Lithium-iodine cells and method for making same

Abstract

A lithium iodine primary cell is provided that comprises a lithium anode encasing member having an aperture therethrough. Positioned within the anode encasing member is a cathode which consists essentially of a mixture of organic charge-transfer complex and iodine. The cathode includes a current collector having a lead portion with an insulating coating positioned through the aperture in the encasing member. Optionally, the current collector may include an insulating frame around its periphery to prevent electrical contact with the anode. A lithium iodide electrolyte is coextensively positioned between and in contact with the inner surface of the encasing member and the cathode. The method for making the cell includes forming a receiving vessel of lithium and positioning the cathode current collector therein. The cathode material is heated to a flowable consistency and the vessel is completely filled with the heated cathode material. The completely filled vessel is chilled to a temperature sufficient to solidify the heated material; and, while in the solidified state, the vessel is sealed by positioning a lithium cap on the solidified material and cold welding the cap under pressure to the receiving vessel to form the lithium anode encasing member. Second and third redundant encasements are effected by placing a thin layer of iodine-resistant cement and an outer layer of iodine resistant film (preferably a fluoropolymer), respectively, over the receiving vessel. These encasements provide additional electrical insulation from a hermetically sealed outer metal case finally positioned over the assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.