The subject invention relates to electrode structures that are adaptable for primary and electrically rechargeable electrochemical wafer cells. A flat wafer cell is disclosed that includes conductive, carbon-filled polymeric outer layers that serve as electrode contacts and as a means of containment of the cell. Multi-cell, higher voltage batteries may be constructed by stacking individual cells. Specially formulated electrodes and processing techniques that are compatible with the wafer cell construction are disclosed for a nickel-metal hydride battery system. This invention is further directed to fabrication of electrodes from electrochemically active material prepared by coating non- to low-conductive particles of a metal hydroxide or metal oxide powder with nickel using a electroless nickel coating process. The cell design and electrode formulations provide for individual operation of a vented or low pressure sealed cell and/or for operation of these cells in a stacked array in an outer battery housing.