By means of immersion test, a.c. impedance measurements and a bidirectional polarization study, a new type of composite addition agent has been developed for completely substituting mercury (compound) in zinc/manganese dry cells. Type R6P (AA-size, high power) mercury-free dry cells assembled with pasted electrolyte paper that contains this addition agent instead of mercuric chloride have showed satisfactory performance. For example, 95% of the original discharge capacity is still retained after storage for one year.