Abstract
The effect of additives on current distribution during formation of a pasted zinc electrode was investigated in a two‐electrode zinc‐nickel oxide cell with a sectioned nickel oxide electrode. The zinc electrodes consisted of zinc oxide, a PTFE binder, and small weight percentage additions of the oxides of high hydrogen overvoltage metals. The square nickel oxide electrode was divided into sixteen square sections, consisting of four center and twelve edge sections. It was assumed that the current to each section was an exact measure of the current to that section of the zinc electrode that was in register with the section. In the case of zinc electrodes with no additive, the average current density at the edge sections was about twice that found at the center sections. Additions of 
, 
, 
, and 
had little effect on the current distribution. Additions of 
and 
resulted in very even current distribution over the electrode area. Anomalous effects were found with 
additions because of leaching of the additive into the electrolyte at the electrode edges.