Battery Technologies, Inc.

Christopher Michalowski

Klaus Tomantschger

This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefore. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space allotted for it within the cell, with a light accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or crosswise expansion or growth of button-type cells. There may be additives in the cathode mix, including particularly conductive fibres of graphite or other conductive materials; and other materials may also be added to the cathode mix, including metallic additives. Methods of manufacture are also provided by the present invention, including compaction and recompaction of the cathode pellet, and a range of compaction pressures is suggested. Cells in keeping with the present invention are capable of exhibiting high current drain rates, and long cycle life.

Manganese dioxide cathode for a rechargeable alkaline cell, and cell

This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefore. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space allotted for it within the cell, with a light accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or cross-wise expansion or growth of button-type cells. There may be additives in the cathode mix, including particularly conductive fibres of graphite or other conductive materials; and other materials may also be added to the cathode mix, including metallic additives. Methods of manufacture are also provided by the present invention, including compaction and recompaction of the cathode pellet, and a range of compaction pressures is suggested. Cells in keeping with the present invention are capable of exhibiting high current drain rates, and long cycle life.

This invention teaches rechargeable manganese dioxide cells having alkaline electrolytes, zinc negative electrodes and manganese dioxide positive electrodes. In keeping with the present invention, the positive electrode is essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell to confine the positive electrode. During discharge of a rechargeable alkaline cell, the positive electrode may be inclined to swell, and during the charge cycle it may be inclined to contract or reduce its dimensions. However, the positive electrode is dimensioned so as to substantially fill the entire space allotted for it within the cell, while allowing for a slight accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth in bobbin cells. The positive electrode may include additives such as carbon or graphite to increase its electrical conductivity; hydrophobic agents such as PTFE, polyethylene or polypropylene to enhance the hydrogen permeability of the positive electrode and thereby lead to increased hydrogen recombination rates; and similar hydrophobic agents as well as hydrophillic additives to serve as lubricants and to reduce tool wear during manufacturing processes. Also, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode may be established so as to be in the range of from about 60% to about 120% of the theoretical one electron discharge capacity of the positive MnO.sub.2 electrode.

Manganese dioxide positive electrode for rechargeable cells, and cells

This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefor. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space alloted for it within the cell, with a slight accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or cross-wise expansion or growth of button-type cells. There may be additives in the cathode mix, including particularly conductive fibres of graphite or other conductive materials; and other materials may also be added to the cathode mix, including metallic additives. Methods of manufacture are also provided by the present invention, including compaction and recompaction of the cathode pellet, and a range of compaction pressures is suggested. Cells in keeping with the present invention are capable of exhibiting high current drain rates, and long cycle life.

This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefor. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space alloted for it within the cell, with a slight accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or cross-wise expansion or growth of button-type cells. There may be additives in the cathode mix, including particularly conductive fibres of graphite or other conductive materials; and other materials may also be added to the cathode mix, including metallic additives. Methods of manufacture are also provided by the present invention, including compaction and recompaction of the cathode pellet, and a range of compaction pressure is suggested. Cells in keeping with the present invention are capable of exhibiting high current drain rates, and long cycle life.

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Mississauga, Canada

Christopher Michalowski