Electrochemical cell having a polymer electrolyte
OwnerChangming Li, Ke Keryn Lian +1inventors
InventorsChangming Li, Ke Keryn Lian, Richard H. Jung
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Abstract
An electrochemical cell is provided with first (10) and second (11) electrodes and a solid polymer electrolyte (15) disposed therebetween. The solid polymer electrolyte is preferably fabricated by providing a linear powdered polymeric precursor material which is thereafter heated to temperatures sufficient to drive off moisture and in the presence of an electrolyte active species. The electrolyte active species is preferably an acidic electrolyte active species which has the effect of protonating the powdered polymeric precursor material. Electrochemical cells fabricated using these devices demonstrate performance characteristics far better than those available in the prior art.
Claims11
A method of making an electrolyte material for an electrochemical cell, aid method comprising the steps of:
- providing a powdered polymeric precursor material characterized by a melting temperature of greater than 100.degree. C.;
- mixing said powdered polymeric precursor material with operative amounts of an electrolyte active species having a boiling point of greater than 100.degree. C.;
- and
- heating said powdered polymeric precursor and said electrolyte active species to temperatures of greater than 100.degree. C. but generally less than the boiling temperature of said electrolyte active species.
A method of fabricating an electrolyte material for an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of
- providing a powdered linear polymer precursor material;
- expanding the free volume of said polymer precursor material;
- and
- protonating said polymer precursor via exposure to an acidic electrolyte active species.
A method of fabricating an electrolyte material for an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of mixing powdered poly(benzimidazole) with H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 at temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C., and in a ratio H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 to poly(benzimidazole of between 5:1 and 30:1 by weight.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.