Separator for alkaline electrochemical cells

Abstract

An electrochemical cell includes a first active electrode material having a tubular shape closed at one end and open at the other, a second active electrode material disposed within the cavity of the tubular shaped first active electrode material, a scrolled separator disposed between the sidewalls of the cavity and the second active electrode material, and an insulator disc disposed between the closed end of the cavity and the second active electrode material. The scrolled separator and insulator disc cooperate to provide a liner which provides a continuous electrical and physical barrier between the cavity walls and the second active electrode material disposed within the cavity. The cell utilizes a simple design which minimizes space occupied by the separator and insulator disc, while maximizing the available area for ion mass transfer between the electrodes, whereby greater cell efficiency and improved performance characteristics are achieved.