초록 ▼

Rechargeable electrochemical cells that employ a highly conductive polymer-based solid gel membrane separator disposed between the anode and charging electrode are disclosed. The separator comprises a support or substrate and a polymeric gel composition having an ionic species contained in a solutio

Rechargeable electrochemical cells that employ a highly conductive polymer-based solid gel membrane separator disposed between the anode and charging electrode are disclosed. The separator comprises a support or substrate and a polymeric gel composition having an ionic species contained in a solution phase thereof. In preparing the separator, the ionic species is added to a monomer solution prior to polymerization and remains embedded in the resulting polymer gel after polymerization. The ionic species behaves like a liquid electrolyte, while at the same time, the polymer-based solid gel membrane provides a smooth impenetrable surface that allows the exchange of ions for both discharging and charging of the cell. Advantageously, the separator reduces dendrite penetration and prevents the diffusion of reaction products such as metal oxide to remaining parts of the cell. Furthermore, the measured ionic conductivity of the separator is much higher than those of prior art solid electrolytes or electroyte-polymer films. The disclosed rechargeable electrochemical cells include, for example, metal/air, Zn/Ni, Zn/MnO2, Zn/AgO, Fe/Ni, and lead-acid systems.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising a separator, an anode, a cathode, and a charging electrode,wherein said separator comprises an ion-conducting polymer-based solid gel membrane comprising a support onto which a polymer-based gel having an ionic species contained within a solution pha

1. A rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising a separator, an anode, a cathode, and a charging electrode,wherein said separator comprises an ion-conducting polymer-based solid gel membrane comprising a support onto which a polymer-based gel having an ionic species contained within a solution phase thereof is formed, wherein said polymer-based gel comprises a polymerization product of one or more monomers selected from the group of water soluble ethylenically unsaturated amides and acids, and a reinforcing element selected from the group of water soluble and water swellable polymers, wherein said ionic species is added to said one or more monomers, and said reinforcing element prior to polymerization, wherein said cathode and said charging electrode may be a single bifunctional electrode or may be individual and separate electrodes, and wherein said separator is positioned between said anode and said charging electrode.