a novel current collector resistant to corrosion in strong alkaline electrolytes. The current collector is an alloy having at least about 40% of bismuth and at least about 25% of lead, by weight of the alloy. In one preferred embodiment the alloy consists entirely or essentially of bismuth and lead. In another embodiment, the alloy also includes at least one of the metals cadmium and tin. A useful collector can be formed by casting an alloy having about 50% bismuth, 27% lead, 13% tin and 10% cadmium, by weight of the alloy.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas evolution in secondary alkaline batteries which utilize zinc electrodes is reduced by incorporating mercury-free additives in the negative interseparators of such batteries. The additives disclosed herein are certain electrolyte-soluble compounds of lead, cadmium and tin.