A method of forming an anode comprising zinc for a zinc/air cell. The
method involves mixing zinc particles with binders including preferably
polyvinylalcohol, surfactant and water to form a wet paste. The wet paste
is compacted and molded into the near shape of the cell's anode cavity
and then heated to evaporate water. A solid porous zinc mass is formed
wherein the zinc particles are held bound within a network with
microscopic void spaces between the zinc particles. The solid mass can be
inserted into the cell's anode cavity and aqueous alkaline electrolyte,
preferably comprising potassium hydroxide, then added. The solid mass
absorbs the aqueous electrolyte and expands to fill the anode cavity to
form the final fresh anode.