NOVELTY - A positive electrode comprises an electrochemically active material (EAM), an electronically conductive material mixed with EAM, and an ionically conductive material mixed with EAM. At least 24 weight% (wt.%) of EAM is accessible to electrons and ionic charge carriers. The ionically conductive material is a solid or gel state material, and is not a sulfide or polysulfide.    USE - For battery cell used for electric vehicle applications, such as portable electronic devices and automobiles.    ADVANTAGE - The positive electrode has low equivalent rate and high cell voltage and consequently a high specific energy and power, and operates in a wide range of temperatures including ambient and sub-ambient temperatures. The batteries utilizing the positive electrode are preferably rechargeable. The solid-state or gel-state battery cells utilizing the positive electrode, reduces the problem of electrolyte leakage and exposure of lithium. The battery cells utilizing the electrode are constructed by conventional methods. The overcharge protection of the electrode limits the cell voltage during overcharge to a safe level which does not exceed the normal fully charged cell voltage.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A positive electrode comprises an electrochemically active material, an electronically conductive material mixed with the electrochemically active material, so that electrons move between the electrochemically active material and the electronically conductive material, and an ionically conductive material mixed with the electrochemically active material so that ions move between the ionically conductive material and the electrochemically active material. The electrochemically active material is chosen from elemental sulfur, a metal sulfide and/or a metal polysulfide. The metal is chosen from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and mixtures of alkali and alkaline earth metals. At least 24 wt.% of the electrochemically active material is accessible to electrons and ionic charge carriers. The ionically conductive material is a solid or gel state material, and is not a sulfide or polysulfide.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for battery cell comprising the positive electrode, a current collector electrically connected to the positive electrode, a negative electrode comprising a metal or metal ion, and an electrolyte separator.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the flowchart of important steps employed in preparing the positive electrode.