# US 4,396,689 A · Separator-spacer for electrochemical systems

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- Number: US 4,396,689 A
- Document ID: US4396689A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 06/268,665
- Filed: 1981-06-01
- Granted: 1983-08-02
- Earliest claimed: 1981-06-01
- Assignees: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
- Inventors: Patrick G. Grimes; Harry Einstein; Kenneth R. Newby; Richard J. Bellows
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4396689A

## CPC

- C25B 13/02: characterised by shape or form
- H01M 50/463: Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by their shape
- H01M 8/0213: Gas-impermeable carbon-containing materials
- H01M 8/0273: with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
- H01M 8/0289: Means for holding the electrolyte (solid polymer electrolytes H01M8/1018)
- Y02E 60/10: Energy storage using batteries
- Y02E 60/50: Fuel cells
- C25B: ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR (anodic or cathodic protection C23F13/00; single-crystal growth C30B)
- H01M: PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

## Abstract

An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An integral separator and spacer for use in an electrochemical cell having circulating electrolyte flowing therethrough, wherein said separator-spacer is a sheet disposed between adjacent electrodes of said cell and comprises a frame disposed about a microporous web, said web being thinner than said frame in order to form internal compartments between said separator-spacer sheet and said adjacent electrodes, so that circulating electrolyte can flow about said electrodes, said web providing ionic communication between adjacent compartments of said cell, a surface on each side of said web covered with projections for maintaining a spaced compartmental distance between said separator-spacer and said adjacent electrodes.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein substantially all of said projections on one surface of said web are directly opposite corresponding projections on the other surface of said web.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are comprised of pebble-shaped protuberances.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are comprised of pebble-shaped protuberances.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are comprised of rod-shaped protuberances.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are comprised of rod-shaped protuberances.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are comprised of a combination of pebble-and-rod shaped-protuberances.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are comprised of a combination of pebble-and-rod-shaped-protuberances.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, further comprising a non-porous border substantially surrounding said microporous web.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said microporous web is ion-selective.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are non-ionically-conductive.

### Claim 12 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are non-ionically-conductive.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections have non-ionically-conductive caps.

### Claim 14 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections have non-ionically-conductive caps.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are diamond shaped.

### Claim 16 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are diamond shaped.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are comprised of material different than the material of said web.

### Claim 18 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are comprised of material different than the material of said web.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are less ionically conductive than the web.

### Claim 20 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are less ionically conductive than the web.

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 1, wherein said projections are substantially non-porous.

### Claim 22 (depends on 2)

The integral separator-spacer of claim 2, wherein said projections are substantially non-porous.