An electrochemical cell comprising a gas electrode, including a deposited
layer, and a counter electrode. The gas electrode is an electrode that
either utilizes a gas as the active material that is reduced by the gas
electrode or produces a gas by oxidation at the gas electrode. In a
preferred embodiment, the gas electrode is a thin film electrode
including a deposited current collector and deposited active material
oxidation or reduction layer. A control layer can be disposed between the
gas electrode and the counter electrode to control the diffusion of
electrolyte into the gas electrode. Methods for making electrochemical
cells having gas electrodes are disclosed.