Abstract: The invention relates to devices incorporating thin, lightweight electrochemical cells and their method of manufacture, whereby a thin flexible pouch-type cell (1) comprises at least one pair of overlying electrode layers separated from one another by an intermediate electrolyte layer (13), the cell exterior being defined by first and second laminated sheets (3, 9) sealed together, wherein each laminated sheet (3, 9) has an outermost layer (3a, 9a) forming a respective external face of the cell (1) and a coextensive, innermost, conductive layer (3b, 9b) that acts as a current collector layer (3b, 9b) and which supports an electrode layer (5, 11), although the conductive layer may also itself act as the active electrode layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell having a gel electrolyte. An electrochemical cell is provided having a cell casing, and a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrolyte solution and a temperature activated gelling agent disposed within the cell casing. A gel electrolyte comprising the electrolyte solution and the gelling agent is formed by passing a current through the electrochemical cell such that the temperature of the gelling agent exceeds the activation temperature of the gelling agent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell having a gel electrolyte. An electrochemical cell is provided having a cell casing, and a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrolyte solution and a temperature activated gelling agent disposed within the cell casing. A gel electrolyte comprising the electrolyte solution and the gelling agent is formed by passing a current through the electrochemical cell such that the temperature of the gelling agent exceeds the activation temperature of the gelling agent.

Abstract: A multi-functional, laminated composite comprises a plurality of cloth layers (3) penetrated by an infused matrix, wherein at least one cell (1) for energy storage is supported by and integrally built up from at least one of the cloth layers (3), the cell (1) being embedded in the matrix. The cell may comprise first and second electrodes (6,7) separated by a porous, separator layer (2) that has a liquid electrolyte-permeable, matrix-free intra-electrode region to which the electrolyte (2?) may be added before or after resin infusion to activate the cell. The structural composite may have integrated energy storage comprising a lithium-ion rechargeable cell, optionally of printed construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices incorporating thin, lightweight electrochemical cells and their method of manufacture, whereby a thin flexible pouch-type cell (1) comprises at least one pair of overlying electrode layers separated from one another by an intermediate electrolyte layer (13), the cell exterior being defined by first and second laminated sheets (3, 9) sealed together, wherein each laminated sheet (3, 9) has an outermost layer (3a, 9a) forming a respective external face of the cell (1) and a coextensive, innermost, conductive layer (3b, 9b) that acts as a current collector layer (3b, 9b) and which supports an electrode layer (5, 11), although the conductive layer may also itself act as the active electrode layer.

Abstract: A multi-functional, laminated composite comprises a plurality of cloth layers (3) penetrated by an infused matrix, wherein at least one cell (1) for energy storage is supported by and integrally built up from at least one of the cloth layers (3), the cell (1) being embedded in the matrix. The cell may comprise first and second electrodes (6,7) separated by a porous, separator layer (2) that has a liquid electrolyte-permeable, matrix-free intra-electrode region to which the electrolyte (2?) may be added before or after resin infusion to activate the cell. The structural composite may have integrated energy storage comprising a lithium-ion rechargeable cell, optionally of printed construction.

Abstract: An electrode assembly 1 for use in a soft packaged cell such as a battery or supercapacitor comprises a stack 2 of single, discrete cathode elements 4 and single, discrete anode elements 3 alternating with and abutting one another, wherein all the elements of one type are each individually encapsulated in discrete separator envelopes 7 and all the elements of the other type are uncovered, and wherein the electrode assembly 1 is sealed in soft packaging. Sensitive or delicate cathodes or anodes 13, for example, lithium anodes used in primary batteries, may be encapsulated to protect them, and this may facilitate assembly by automated handling equipment.