Abstract
The various theories on the behaviour of zinc in alkaline solutions, and some aspects of actual problems arising from the manufacturing of alkaline cells using a zinc electrode, are analysed.The thermodynamic constants and the conditions of formation of zinc oxides and hydroxides existing in alkaline medium are given. The dissolved species of zinc in alkaline solutions are considered and the relation between electrode potential, activities of dissolved species and pH is given.Anodic and cathodic behaviour of the zinc electrode is discussed, special attention being drawn to dissolution in the active state and to passivation phenomena. The conditions of formation and the nature of passive anode layers are described.Problems arising from utilization of zinc electrodes in primary and secondary alkaline cells are presented. Means to defer anodic passivation are discussed and the mechanism of dendrite formation during cathodic polarization is analysed. Possible interferences between positive and negative electrodes are also noted.
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