Patent ID: 7179310

Claim:
A method of forming an anode for a zinc/air cell having an anode cavity therein, comprising the step of: a) forming a wet mixture comprising zinc particles, a binder comprising polyvinylalcohol and a gelling agent, and water; a.1) inserting said wet mixture into a mold cavity; a.2) applying pressure to said wet mixture in said mold cavity thereby compacting said wet mixture within said mold cavity; a.3) ejecting said compacted wet mixture from said mold cavity thereby producing a molded wet mixture having a molded shape, whereupon said molded wet mixture retains its molded shape; b) drying said molded wet mixture to evaporate water therein and thereby producing a dry solid mass comprising said zinc particles, said solid mass retaining its molded shape; c) inserting said solid mass into the anode cavity of a zinc/air cell; and d) adding an aqueous alkaline electrolyte to the anode cavity whereby said aqueous electrolyte is absorbed by said solid mass, said aqueous electrolyte activates said gelling agent, and thereby forms said anode.