| abstract |
A primary and/or secondary battery cell is disclosed in which the high electrochemical capacity and high voltage obtainable from the alkali metal-oxygen system is achieved without the inherent risk of the explosively violent reaction of the alkali metal with the aqueous catholyte of the cell by interposing an ion-permeable but water-impermeable substantially insoluble laminar membrane-diaphragm between said metal and said aqueous electrolyte. The laminar membrane-diaphragm comprises a supporting microporous material such as, for example, a ceramic material which is fused or otherwise attached to a thin nonporous substantially catholyte insoluble alkali metal composition which is permeable to the alkali metal ions. |