A silver-containing alkaline electrochemical cell and methods for producing the cell, wherein the cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator disposed between the electrodes, and an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode is formed as a multi-layer composite including a silver-containing oxide layer and a barrier layer, initially free of silver-containing material, disposed between the silver-containing oxide layer and the separator for substantially reducing migration of silver ions to the separator and negative electrode.