Storage-stable zinc anode based electrochemical cell
AssigneeCeramTec GmbH
InventorsJohn H. Gordon, John J. McEvoy, Strahinja K. Zecevic, Ashok V. Joshi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A zinc alloy anode-based electrochemical cell, which generates gases and/or energy, is disclosed. The structure of the cell is such that a zinc alloy anode material is the integral part of housing and is in contact with an alkaline electrolyte containing minor amounts of corrosion inhibitors. The electrolyte which contains no zinc powder metal, may be in direct contact with the cathode thereby simplifying cell construction by elimination of a separator material. The cell is environmentally friendly, containing no mercury or cadmium or other toxic metals and is cost effective as it eliminates expensive amalgamated zinc powder and separator material.
Claims28
A galvanic cell comprising:
- a zinc alloy anode formed into a cap, said cap forming a substantially cup-shaped interior cavity,
- an alkaline electrolyte containing alkali metal hydroxide, zinc oxide, and corrosion inhibitors in aqueous solution in contact with and substantially filling said anode alloy cup-shaped interior cavity,
- a cathode comprising a mixture of metal oxides and conductive materials, said cathode being in direct contact with said alkaline electrolyte in the absence of a separator, said cathode structured to be substantially gas permeable and partially hydrophobic, at least on a side opposite that of the electrolyte,
- an insulating grommet electrically isolating said zinc alloy cap from said gas permeable cathode,
- an outer can, structurally in contact with and holding the grommet and the cathode in place, said outer can having at least one aperture through which gas may enter in or vent from the galvanic cell wherein said gas may be electrically discharged or produced by electrically interconnecting said zinc alloy cap and said outer can, and
- a gas permeable hydrophobic membrane between said cathode and said gas aperture,
- wherein the galvanic cell is constructed to generate gas or energy or mixture thereof and wherein the galvanic cell is active when an electrical connection is made between the cap and the can.
A galvanic cell comprising:
- a zinc alloy anode, shaped to form a portion of an interior cavity;
- an alkaline electrolyte within said interior cavity;
- a cathode configured for direct contact with said electrolyte in the absence of a separator, said cathode structured to be gas permeable and at least partly hydrophobic, at least on the side opposite the electrolyte;
- a grommet between at least a portion of said anode and a portion of said cathode;
- an outer shell, having at least one aperture through which gas may pass;
- and
- a gas permeable hydrophobic membrane between said cathode and said aperture.
A galvanic cell, comprising:
- a zinc alloy anode, shaped to form a portion of an interior cavity;
- an alkaline electrolyte within said interior cavity void of anodic material;
- a cathode configured for direct contact with said electrolyte without a separator, said cathode structured to be gas permeable and at least partly hydrophobic, at least on the side opposite the electrolyte;
- a grommet between at least a portion of said anode and a portion of said cathode;
- an outer shell, having at least one aperture through which gas may pass;
- and
- a gas permeable hydrophobic membrane between said cathode and said aperture .
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.