Abstract: A capacitive deionization cell comprising a first electrode, an anion membrane adjacent said first electrode forming an anion membrane-electrode conjugate, a cation membrane in spacial relation with said anion membrane defining a fluid flow path between said anion membrane and said cation membrane, and a second electrode adjacent said cation membrane forming a cation membrane-electrode conjugate, wherein said anion membrane-electrode conjugate and said cation membrane-electrode conjugate each have an effective capacitance, and the ratio of the effective capacitance of said cation membrane-electrode conjugate to the effective capacitance of said anion membrane-electrode conjugate is a non-zero number less than 2.

Abstract: A separator for a wound electrochemical device comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having pores defining an internal surface area, the internal surface area being substantially coated with a pore coating agent, the separator having a longitudinal modulus of greater than 20,000 lbs/in2.

Abstract: Composite film articles and assemblies that include at least one layer of expanded fluoropolymer bonded to at least one thermoplastic sheet are fabricated using a method which can adjust the gas and liquid permeability of the composite film assemblies. These composite film articles and assemblies optionally have electroactive properties and a thin porous metallic overlayer that can serve as a current collector, and can be used in electrochemical devices such as air depolarized cells.

Abstract: A separator for a wound electrochemical device comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having pores defining an internal surface area, the internal surface area being substantially coated with a pore coating agent, the separator having a longitudinal modulus of greater than 20,000 lbs/in2.

Abstract: Composite film articles and assemblies that include at least one layer of expanded fluoropolymer bonded to at least one thermoplastic sheet are fabricated using a method which can adjust the gas and liquid permeability of the composite film assemblies. These composite film articles and assemblies optionally have electroactive properties and a thin porous metallic overlayer that can serve as a current collector, and can be used in electrochemical devices such as air depolarized cells.

Abstract: An improved electrical conductor is provided which includes an electrical conductor having an insulating layer which electrically insulates the electrical conductor. The insulating layer is substantially pinhole free having a thickness of less than about 30 .mu.m.

Abstract: An ultra-thin composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material is a membrane which is defined by a thickness of less than 1 mil (0.025 mm) and a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: A thin microporous sheet product useful as a battery separator composed of a highly filled polymeric matrix having a porous support sheet encapsulated between the sheet product's first and second major surfaces and to a process of forming the sheet product.

Abstract: A polymer bonded sheet product suitable for use as an electrode in a non-aqueous battery system wherein the electrode is a microporous sheet composed of from 2-30 weigth percent polyethylene, 70-98 weight percent of electrically conductive and electrochemically active particulate material and from 0 to 5 weight percent of a plasticizer for the polyethylene.

Abstract: A major cost component for zirconium alloy manufacture and fabrication is metal scrap generation during fabrication. This scrap, which has already incurred the entire process conversion cost from zircon sand to metal refining, constitutes an expensive cost to the fabrication process. The present invention teaches that these alloy scraps may be separated into their components by molten salt electrolysis using FLINAK electrolyte. The alloy components are recycled directly to the alloying process as cathodic grade metals, saving the cost of completely repeating the zircon conversion process.

Abstract: A bipolar battery intercell separator having three layers is disclosed. The two outer layers consist of a porous, hydrophobic, electrically conductive composite of carbon and a fluorocarbon binder hydrophobizing agent. The inner layer consists of a porous, hydrophobic, electrically conductive composite of carbon and a fluorocarbon binder hydrophobizing agent and a precious metal catalyst suitable for recombining hydrogen and oxygen at temperatures in the range of about -30.degree. to +150.degree. C. The precious metal catalyst is isolated from the electrolyte to prevent poisoning of the battery electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery having an anode selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, and mixtures and alloys thereof, an oxygen electrode as the cathode, and means for maintaining the anode and the cathode in an electricity-generating relationship when the battery is placed in salt water. Also disclosed is a method of producing electricity by positioning the anode and cathode in a saline electrolyte whereby the reactionM+20H.sup.- .fwdarw.M(OH).sub.2 +2e.sup.-occurs at the anode and the reactionO.sub.2 +2H.sub.2 O+4e.sup.- .fwdarw.20H.sup.31occurs at the anode, where M is magnesium, zinc, aluminum, or mixtures or alloys thereof.

Abstract: An electrode for use in electrochemical energy cells is made, comprising a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer, where the hydrophilic layer comprises a hydrophilic composite which includes:(i) carbon particles;(ii) stainless steel particles;(iii) a nonwetting agent; and(iv) a catalyst, where at least one current collector contacts said composite.