Cells and gas depolarized batteries and method for producing same

A bipolar rechargeable battery comprising:

• a vessel having an inner surface defining an interior region for bulk gas storage;
• a plurality of cells mounted within said vessel in a side by side relationship, each of said cells containing a metered predetermined quantity of electrolyte, each of said cells including:
• an electrically conductive bipolar base having an upwardly, outwardly tapered peripheral wall;
• a hydrophobic insulating coating comprising a chlorotrifluoro olefin polymer bonded to the interior and exterior surfaces of said peripheral wall;
• a condensed phase electrode proximate said base;
• and
• a gas electrode including a condensed current collector for a gaseous active material;
• a dielectric separator between said condensed phase electrode and said gas electrode;
• said insulating coating of said plurality of cells being oriented to enable gas passage from each of said cells to the bulk gas region within the battery.

A bipolar cell for a gas depolarized rechargeable battery comprising:

• a metallic bipolar plate having a base and an integral upwardly, outwardly tapered side wall encompassing said base;
• a hydrophobic insulating coating comprising a chlorotrifluoro olefin polymer bonded to the interior and exterior surfaces of said upstanding side wall;
• a condensed phase electrode overlying said base;
• a gas electrode including a condensed current collector for a gaseous active material;
• and
• a dielectric separator between said condensed phase electrode and said gas electrode;
• said upstanding side wall being oriented to enable gas passage from said cell past an adjoining cell to a bulk gas storage region within the battery.