Electrochemical cells including a conductive matrix

An electrochemical cell, comprising:

• a housing having an interior surface defining a volume;
• an elongated separator disposed in the volume, defining an axis of the cell, the separator having an inner surface and an outer surface;
• the inner surface defining a first compartment comprising a cathode material;
• and the outer surface of the separator and the interior surface of the housing defining a second compartment having a volume,
• a conductive thin sheet disposed in the second compartment, wherein the conductive thin sheet substantially conforms to a shape defined by the outer surface of the separator such that a channel is formed between the conductive thin sheet and the outer surface of the separator;
• and
• a conductive matrix disposed in a portion of the second compartment volume such that the conductive matrix occupies a gap between an outer surface of the conductive thin sheet and the interior surface of the housing, wherein the gap extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the electrochemical cell, and the conductive matrix is in direct contact with both the outer surface of the conductive thin sheet and the interior surface of the housing in a substantially continuous manner.