NOVELTY - A glassy or amorphous protective layer impervious and conductive to active metal ions is formed on a substrate. A first active metal layer is deposited on the protective layer and a current collector (208) is provided on the first active metal layer, forming an active metal electrode.    USE - Used as lithium electrodes in lithium-sulfur batteries (claimed), negative electrodes for primary batteries such as lithium manganese dioxide batteries, lithium (CF)X batteries, lithium thionyl chloride batteries, lithium sulfur dioxide batteries, lithium iron sulfide batteries (Li/FeS2), lithium polyaniline batteries and lithium iodine batteries, secondary batteries such as lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium cobalt oxide batteries, lithium nickel oxide batteries, lithium manganese oxide batteries and lithium vanadium oxide batteries, other rechargeable batteries employing active metals other than lithium. Also used as negative electrodes and electrode- electrolyte laminates, solid state electrolyte separators such as sodium beta-alumina glass or ceramic, polymeric electrolytes, porous membranes etc.    ADVANTAGE - The protective layer on the negative electrode prevents the positive and negative electrodes from contacting one another and serves the function of separator. The protective layer is tough, thick and made from a material that resists cracking and abrasion. A high quality protective layer which is smooth, continuous and free of pores or defects is provided on the substrate. The protective layer is chemically stable to the electrolyte within the voltage window of the cell and is conductive to lithium ion. The protective layer is impervious to moisture, carbon dioxide, oxygen and the lithium electrode can be handled under ambient conditions without the need of dry box conditions as typically employed to process other lithium electrodes. The protective layer provides a good protection for the lithium and imparts long shelf life of the electrode and electrolyte composites. The lithium metal electrode manufactured has a longer cycle life and better safety characteristics. The protective layer formed on the substrate prevents formation of dendrites and mossy deposits. The batteries having the active metal electrode does not require a carbon intercalation matrix to support lithium ions. The batteries possess a high energy density than a conventional lithium ion cell. The lithium metal batteries do not have a large irreversible capacity loss associated with the formation of lithium ion batteries. The battery cells obtained using the active electrode is rechargeable.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (i) a battery comprising the active metal electrode;    (ii) a partially fabricated battery cell essentially consisting of a current collector, a glassy or amorphous protective layer, an active metal layer provided between the current collector and the protective layer and a gel or solid electrolyte provided on the protective layer; and    (iii) a battery cell comprising the partially fabricated battery cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the schematic illustration of a lithium electrode.    partially fabricated lithium electrode (200)    current collector laminate (202)    current collector (208)    electrolyte laminate; (254)    electrolyte layer (256)    glass layer (258)    web carrier (262)