Low discharge rate alkaline battery

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention provides a battery which comprises an aluminum anode, an alkali electrolyte of controlled concentration and containing sodium stannate (e.
g.
, 10-20 grams per liter) and a silver oxide cathode.
The alkali electrolyte is dissolved in seawater, distilled water or tap water wherein the alkali concentration is between about 1 and 3 molar.
The performance of the battery is enhanced by high temperatures, from about 45.
degree.
to 55.
degree.
C.
and modest electrolyte flow velocities of about 200 to 800 centimeters per minute.
When operated at low discharge rates of between about 30 and 100 milliamps per centimeter square (mA/cm.
sup.
2), high cell voltages of between 1.
85 and 2.
074 volts per cell and high operating efficiencies of 85% or higher are obtained.
It has been discovered that these high efficiencies are not obtained at the lower rates (less than about 50 mA) when the alkali concentration in the electrolyte exceeds about 3 molar or when temperatures exceed about 55.
degree.
C.