Alkaline cell with performance enhancing particle distribution

Alkaline electrochemical cells having extended service life and acceptable gassing and corrosion properties are disclosed. Zinc particles having a defined distribution of particle sizes, for example at least 70 % of the particles having a particle size within a 100 micron size range distribution, are incorporated into a zinc anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture can have a reduced hydroxide concentration. An amphoteric surfactant can be incorporated into the gelled anode mixture, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant or a sulfonic acid type organic surfactant or both.