Rechargeable battery cells according to embodiments of the present technology may include a housing having a first conductive segment operable at anode potential. The housing may include a second conductive segment operable at cathode potential. The housing may include a gasket positioned between the first conductive segment and the second conductive segment and configured to hermetically seal the housing. The cells may include an electrode stack including an anode. The anode may include an anode tab electrically coupled with the first conductive segment of the housing. The electrode stack may include a cathode. The cathode may include a cathode tab electrically coupled with the second conductive segment of the housing. The cells may include a barrier material disposed between the cathode tab and the second conductive segment of the housing. The cathode tab may be electrically coupled with the second conductive segment of the housing through the barrier material.