Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for a cylindrical alkaline cell. The member includes a metal support having an annular spring disposed at the outer periphery. The spring is placed under compression by a radial crimp and the spring is adapted to expand and contract whereby the seal is maintained during thermal cycling. The member also includes a plastic grommet having an annular vent designed to open at very high pressures whereby said seal member is particularly useful in alkaline cells having little or no mercury whereby high internal pressures can develop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gelling agent between the plastic seal and the outer cover of an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A process for the electrochemical production of hydrogen from an aqueous alkaline electrolyte characterized by the use as a cathode of a material having the general formula AB.sub.5 H.sub.x wherein A is one or more of rare earth metals and calcium, B is nickel or cobalt and x is a number, generally from 4 to 8 characteristic of saturation of the AB.sub.5 -compound with hydrogen. The hydrogen is generated at a relatively low overpotential and thus at high efficiency.