What type of battery does not contain free or liquid electrolyte?

A dry-cell battery is characterized by its absence of free or liquid electrolyte, as it uses a paste electrolyte instead. This design allows the battery to be more compact, portable, and easier to store and transport without the risk of spilling. The solid or gel-like nature of the electrolyte in dry cells also contributes to a high energy density and enables operation in various positions without leakage.

In contrast, other types of batteries mentioned, such as wet-cell batteries, contain a liquid electrolyte that can flow freely within the battery casing, which is not suitable for applications that require greater portability or spill resistance. Lithium batteries can come in both dry and wet configurations, but many popular consumer lithium-ion batteries do use liquid electrolytes. Nickel-cadmium batteries also generally contain a liquid electrolyte, making them distinct from dry-cell batteries. Thus, it is the dry-cell battery that is specifically noted for its lack of free or liquid electrolyte.