Lithium-halogen cell

Abstract

An anode assembly for a lithium-halogen cell including halogen-containing cathode material, i.e. depolarizer, such as an iodine-organic complex wherein the anode comprises an electrical conductor sandwiched between a pair of lithium plates defining substantially oppositely directed lithium surfaces terminating in a peripheral lithium edge and characterized by a major portion of the length of the peripheral edge being exposed to the cathode material. This greatly increases the available internal volume of the cell for cathode material which, in turn, increases the theoretical ampere-hour rating of the cell. At least one and preferably both oppositely directed lithium surfaces have formations such as ribs or the equivalent which increases the surface area thereof, and the formations terminate a short distance from the edge to form a marginal type, peripheral border and highly effective seal therearound. The inner surfaces of the lithium plates can include co-operating formations near the peripheral edge shaped to expose new surfaces of the lithium plates to each other to form or enhance the bond therebetween. The anode assembly is formed using mold sections of a polyolefin material such as a high density polyethylene or equivalent material and having tapered recesses to provide effective separation of the anode from the mold without any need for parting sheets.