Abstract: A fuel cell matrix comprising a first layer of material having opposing first and second surfaces and second and third layers of material each adjacent one of said opposing surfaces, the first and second layers having different dimensional expansion with electrolyte addition, whereby said layers tend to curl, and the third layer having dimensional expansion with electrolyte addition such as to counteract the curling of said first and second layers.

Abstract: An improved reserve-type cell is provided which comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced electrodes, a separator between said electrodes, electrolyte storage means comprising bibulous material such as cotton wadding in a cavity disposed in contact with and behind one of the electrodes (which is porous) and out of contact with the other of the electrodes, and electrolyte disposed in the wadding. The electrolyte can be drawn from the storage space through the porous electrode and into contact with the other of the electrodes to activate the cell. Preferably, the electrolyte is in dry form dissolvable in water to activate the cell when needed. Evaporating of the water shuts down the cell until further introduction of water.