Flexible thin layer open electrochemical cell

• US 5,652,043 A
• Filed: 12/20/1995
• Issued: 07/29/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Power Flex Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Baruch Levanon
• Inventors: Nitzan, Zvi
• Primary Examiner(s): RYAN, PATRICK J
• Application Number:
  US08/575,190
• Time in Patent Office: 587 Days
• Field of Search: 429/152, 429/127, 429/82, 429/162, 429/224, 429/229, 428/209, 428/210, 428/688, 428/201, 428/901
• US Class Current: 428/209
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/30 Apparatus for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body, or cataphoresis
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/248 the closure being provided with transient audible or visual signaling means, e.g. for indicating dispensing, or other illuminating or acoustic devices, e.g. whistles B65D55/026, B65D55/028 take precedence; for indicating incorrect storage B65D79/02
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0436 Small-sized flat cells or batteries for portable equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/127 with bipolar electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2300/0002 Aqueous electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2300/0014 Alkaline electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2300/0085 Immobilising or gelification of electrolyte
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/02 Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/621 Binders
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/50 Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/12 with flat electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/181 with polymeric electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/22 Immobilising of electrolyte
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/40 Printed batteries , e.g. thin film batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/42 Grouping of primary cells into batteries H01M6/40 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/48 with bipolar electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24917 including metal layer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24926 : including ceramic, glass, porcelain or quartz layer

Abstract

A flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell which can be used as a primary or rechargeable power supply for various miniaturized and portable electrically powered devices of compact design. The cell includes a wet electrolyte, yet maintains a flexible, thin and open configuration, thus devoid of accumulation of gases upon storage. The cell comprising a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte, the third layer being disposed between the first and second layers and including a deliquescent material for keeping the open cell wet at all times; an electroactive soluble material for obtaining required ionic conductivity; and, a watersoluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering the first and second layers to the first layer. The electrochemical cell of the present invention is preferably produced using a suitable printing technology.

Claims

1. A flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell comprising a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte, said third layer being disposed between said first and second layers and including:

(a) a deliquescent material for keeping the open cell wet at all times;

(b) an electroactive soluble material for obtaining required ionic conductivity; and

(c) a watersoluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering said first and second layers to said first layer.

2. A cell as in claim 1, wherein said electrolyte layer is engaged by a porous substance.

3. A cell as in claim 2, wherein said porous substance is selected from the group consisting of a filter paper, a plastic membrane, a cellulose membrane and a cloth.

4. A cell as in claim 1, wherein said first layer of insoluble positive pole includes manganese-dioxide powder and said second layer of insoluble negative pole includes zinc powder.

5. A cell as in claim 4, wherein said first layer of insoluble negative pole further includes carbon powder.

6. A cell as in claim 4, wherein said second layer of insoluble positive pole further includes carbon powder.

7. A cell as in claim 1, further comprising terminals, each of said terminals being in electrical contact with one of said first and second pole layers.

8. A cell as in claim 7, wherein said terminal are made of a metal.

9. A cell as in claim 8, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, titanium, copper, stainless steel and mixtures thereof, and said terminals are applied to the cell by a printing technology.

10. A flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell comprising a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte, said third layer being disposed between said first and second layers and including:

(a) a watersoluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering said first and second layers to said third layers and for obtaining a required hygroscopicality for keeping the open cell wet at all times; and

(b) an electroactive soluble material for obtaining a required ionic conductivity.