Flexible battery with 180 degree operational bend radius

A flexible, foldable lithium ion battery having a self-recovery capability comprising:

• a high-elasticity separator sponge having a porosity of approximately 70% to approximately 90% comprising a non-woven polymer fiber mat, the fibers having a submicron diameter, the separator sponge having a thickness in a range of approximately 5 microns to approximately 50 microns, an air permeability of approximately 100 to approximately 300 s/100 ml, a puncture resistance of approximately 350 N to approximately 950 N, the separator sponge regaining its original shape and volume following deformation by an external force;
• a first electrode disposed on a first side of the separator sponge, including a first current collector having a thickness of approximately 5 microns to approximately 100 microns and including a first active material including lithium positioned on one or both sides of the first current collector;
• a second electrode, disposed on a second side of the separator sponge, including a second current collector having a thickness of approximately 5 microns to approximately 100 microns and including a second active material positioned on one or both sides of the second current collector;
• a liquid electrolyte absorbed by the separator sponge;
• wherein the battery has an operational bend radius of up to 180 degrees with no interruption in supply of electrical power by the battery.