For utilizing the chemical energy of a sugar directly as electric energy,
electrolytic oxidation of a sugar on the negative electrode associated
with cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond thereof is employed, thereby
generating an electromotive force between the positive electrode and the
negative electrode having an electrolyte therebetween. For an efficient
oxidation of a sugar, it is effective for the negative electrode to have
a component capable of forming a coordination compound with a sugar via a
hydroxyl group thereof. Such a component may comprise a metal element
capable of forming an amphoteric hydroxide. Use of an oxygen electrode as
the positive electrode gives a battery capable of efficiently converting
the chemical energy of a sugar into electric energy.