Abstract: This invention relates to batteries and to materials for use therein, and in particular to batteries of the type which utilize silver positive electrodes and alkaline electrolytes.Specifically a battery electrode comprises silver (II) oxide and carries at least on a portion of its surface a layer or coating or deposit of an organosilicon compound.A composition of matter suitable for use in battery electrodes comprises a compound having the formula R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 SiOH, in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different and are selected from alkyl, aryl, alkaryl and aralkyl groups and substituted derivatives thereof.