Electrode assemblies incorporating ion exchange materials

A rechargeable battery cell comprising:

• an anode comprising a plurality of particles comprising zinc (Zn);
• an ion exchange material in a form of a layer arranged to define an interpenetrating interface with at least a portion of the anode, thereby at least partially embedding the anode in the ion exchange material, wherein:
• the interpenetrating interface is formed by one or more of melting, fusing, laminating, or pressure attachment of the ion exchange material, in the form of the layer, with the anode,
• the ion exchange material comprises a polymeric material and one or more groups, attached to the polymeric material, and selected from the group consisting of a sulfonic acid, a quaternary amino group, a carboxylic acid group, a primary amino group, a secondary amino group, and a tertiary amino group, and
• the ion exchange material, in the form of the layer, contacts at least a portion of the plurality of particles of the anode;
• a cathode, wherein the ion exchange material is positioned and provides ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode;
• and
• a liquid alkaline electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode and providing ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode.