Current Collector for Catalytic Electrode

An electrochemical cell comprising a catalytic electrode, a counter electrode, a separator disposed between the catalytic electrode and the counter electrode, and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, all contained within a cell housing having one or more ports for the passage of a gas through the housing to or from the catalytic electrode, wherein:

• the catalytic electrode comprises a first side facing the separator, a second side opposite the first side and in fluid communication with the one or more ports, a catalytic layer comprising a catalytic material capable of reducing oxygen, and a porous current collector at least partially embedded in the catalytic material;
• the current collector has a first side corresponding to the first side of the catalytic electrode and a second side corresponding to the second side of the catalytic electrode;
• and
• the current collector comprises a substrate with an electrically conductive protective metal surface layer in contact with the catalytic material on one of the first side and the second side and a coating including electrically conductive particles in contact with the catalytic material on the other of the first side and the second side.