Abstract: A charge transfer material comprising a basic compound having negative charge and represented by the following general formula (I): (A1-L)n1-A2·M??(I), wherein A1 represents a group having negative charge; A2 represents a basic group; M represents a cation for neutralizing the negative charge of (A1-L)n1-A2; L represents a divalent linking group or a single bond; and n1 represents an integer of 1 to 3. A photoelectric conversion device and a photo-electrochemical cell comprising the charge transfer material. A new nonvolatile pyridine compound, which is a low-viscosity liquid at room temperature, is preferably used for A2.

Abstract: A positive electrode plate for alkaline storage battery that does not swell very much even after repeated charge-discharge cycles and can be manufactured easily, a method for manufacturing the same, and an alkaline storage battery using the same are provided. A conductive support (nickel foam) and an active material (nickel hydroxide particles) that is supported by the support are provided. An intermediate part of a positive electrode plate has a larger porosity than surface parts thereof.

Abstract: The nickel electrode for alkaline secondary battery according to the present invention is obtained by applying a paste containing active material particles comprising nickel hydroxide to a conductive substrate and drying the paste on the conductive substrate. In the above-mentioned nickel electrode for alkaline secondary battery, a conductive layer comprising sodium-containing cobalt oxide is formed on a surface of the active material particles and tungsten powder and/or tungsten compound powder is added on the active material particles.

Abstract: With an alkaline storage battery according to the invention, a coating layer of a cobalt compound is provided on the surface a cathode active material composed mainly of nickel hydroxide, and at least one species of compound selected from the group consisting of a niobium compound, titanium compound, tungsten compound and molybdenum compound is added to the coating layer of the cobalt compound while an alkaline electrolytic solution contains lithium hydroxide, and a lithium hydroxide content is not less than 0.6 mol/L and not more than 1.6 mol/L.

Abstract: A zinc electrode composition is provided for use in low toxicity, high energy density cells having alkaline electrolytes. The zinc electrode comprises zinc oxide, a binder, and from 0.1% up to 10% of a fluoride of an element chosen from the group consisting of silver, gallium, indium, tin, tellurium, lead, bismuth, and combinations thereof. The invention also provides an electrochemical cell having an electrode as noted above. The inventive cell further comprises an electrolyte which contains a mixture of sodium, potassium, and lithium hydroxides, together with boric acid. The excess alkali hydroxide is present in the range of 2.7 to 5M, and the concentration of boric acid is between 0.6 and 1.3 moles per liter.

Abstract: A nickel electrode for alkaline storage battery according to the present invention is formed by applying a paste containing active material particles composed of nickel hydroxide to a conductive substrate and drying said paste, wherein a conductive layer consisting of sodium-containing cobalt oxide is formed on a surface of said active material particles, and titanium powder and/or titanium compound powder is added to the surface of said active material particles, and an alkaline storage battery according to the present invention uses as its positive electrode the above-mentioned nickel electrode for alkaline storage battery.

Abstract: An alkaline rechargeable battery, having an electrode plate group including positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates stacked alternately with separators interposed therebetween, arranged in such a manner that a volume of the separators before the initial charge and discharge accounts for 30 to 60% of a volume of the electrode plate group.

Abstract: A cathode that includes manganese dioxide and relatively small particles of nonsynthetic, nonexpanded graphite is disclosed. The graphite particles can have an average particle size of less than 20 microns. The cathode can be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a battery.

Abstract: After coating a hydrogen absorbing alloy slurry obtained by kneading a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder 12a, a polyethylene oxide (PEO) powder as a binder 12b, and a suitable amount of water (a solvent for binder) to both surfaces of a metal core plate (active material holder) made of a punching metal, the core plate is dried. Then, after removing the active material layer 13 from the core plate 11 by a means such as cutting and the like, a definite amount of water (a solvent for binder) is sprayed to the cut surface (the exposed surface of the core plate 11) to attach the water to the cur surface followed by drying to provide a hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode 10, which is disposed at the outermost side of the electrode group.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solid polymer electrolyte characterized in that it comprises at least a methacrylonitrile polymer in the form: of a linear homopolymer with strong mass, reinforced or not; or a homopolymer, reinforced or not made three-dimensional by crosslinking; or a linear copolymer with strong mass or made three-dimensional by crosslinking, in particular by incorporation of at least a crosslinkable comonomer. The invention is useful for making electrochemical generators, high load capacitors or electrochrome systems.

Abstract: A nickel zinc alkaline cell has a zinc oxide negative electrode supported on a conductive substrate, an alkaline electrolyte, and a positive electrode having nickel hydroxide paste supported on a conductive substrate. The negative zinc oxide electrode comprises 85% to 95% zinc oxide powder, 1% to 10% bismuth oxide, 1% to 2% of a binder, and 0.05% to 5% by weight of a fluoride salt chosen from the group consisting of: sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, lithium, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the fluoride salt is potassium fluoride, in the amount of 0.5% by weight of the zinc oxide.

Abstract: Alkaline battery cells comprising an anode, a cathode, a separator between the anode and the cathode, and an electrolyte are provided with an n-type metal oxide additive that improves electrochemical performance. The n-type metal oxide additive is either a doped metal oxide comprising a metal oxide modified by incorporation of a dopant, or a reduced metal oxide.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell with CuO as a positive electrode active material. The specific surface area of the CuO is from 1.0 to 4.0 m2/gram to provide an increase in the high voltage discharge capacity of the CuO.

Abstract: A zinc electrode is provided for use in electrochemical cells having an alkaline electrolyte and high cycle life. The zinc electrode comprises a mixture of zinc oxide together with an inorganic fiber which contains silica and alumina. Preferably, the composition of the inorganic fiber is in the range of 80% to 99% alumina, and 1% to 20% silica. Typically, the zinc electrode will further comprise an inorganic fiber additive in the range of 2% to 15% by weight of the zinc oxide electrode. Also, the zinc electrode will typically further include 2% up to 10% of bismuth oxide.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. There can be a gap between separator and cathode for insertion of additional electrolyte. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism, preferably a grooved vent, which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 250 and 800 psig (1724×103 and 5515×103 pascal gage). The cell can have a supplemental vent mechanism such as a laser welded region on the surface of the housing which may activate at higher pressure levels.

Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells with substantially increased performance characteristics have a porous anode, with a porosity equal to or greater than 69%, and a porous cathode, comprising manganese dioxide and having a porosity equal to or greater than 26%.

Abstract: An end cap seal assembly for an electrochemical cell such as an alkaline cell is disclosed. The end cap assembly comprises a convoluted end cap which may also function as a cell terminal and an underlying insulating sealing disk. The insulating sealing disk comprises a central boss and radially extending arm terminating in a downwardly sloped elbow and upwardly sloped peripheral edge. The end cap disk has at least one vent aperture therethrough which faces the ambient environment. The insulating disk has an annular groove in its top or bottom surface, which preferably circumvents the central boss. The base of the groove defines an a rupturable membrane portion of the insulating sealing disk. The rupturable membrane is designed to rupture, preferably when the cell internal gas pressure reaches a level between about 150 and 900 psig (1034×103 and 6206×103 pascal gage) advantageously, between about 150 and 700 psig (1034×103 and 4827×103 pascal gage).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an electrolytic solution for alkaline batteries which inhibits hydrogen gas evolution and thereby prevents battery leakage and an alkaline battery containing the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution for alkaline batteries is characterized by containing aluminum at an ion concentration of 5 to 200 ppm.

Abstract: A zinc electrode composition for use in low toxicity, high energy density cells having an alkaline electrolyte. The zinc electrode comprises zinc oxide, a binder, and from between 0.1 up to 10% of a fluoride of an element chosen from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, titanium, aluminum, and combinations thereof. The invention also provides an electrochemical cell having an electrode as noted above. The inventive cell further comprises an electrolyte which contains a mixture of sodium, potassium, and lithium hydroxides, together with boric acid. The excess alkali hydroxide is present in the range of 2.7 to 5M, and the concentration of boric acid is between 0.6 and 1.3 moles per liter.

Abstract: A nickel zinc alkaline cell has a zinc oxide negative electrode supported on a conductive substrate, an alkaline electrolyte, and a positive electrode having nickel hydroxide paste supported on a conductive substrate. The positive electrode further comprises 0.01% to 1% by weight of a fluoride salt, which is a salt of a metal chosen from the group consisting of: potassium, sodium, lithium, rubidium, caesium, a group II metal, a group III metal, a d-block transition metal, an f-block lanthanide, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the fluoride salt is potassium fluoride.

Abstract: A nickel-zinc galvanic cell is provided, having a pasted zinc oxide negative electrode, a pasted nickel oxide positive electrode, and an alkaline electrolyte. Chemical additives are placed in each of the negative and positive electrodes. The positive nickel hydroxide electrode contains a mixture of co-precipitated cobalt oxide in the range of 1% to 10%, and freely added, finely divided cobalt metal in the range of 1% to 5%, by weight. The negative zinc oxide electrode contains oxides other than the oxide of zinc, which have redox potentials which are negative of 0.73 volts. Also, the metal oxide additives to the negative zinc oxide electrode are such as to inhibit release of soluble cobalt from the nickel oxide negative electrode prior to a formation charge being applied to the electrochemical cell. The nickel-zinc cell contains 1% to 15% of the defined metal oxides, having a solubility less than 10−4M in the alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: An alkaline battery includes a cathode including lambda-manganese dioxide, an anode including zinc, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an alkaline electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: The invention relates to secondary alkaline electrochemical generators with a zinc anode in an electrolyte, the active mass of said anode comprising at least one conductive ceramic. According to the invention, the electrolyte of the generator is made up of a highly-concentrated alkaline solution and/or the active mass of the zinc anode contains an additive comprising at least one alkaline titanate having general formula M2OnTiO2mxH2O, wherein M denotes Li, Na, K, Rb or Cs, n being between 0.5 and 2, m being between 1 and 10 and x being between 0 and 10, or alkaline earth having general formula MOnTiO2mxH2O, wherein M denotes Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba, n being between 1 and 5, m being between 1 and 10 and x being between 0 and 10. The invention also relates to the zinc anode of the generators used in the invention and the production method thereof.

Abstract: In order to obtain an alkaline dry battery low in the possibility of electrolyte leakage and excellent in discharge performance as well as an alkaline dry battery which is not likely to cause an internal short circuit even with the use of a thin separator, as a zinc powder used is one including 65 to 75 wt % of first zinc particles having a particle size of larger than 75 &mgr;m and not larger than 425 &mgr;m, and 25 to 35 wt % of second zinc particles having a particle size of not larger than 75 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A flat elongated alkaline battery comprising an outer metal housing and plurality of individual alkaline cells housed therein. The outer housing has at least a major surface which is a flat polygon. Preferably the outer metal housing is a cuboid. The individual cells comprise an anode slab comprising zinc, cathode slab, comprising manganese dioxide and separator therebetween. Each cell is formed by stacking the anode, separator, and cathode body to body. Each cell has at least one surface which is polygonal. The individual cells are preferably aligned in a row edge to edge to form a pack of cells having the same thickness as the thickness of an individual cell. The pack of cells are inserted into a common hydrogen permeable plastic container and encased therein. The cells encased in the plastic container are housed within the interior of the metal outer casing. The cells are electrically connected in parallel to the battery positive and negative terminals.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery which includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode including a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing manganese as an active material, a separator and an alkaline electrolyte and contains a complex-forming agent which does not include nitrogen and which creates a complex with manganese.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes an insulating sealing member having a circumferential skirt which surrounds wide portions of the anode current collector. This provides a barrier between said wide portions of the current collector and the cell housing. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage) The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers forming a central core with anode material placed therein. A separator is between anode and cathode.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage). The cell can have primary and supplemental vent mechanisms such as welded or thinned regions on the surface of the housing which may activate at different pressure levels. The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers with an elongated opening for anode material to be inserted therein.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. There can be a gap between separator and cathode for insertion of additional electrolyte. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism, preferably a grooved vent, which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 250 and 800 psig (1724×103 and 5515×103 pascal gage). The cell can have a supplemental vent mechanism such as a laser welded region on the surface of the housing which may activate at higher pressure levels.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage). The cell can have primary and supplemental vent mechanisms such as welded or thinned regions on the surface of the housing which may activate at different pressure levels. The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers with an elongated opening for anode material to be inserted therein.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage). The cell can have primary and supplemental vent mechanisms such as welded or thinned regions on the surface of the housing which may activate at different pressure levels. The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers with an elongated opening for anode material to be inserted therein.

Abstract: In a rectangular alkaline storage battery, the sides of negative cores of negative electrode plates 10, which are disposed at the outermost positions of the group of electrode plates and oppose an outer casing can 40, are exposed. The pore ratios (ratio of total area taken up by pores to area of electrode plate) of the exposed cores must be made lower than those of the other unexposed cores. The pore ratio of the exposed negative core is specified as falling within a range of 10% to 40%. As a result, the negative electrode plates 10 are improved in binding strength, thereby inhibiting exfoliation of an active material. Further, there can be obtained a large rectangular alkaline storage battery which has superior permeability for a gas which would arise in the battery, an improved capacity ratio, and greater volumetric energy density.

Abstract: An electrochemical device such as a battery and a fuel cell having two electrolytes between the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical device is preferably arranged with an alkaline electrolyte in contact with the anode and an acidic electrolyte in contact with the cathode. The electrolytes are separated by a bipolar membrane that preferably also provides ionic conductivity between the two electrolytes and also generates a supply of protons and hydroxide anions. The electrochemical device achieves fifty percent higher operating voltage and power compared to fuel cells with a single electrolyte.

Abstract: A rechargeable, alkaline, zinc-based battery containing a stack of hydrogen permeable cellulose-based films, each one optionally containing a dispersion of metal salts. A film may contain copper salt that reacts with cellulose to prevent zinc dispersion. A second film may contain fluoride salts that react with silver ions to prevent silver plating. A third optional film contains sulfide salts that react with copper ions to form copper sulfide salts to lower copper ion concentration in the electrolyte. The stack may also contain at least one hydrogen-permeable regenerated cellulose film and at least one hydrogen permeable hydrocarbon film such as polypropylene.

Abstract: The separator 10a for use in the alkaline storage battery of the invention comprises densely and uniformly formed over the entire separator and entrained from the surface to the back plane of the separator, first fine paths (pores) 15 rendered hydrophilic and second fine paths (pores) 16 rendered non-hydrophilic. In this manner, the gas generated in the vicinity of the first fine paths (pores) 15 can immediately reach the second fine paths (pores) 16 formed in the vicinity of the first fine paths (pores) 15 and transferred. On the other hand, the ions that attempt passing through the second fine paths (pores) 16 can readily reach the first fine paths (pores) 15 formed in the vicinity of the second fine paths (pores) 16, and hence, the ions can be transferred through the first fine paths (pores) 15.

Abstract: A method of making a battery includes selecting selecting a sample of nickel oxyhydroxide, incorporating the sample of nickel oxyhydroxide into a battery, and determining the voltage peak capacity of the battery.

Abstract: An alkaline battery comprises a negative electrode having an active material comprised of mercuryless zinc powder, and an electrolyte. In one embodiment, the electrolyte contains one or more indium compounds selected from the group consisting of indium sulfate, indium sulfamate and indium chloride. In another embodiment, the negative electrode contains one or more indium compounds selected from the group consisting of indium sulfate, indium sulfamate and indium chloride. An improved alkaline battery is achieved which does not pose environmental problems, in which corrosion of the zinc powder by the electrolyte during storage of the battery is suppressed, and in which a good discharge performance of the battery is maintained.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell in accordance with the invention has a high electrode interfacial surface area to improve high rate discharge capacity, and the shapes of the electrodes facilitate the manufacture of cells of high quality and reliability at high speeds suitable for large scale production. The interfacial surfaces of the solid body electrodes have radially extending lobes that increase the interfacial surface area. The lobes do not have sharp corners, and the concave areas formed between the lobes are wide open, to facilitate assembly of the separator and insertion of the other electrode into the concave areas without leaving voids between the separator and either electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: An integrated battery by incorporating battery elements, supercapscitors elements, and miniaturized electronic controllers within a single housing is devised. The supercapacitors provide a load leveling for the battery elements at both charging and discharging. So long as the rated working voltage of supercapacitor is complied, the capacitor can be charged with charging currents of any magnitude. Then, the energy stored in the supercapacitors can be transferred from the capacitors to the batteries resulted in fast charging and energy conservation. With load leveling provided by the supercapacitors, the batteries are set to constantly discharge at 1C or lower rates and their residual energy near the end of discharge cycle can become useful as well. Therefore, the service run time, cycle life, and energy utilization of the batteries integrated are improved.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having an anode comprising zinc, a cathode comprising manganese dioxide and an electrolyte comprising polyvinylbenzyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide. The anode can comprise particulate zinc dispersed within an aqueous gel comprising crosslinked polyvinylbenzyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide polymer. Optionally, aqueous KOH can be added to the gel. The anode and cathode are desirably in the shape of a slab each having a pair of opposing parallel flat faces defining two opposing ends. The zinc particles dispersed in crosslinked polyvinylbenzytrimethylammoniumhydroxide polymer can be concentrated at one end of the anode slab with the opposing end being clear of zinc. The clear end of the anode preferably also comprising polyvinylbenzlytrimethylammoniumhydroxide functions as a separator between anode and cathode. The cathode slab comprises a mixture of particulate manganese dioxide, graphite, and linear polyvinylbenzyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemicals or a combination of chemicals for optimizing the function of a new and already in service lead-acid battery over a long period of time, reducing corrosion on the positive plate, restoring lost capacity due to the accumulation of non-conductive lead sulphate crystals on plates, reducing charging time, and for starting batteries increasing cold crank rating.

Abstract: A porous metal material 10 was filled with an active material slurry, dried, and then rolled to a predetermined thickness. This rolling causes pores 11 formed by a network skeleton to be stretched in the rolling direction (direction represented by the arrow in FIG. 1(a)) to form pores 12 having a shape similar to ellipsoid or deformed ellipsoid having a long axis. Subsequently, the porous metal material was cut in such an arrangement that the longitudinal direction of the pores 12 having a shape similar to ellipsoid or deformed ellipsoid coincides with the crosswise direction of the electrode plate, and then subjected to roller treatment through a series of rollers in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate. This roller treatment causes numerous cracks 14 to be formed at a very small pitch in the direction parallel to the rolling direction as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1(c).

Abstract: An industrial type vented cell storage battery includes an electrode package including at least one positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, one negative electrode, and one hydrophilic and gas-permeable separator an extension of which beyond said electrode package is in contact with the electrolyte contained in said space. It also includes an oxygen recombination device. It contains an excess quantity of alkaline electrolyte. A space between the base of the electrode package and the bottom of the container contains at least some of the excess quantity of electrolyte.

Abstract: There is provided an alkaline battery produced by sealing in an outer package body: a positive mixture containing at least one selected from manganese dioxide and a nickel oxide, a conducting agent, and an alkaline electrolytic solution (A) containing potassium hydroxide; a separator; and a negative mixture containing zinc alloy powder, a gelling agent, and an alkaline electrolytic solution (B) containing potassium hydroxide where a concentration of potassium hydroxide of the alkaline electrolytic solution (A) is 45 wt % or more, and a concentration of potassium hydroxide of the alkaline electrolytic solution (B) is 35 wt % or less. Because of this, an alkaline battery can be provided, which has desirable load characteristics, prevents the generation of gas, prevents a decrease in a storage property due to the reaction with an electrolytic solution, and has heat generation behavior suppressed at a time of occurrence of a short-circuit.

Abstract: A battery is made by drop on demand printing a first electrode pattern and a second electrode pattern, and applying an electrolyte region over a portion of the first electrode pattern and a portion of the second electrode pattern.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector.

Abstract: A gelating agent for an alkaline cell is a cross-linked polymer (A) comprising (meth)acrylic acid and/or its alkali metal salt as a main constituent monomer unit and obtained by an aqueous solution polymerization or a reversed phase suspension polymerization and satisfies the following required conditions (1), (2). The gelating agent has good draining property, satisfactorily high speed charging property of the alkaline electrolytic solution and is therefore effective to produce cells with little unevenness of the charging amount of the electrolytic solution and having uniform quality by mass production and an alkaline cell using the gelating agent is provided with durable discharge time and remarkably excellent impact resistance for a long duration.

Abstract: A battery including a polar solvent transportive, ionically conductive separator formed directly on an electrode is prepared by applying a coating composition containing a polymer or gel dispersed in a polar solvent directly to the electrode surface and solidifying materials in the coating composition to form a separator membrane.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector. The battery comprises a collector assembly and can defining a sealed internal volume within the can and available for containing electrochemically active materials.