Self sealing microporous membrane for electrochemical cells and method of forming same

A gas-depolarized galvanic cell comprising an anode, a gas-depolarizable cathode, at least one electrolyte carrying separator disposed therebetween, and a container having a first terminal electrically associated with said anode and a second terminal electrically associated with said cathode, said terminals being electrically insulated one from the other;

• at least one opening in said second terminal portion of said container, a membrane of a hydrophobic microporous material interposed between said at least one opening and, said gas-depolarizable cathode, said gas-depolarizable cathode being in gas communication with said at least one opening which is positioned to permit gas to pass therethrough from the exterior environment to and through said membrane of hydrophobic microporous material;
• and a metal ring disposed in said container, a portion of said ring being positioned between said membrane and said gas-depolarizable electrode and said ring being in electrical contact with said container, said ring being retained by interference fit in said container, and a portion of said membrane positioned between said ring and said container compressed to substantially zero porosity.