Abstract: A thin printed flexible electrochemical cell, and its method of manufacture, using a “picture frame” structure sealed, for example, with a high moisture and oxygen barrier polymer film and featuring, for example, a printed cathode deposited on an optional, highly conductive carbon printed cathode collector with a printed or a foil strip anode placed adjacent to the cathode. A viscous or gelled electrolyte is dispensed and/or printed in the cell, and a top laminate can then be sealed onto the picture frame. Such a construction could allow the entire cell to be made on a printing press, for example, as well as gives the opportunity to integrate the battery directly with an electronic application, for example.

Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.

Abstract: A thin printed flexible electrochemical cell with a high moisture and oxygen barrier polymer film sealed and folded package featuring a printed cathode deposited on a highly conductive carbon printed cathode collector with a zinc foil anode or printed anode placed adjacent to the cathode. After the cell components are added to the special laminated polymer substrate, the web is processed automatically on a modified high-speed commercial horizontal pouch filling machine to complete the cell assembly process. In this process a starch coated paper separator layer may be inserted over the anode and the cathode, and then the aqueous electrolyte solution is added to the cell. To complete the process, all four edges of the cell are heat sealed to confine the cell components within the cell cavity and each cell is trimmed off the continuous web.