Battery Technologies, Inc.

Pure Energy Visions Corporation

Ecosol Solar Technologies, Inc.

Josef Daniel-Ivad

Elfriede Daniel-Ivad

James R Book

R James Book

Klaus Tomantschger

Karl Kordesch

Robert Flack

In an improved rechargeable alkaline manganese cell that has a manganese dioxide cathode comprising pellets formed by pressing a cathode powder blend comprising a hygroscopic additive for increasing cumulative capacity, the sticky consistency of the pellets, which is un-desirable for continuous automated production is compensated for by the addition of up to 0.5% of a hydrophobic binder. This small amount leaves the cell performance substantially unimpaired, but provides the desired consistency for large-scale production. Further disclosed is an improved charge methodology for a rechargeable alkaline manganese cell wherein the charge current is pulsed at a voltage in excess of 1.65 V and the no-load cell voltage response is monitored at predetermined intervals. No charge current pulse is permitted to pass through the cell if the no-load voltage exceeds a threshold value. This results in increased utilization of the capacity of the cell while reducing the likelihood of damage to the cell due to overcharging.

Rechargeable alkaline manganese cell with cathode consistency compensation

Rechargeable galvanic cells are disclosed which comprise a manganese dioxide cathode, a zinc anode and a potassium hydroxide electrolyte wherein the cathode includes additive compounds to increase the cycle life and cumulative discharge capacity of the cell. The additives comprise at least a strontium compound and optionally a barium and/or calcium compound. Cells including the additive(s) desirably have an individual discharge capacity after 50 deep discharge-charge cycles of at least 0.100 Ah/gMnO.

Rechargeable alkaline manganese cell having reduced capacity fade and improved cycle life

A method of manufacturing an anode composition for use in an electrochemical cell in which the anode comprises an electrochemically active material, the method comprising the steps of mixing the electrochemically active material with an alkaline electrolyte solution, an organic surfactant, an indium compound, and a gelling agent, such that the indium compound or a portion thereof is added in an alkaline environment. In one embodiment, the surfactant is added after the electrolyte.

Method of manufacturing anode compositions for use in rechargeable electrochemical cells

The invention described herein is directed to a method of manufacturing an anode composition for use in an electrochemical cell, in which the anode comprises an electrochemically active material, the method comprising the steps of mixing the electrochemically active material with an alkaline electrolyte solution, an organic surfactant, an indium compound, and a gelling agent, such that the indium compound or a portion thereof is added in an alkaline environment.

Method of manufacture of an anode composition for use in a rechargeable electrochemical cell

Rechargeable galvanic cells are disclosed which comprise a manganese dioxide cathode, a zinc anode and a potassium hydroxide electrolyte wherein the cathode includes additive compounds to increase the cumulative discharge capacity of the cell thereby increasing its cycle life. The additives consist of a) barium or strontium compounds, and mixtures thereof, and b) titanium, lanthanum, yttrium, cerium, zinc, calcium, tin or magnesium compounds, and mixtures thereof.

Additives for rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide cells

A cylindrical electrochemical cell includes a cathode, an anode, a cylindrical separator, coaxial with the cell, for electrically separating the cathode and anode, and a cup seal at an end of the separator for electrically separating the anode and cathode and maintaining an ionic connection therebetween. The cup seal is comprised of one or more first layers of a micro-porous or a non-porous membrane, or a combination thereof, and one or more second layers of a porous membrane and wherein the seal overlaps at least a portion of the separator.

Cylindrical electrochemical cell with cup seal for separator

The zinc active powder for a mercury-free rechargeable electrochemical cell is coated with a surfactant, and separately with an aqueous solution of indium sulphate. Without any subsequent filtering, washing or drying, the powder is assembled into an electrochemical cell. The cell can include a hydrogen recombination catalyst in contact with the electrochemically active material of the cathode.

Sealed rechargeable cells containing mercury-free zinc anodes, and a

A rechargeable manganese dioxide/zinc cell is provided, where the cell has high capacity, high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, high cycle life, and is capable of continued charge-discharge cycles following an overdischarge. The cell has an aqueous electrolyte, with the usual solute of potassium hydroxide, but the solute may also be a mixture of zinc chloride and ammonium chloride. The electrode balance as determined by the ration of the theoretical discharge capacity of the zinc and the theoretical one electron discharge capacity of the manganese dioxide ranges from greater than 65% up to 110%. On the 15th discharge, a cell of the present invention will deliver a discharge capacity of at least 20% of the discharge capacity delivered on the first discharge. A cell according to the present invention is capable of continued charge-discharge cycles after overdischarge or voltage reversal.

High capacity rechargeable cell having manganese dioxide electrode

Low mercury or mercury free primary or secondary alkaline manganese dioxide-zinc cell that comprises a manganese dioxide cathode with a manganese dioxide active material and a conductive powder. The active material and powder are uniformly mixed and pressed to form a porous cathode body. The cell further comprises a gelled zinc anode, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an alkaline electrolyte. The anode gel comprises a modified starch as a gelling agent capable of releasing hydrogen gases developed during slow corrosion of zinc in the anode. A hydrogen recombination system can be used in the cell to limit inside pressure within permitted limits by recombining the evolved hydrogen.

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Newmarket, Canada

Josef Daniel-Ivad