Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stable divalent silver oxide depolarizer mix wherein the mix is treated with a mild reducing solution of a reducing agent such as methanol followed by a treatment with a strong reducing solution of a reducing agent such as hydrazine to form a layer of silver on the surface of the depolarizer mix. The depolarizer mix is specially prepared for use in a primary alkaline cell which is discharged at a single voltage plateau, and the preliminary treatment of the mix with the mild reducing solution permits the incorporation of greater amounts of divalent silver oxide in the mix, thereby increasing the electrochemical capacity while still providing a single voltage plateau discharge. The treatment with the mild reducing solution generally requires soaking the mix in a solution containing a reducing agent for up to about 10 minutes and may be carried out at either room or elevated temperature.

Abstract: A primary alkaline cell having a stable divalent silver oxide depolarizer mix comprising a negative electrode (anode), a divalent silver oxide (AgO) depolarizer mix, a separator between said negative electrode and depolarizer mix, and an alkaline electrolyte. The surface of the depolarizer mix is treated with a mild reducing solution to form a reduced layer surrounding the mix, and the surface of the reduced layer adjacent to the separator is coated with a layer of silver. The reduced layer surrounding the depolarizer mix in combination with the layer of silver provides improved stability of the depolarizer mix in the alkaline electrolyte and a single voltage plateau during discharge of the cell. The primary alkaline cell is characterized by a maximum open circuit voltage of about 1.75 volts.