a battery and a method for its operation are described . the battery comprises a caustic - based metal , e . g . aluminum , battery with a cathode adapted to reduce oxygen and a metal anode positioned in spaced juxtaposed relation to the cathode to define therewith an anode - cathode gap for receiving electrolyte to form an anode - cathode pair electrically coupled by electrolyte . the battery contains an alkaline electrolyte and seed particles adapted to decrease passivation of the anode during discharge of the battery . the seed particles are α - alumina of very fine particle size distribution obtained by calcination of high - purity alum .