Abstract: This invention pertains to separators for electrochemical cells which comprise (i) a microporous pseudo-boehmite layer and (ii) a protective coating layer comprising a polymer; electrolyte elements comprising such separators; electrical current producing cells comprising such separators; and methods of making such separators, electrolyte elements and cells.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery comprising at least one positive electrode and a negative zinc electrode in contact with an electrolyte via at least one electrolyte-impregnated separator is disclosed. The electrodes are clamped against two respective bipolar screens supported by a sealing frame. The positive electrode is in contact with a first electrolyte having a predetermined volume and composition via at least one first separator, the negative electrode is in contact with a second electrolyte having a predetermined volume and composition different from those of the first electrolytes via at least one second separator, and the first and second electrolytes are separated by a membrane forming a zincate and optionally aluminate filter, particularly an anionically conductive membrane defining first and second compartments.

Abstract: This invention pertains to separators for electrochemical cells which comprise (i) two microporous pseudo-boehmite layers and (ii) a protective coating layer comprising a polymer interposed between the microporous pseudo-boehmite layers; electrolyte elements comprising such separators; electrical current producing cells comprising such separators; and methods of making such separators, electrolyte elements and cells.

Abstract: An alkaline battery separator comprising a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric obtainable by heat-fusing and hydro-entangling (1) polyolefin dividable composite fibers having an average fiber length of 20 to 60 mm, (2) high-strength fibers having an average fiber length of 30 to 60 mm and a fiber strength of 5 g/denier or more, and (3) polyolefin heat-sensitive-adhesive fibers having an average fiber length of 30 to 60 mm, to obtain a heat-fused and hydro-entangled nonwoven fabric by a dry-laid method, and imparting a hydrophilic property to the resulting heat-fused and hydro-entangled nonwoven fabric; these high-strength fibers accounting for 20 to 45 mass % with respect to a total mass of the polyolefin dividable composite fibers, the high-strength fibers and the polyolefin heat-sensitive-adhesive fibers. The alkaline battery separator exhibits an excellent breaking strength, and has practical and sufficient tensile strength and electrolyte-holding capacity properties.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a macroporous high cross-link organic polymer having sulfonic functionality in at least one of the negative plate or separator to improve capacity maintenance.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous composite separator layer for an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of printing a thin layer of a separator precursor solution on the surface of one of the electrochemical cell electrodes, curing the thin layer of separator precursor solution so that it transforms into a microporous composite separator structure. In the preferred embodiment, the separator precursor solution is formulated as an ink comprising a silica aerogel filler material dispersed in a solution of chlorinated polyolefin binder which is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The process allows the manufacture of thin and flexible composite separators which are conformally bonded to the underlying electrodes.

Abstract: In the method of the invention, plasticizer is extracted from a polymeric film electrode, electrolyte or laminated film structure thereof, by contacting the film, with an extraction solvent mixture comprising a polar co-solvent, and carbon dioxide which is in a solvent fluidic state, at a temperature greater than or equal to 31.degree. C. and less than 35.degree. C. The pressure of extraction is sufficient to maintain the fluidic state at the temperature range stated. The co-solvent is present in an amount up to about 10% by weight of the extraction solvent mixture. The co-solvent is characterized by having a liquid state at the temperature and pressure of extraction.

Abstract: A battery separator for use in flooded cell type lead acid batteries comprising a backweb of a porous, acid resistant, embossable material with a plurality of major ribs and submini-ribs extending from at least one planar surface of the backweb and a lesser plurality of stop-ribs extending from the other planar surface. Each major rib overlies at least one submini-rib and a number less than all of the major ribs overlies the stop-ribs. Each major rib is an embossed corrugated structure comprised of alternating ridges and furrows. The ridges and furrows are in non-parallel alignment to the longitudinal dimension of the separator, and preferably perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery with improved cycle life and self-discharge characteristics is disclosed. The battery comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator and an alkaline electrolyte. For the separator, a material of a woven or nonwoven fabric sheet or a porous film of polyolefine resin of which surfaces have been modified with a hydrophilic compound having a carboxyl group by graft-polymerization. The quantity of carbonates inside the battery is regulated to 150 mg/Ah battery capacity. The quantity of carbonates inside the battery can be regulated to a minimum by optimizing graft polymerization and subsequent washing conditions.

Abstract: A polyethylene microporous film excellent in mechanical strength, permeability and productivity and having a very high reliability such that the safety of a battery may be secured even under severe circumstances which film has a crosslinked structure and has a porosity of 20-80%, a gel fraction of 1% or more, and an average pore diameter determined by the permeation method of 0.001-0.1 .mu.m, and a process for producing the polyethylene microporous film.

Abstract: A fiber of sea-islands phase separation wherein the sea component comprises a vinyl alcohol based polymer with high orientation and great crystallinity and the islands component comprises a water-insoluble cellulose based polymer with excellent absorptivity of alkaline solutions, thermal resistance and heat fusion resistance, and wherein the size of the islands is 0.03 to 10 .mu.m and the strength is 3 g/d or more, is readily disintegrated into a fibril of a diameter of 0.05 to 8 .mu.m when a mechanical stress is imposed onto the fiber wet in water.From the fibril with good hydrophilicity, high strength, great particle captivity and excellent reinforcing performance, and additionally with good absorptivity of alkaline solutions and great thermal resistance and heat fusion resistance, none of the fiber components therein is solubilized during fibrillation. Neither a beating process nor a beating solution causes foaming or environmental pollution.

Abstract: Battery separator comprising a consolidated nonwoven mat of ultrafine polymeric fibers in which at least 10% of said fibers have a diameter less than 1 micron and which mat has an average pore size of less than 3 .mu.m. The fiber mat is formed by meltblowing using modified conditions to produce a self-bonded web having the desired content of ultra fine fibers.

Abstract: This invention provides a film comprising a cross-linked polymer having an oxyalkylene group or a cross-linked polymer having an oxyalkylene group through a urethane bond, as a constituent component, a production method of the film, and an electrochemical apparatus using the film as a separator.The film for separator of an electrochemical apparatus can be easily and uniformly processed, can include an electrolytic solution, exhibits good film thickness and ensures excellent safety and reliability. The electrochemical apparatus is free of leakage of the solution.

Abstract: Paper that has minute pores, denseness, a high degree of airtightness and is made from cellulose which has superior heat and chemical resistance and is reproducible natural resources. Further, a non-aqueous battery which is improved to a higher level with regards to various characteristics, e.g., heat resistance, electrical characteristics such as ion transmissivity or liquid-holding characteristics, or prevention of an internal short circuit, through use of, as a separator for electronically separating a positively active substance from a negatively active substance, a novel porous highly-airtightened separator which is made from cellulose and has pores and denseness. The separator is manufactured from highly-airtightened porous paper having minute pores made by forming wet paper web from minute cellulose having a fiber diameter of 1 .mu.m or less, and drying the wet paper web while voids in the wet paper web are maintained. The separator is used in a non-aqueous battery or electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: A resilient battery separator, especially suited for use in a starved electrolyte battery, is made of an air laid fibrous mat of randomly oriented, entangled microfibers having a mean diameter between 0.5 and 2.0 microns. The air laid mat weighs between 50 and 450 g/m.sup.2 and has a thickness between 0.01 and 0.5 inches. The fibrous mat may be essentially uniform in density throughout its thickness or may include one or two relatively high density, high tensile strength fibrous surface layer(s) and a relatively low density, more resilient fibrous layer integral with and, in one embodiment, intermediate the two surface layers. The microfibers in the surface layer(s) are more entangled than the microfibers in the resilient layer. In a starved electrolyte battery, the separator has a thickness, when subjected to a loading of 1.5 psi, that is equal to or greater than the spacing between the electrode plates of the battery and, preferably, at least 110% of the spacing between the electrode plates of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a battery separator being an oriented microporous film containing ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer with a filler, and a battery containing that separator.

Abstract: A battery separator of a nonwoven substrate coated on at least one surface with a cellulose film made from a liquid cellulose or cellulose derivative solution with the substrate having at least 50% by wt. noncellulosic fibers having a noncircular cross-sectional perimeter which has a percentage cross-sectional area difference relative to a circumscribed circle according to the formula: ##EQU1## wherein A=Area of a noncellulosic fiber cross-section; and B=Area of a circle circumscribing said fiber cross-section and, preferably, having an absorption rate of at least 15, most preferably at least 30 mm/10 min. in an aqueous solution of 40 wt. % KOH.

Abstract: A fiber of sea-islands phase separation wherein the sea component comprises a vinyl alcohol based polymer with high orientation and great crystallinity and the islands component comprises a water-insoluble cellulose based polymer with excellent absorptivity of alkaline solutions, thermal resistance and heat fusion resistance, and wherein the size of the islands is 0.03 to 10 .mu.m and the strength is 3 g/d or more, is readily disintegrated into a fibril of a diameter of 0.05 to 8 .mu.m when a mechanical stress is imposed onto the fiber wet in water. From the fibril with good hydrophilicity, high strength, great particle captivity and excellent reinforcing performance, and additionally with good absorptivity of alkaline solutions and great thermal resistance and heat fusion resistance, none of the fiber components therein is solubilized during fibrillation. Neither a beating process nor a beating solution causes foaming or environmental pollution.

Abstract: An alkaline electrolyte secondary electric cell comprises at least one positive electrode and one negative electrode positioned either side of a separator composed of polyolefin fibers grafted with a vinyl monomer. The cell contains a device for absorbing and retaining nitrogen in a strongly basic medium, with a pH of at least 12. This device is constituted by the separator. A vinyl monomer solution is forced into the pores of the separator by drawing the solution through the separator, for example by using a suction pump.

Abstract: A secondary battery separator comprises a fibrous core embedded in a polymeric sheet having improved electrode fusion thereto in unitary construction. In the process of manufacturing the separator, a fibrous, polymeric, substantially two-sided core matrix is coated with a polymer mixture containing a plasticizer and a solvent vehicle, and a vacuum is applied to the reverse side from the coated side to cause the polymer mixture to penetrate and infuse the capillary voids of the core matrix from the opposite coated side. The vacuum is continued until the solvent vehicle is fully volatilized. After the solvent vehicle has dissipated, the fiber matrix is turned over, and the process is repeated by applying a coating of polymer mixture to the second side and pulling a vacuum on the opposite side to cause penetration of the matrix.

Abstract: A perforated fabric for modifying the effective electrochemical surface area of a cell is described. The size and pattern of perforations in the fabric determine the effective electrochemical surface area of the cell. In practice, the modified cell comprises a layer of perforated fabric placed between the anode and the cathode along with a suitable electrolyte absorbent separator material. Electrodes are then assembled into a cell using typical techniques with a spirally-wound configuration being preferred. The present perforated fabric provides for the production of cells with variable effective electrochemical surface areas while using a single manufacturing line. A preferred cell chemistry comprises a fluorinated carbon electrode present in an alkali metal system with the preferred perforated fabric comprising a Fluorpeel fabric, which is a woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with PTFE polymer.

Abstract: A battery separator for use in flooded cell type lead acid batteries comprising a backweb of a porous, acid resistant, embossable material with a plurality of major ribs and submini-ribs extending across the width of the backweb from at least one planar surface of the backweb. The submini-ribs extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the backweb. The major ribs extend in a direction that is diagonal to the longitudinal axis of the backweb. Each major rib is an embossed corrugated structure comprised of alternating ridges and furrows. The separator is particularly useful in a flooded cell type lead acid battery having tubular plates.

Abstract: A perforated fabric for modifying the effective electrochemical surface area of a cell is described. The size and pattern of perforations in the fabric determine the effective electrochemical surface area of the cell. In practice, the modified cell comprises a layer of perforated fabric placed between the anode and the cathode along with a suitable electrolyte absorbent separator material. Electrodes are then assembled into a cell using typical techniques with a spirally-wound configuration being preferred. The present perforated fabric provides for the production of cells with variable effective electrochemical surface areas while using a single manufacturing line. A preferred cell chemistry comprises a fluorinated carbon electrode present in an alkali metal system with the preferred perforated fabric comprising a Fluorpeel fabric, which is a woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with PTFE polymer.

Abstract: A microporous polyolefin composite membrane, preferably for use as a battery separator, comprising a microporous polyolefin membrane and a polyolefin nonwoven fabric laminated on at least one surface of the microporous polyolefin membrane. The composite membrane has a thickness of 25 to 200 .mu.m, a porosity of 30 to 70%, an air permeability of 100 to 2000 sec/100 cc and a surface opening area ratio of 50 to 90% on at least one outer surface thereof. The microporous polyolefin membrane comprises a matrix polyolefin component which is a polyolefin having a weight average molecular weight of 5.times.10.sup.5 or more or a polyolefin mixture containing the polyolefin having a weight average molecular weight of 5.times.10.sup.5 or more, and has a porosity of 30 to 95%, an air permeability of 100 to 2000 sec/100 cc, an average open pore diameter of 0.001 to 1 .mu.m and a tensile strength at break of 500 kg/cm.sup.2 or more.

Abstract: A combination separator comprising a single layer of a non-woven, polyolefinic cloth superposed with a single layer of a polyolefinic, microporous film for use in an electrochemical cell, is described. A preferred polyolefinic material for both the non-woven cloth and the microporous film is polypropylene. The redundancy of using two layers of separator is an enhanced safety characteristic of the cell; however, the use of the polypropylene web/film combination adds another dimension to the cell's safety characteristics by imparting the benefits of each type of material.

Abstract: A battery separator for use in flooded cell and recombinant type lead acid batteries. The separator has a relatively thin backweb (between about 0.002 inch and about 0.008 inch). A plurality of submini-ribs extend from one or both planar faces of the backweb. The submini-ribs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal side edges of the backweb and are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the backweb. The submini-ribs are relatively short in height (between about 0.003 inch and about 0.009 inch above the adjacent planar surface of the backweb) and relatively closely spaced together (between about 0.025 inch and about 0.050 inch).

Abstract: A secondary battery includes an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, and a layer including communicating pores through which ions participating in a battery reaction can move between the anode side and the cathode side and whose sizes can change depending on environment. The electrolyte and the layer are disposed between the anode and the cathode. The battery also includes a battery housing for accommodating these components.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes a positive electrode containing lithium-contained complex oxide, a negative electrode containing a material which can absorb and desorb lithium or lithium ion, and a separator which is filled with an organic electrolyte. The separator is composed of a plurality of laminated blend polymer fine porous films each containing polyethylene and polypropylene, and at least one of the laminated blend polymer fine porous films has a different ratio of polyethylene and polypropylene from the other blend polymer fine porous films. In this construction, a blend polymer fine porous film having a higher ratio of polypropylene increases the piercing strength of the separator, and at the same time a blend polymer fine porous film having a higher ratio of polyethylene increases the shut-down characteristic.

Abstract: A separator film for a battery is formed as a hydrophilized porous biaxially oriented film. The porous biaxially oriented film has a porosity of at least about 70%, a thickness in the range of about 10 to about 500 .mu.m, and a pore size in the range of about 0.01 to about 20 .mu.m. The porous film is made of hydrophobic resin, and a hydrophilic high polymer which is fixed in the pores of the film. The hydrophilic high polymer may be heterogeneously distributed in the porous film, so that the separator film has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The porosity and/or the pore size of the porous film can be varied in the direction of film thickness. The separator film is applied in an alkaline storage battery or a nonaqueous electrolyte battery such as a lithium battery.

Abstract: A nickel-hydrogen secondary battery is disclosed wherein a long life is assured, an improved self-discharging property in a high temperature storage and the inhibition of increase in inner pressure of the battery in the occasion of over-charging can be realized. The nickel-hydrogen secondary battery comprises, a case, a paste-type positive electrode accommodated in the case and containing nickel hydroxide and a polymeric binder, a paste-type negative electrode accommodated in the case and containing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy and a polymeric binder, a separator accommodated in the case in so as to be interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and an alkali electrolyte accommodated in the case.

Abstract: A battery separator for use in flooded cell type lead acid batteries comprising a backweb of a porous, acid resistant, embossable material with a plurality of major ribs and submini-ribs extending from at least one planar surface of the backweb. The ribs are located across the width of the backweb and extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges of the backweb. Each major rib overlies at least one submini-rib and is an embossed corrugated structure comprised of alternating ridges and furrows. The ridges and furrows are in non-parallel alignment to the longitudinal dimension of the separator, and preferably perpendicular thereto. The major ribs are formed on a battery separator backweb having a plurality of submini-ribs extending from at least one planar surface thereof by passing the backweb through the nip formed by a pair of opposed embossing rollers and embossing the backweb in the area of at least one submini-rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid-circulating battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a permeable membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes to hold the same in separated relation to each other and to partition the same into a positive chamber and a negative chamber, two porous liquid-permeable carbon electrodes disposed respectively in the positive and negative electrolytic solutions being circulated respectively into the positive and negative chambers such that an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs and causes charging and discharging, wherein the permeable membrane is an ion-exchange me membrane including as an ion exchanger layer a polymeric pellicle which results from crosslinking of a halogenated alkylated product of an aromatic polysulfone type polymer with use of a polyamine and which has an ion exchange capacity of 0.3 to 8.0 milliequivalent/gram of dry resin and a thickness 0.1 to 120 .mu.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-strength porous film or sheet consisting essentially of a high-molecular-weight polyethylene resin having a viscosity-average molecular weight of not less than 300,000, wherein the said film has a thickness of 5 to 50 .mu.m, an air permeability of 200 to 1,000 sec/100 cc, a porosity of 10 to 50% and a pin puncture strength of not less than 600 gf/25 .mu.m, and a process for producing the said film.

Abstract: A polymer containing a recurring unit of a conjugated N-fluoropyridinium salt and an active material for a positive electrode, an electrolyte, a battery material for the positive electrode and a battery which use such a polymer. That polymer provides a battery material and a primary battery or a secondary battery which have high electromotive force, high energy density, high environmental acceptability, a low internal resistance in charging and discharging and strong recoverability of the electromotive force, and can be useful as a fluorinating agent.

Abstract: A battery separator of a cellulosic nonwoven substrate coated on at least one surface with a cellulose film and process for making such separator by contacting a nonwoven cellulosic textile substrate with a cellulose or cellulose derivative solution on at least one side of said substrate; converting the solution to a solid cellulose or cellulose derivative having a degree of polymerization of at least 500, preferably at least 600, to form a coated substrate; washing and drying the coated substrate to provide a battery separator having a absorption rate of at least 6 mm/5 min. and a 30% KOH absorption of at least 200 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A battery separator of a noncellulosic nonwoven substrate extrusion coated on at least one surface with a cellulose film and process for making such separator by contacting a nonwoven noncellulosic textile substrate with a cellulose or cellulose derivative solution on at least one side of said substrate; converting the solution to a solid cellulose or cellulose derivative, preferably having a degree of polymerization of at least 350, more preferably at least 600, to form a coated substrate; washing and drying the coated substrate to provide a battery separator, preferably having a absorption rate of at least 6 mm/5 min. and a 30% KOH absorption of at least 200 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A battery separator for use in flooded cell type lead acid batteries comprising a backweb of a porous, acid resistant, embossable material with a plurality of ribs extending from at least one planar surface of the backweb. The ribs are located across the width of the backweb and extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the backweb. Each rib is an embossed corrugated structure comprised of alternating ridges and furrows. The ridges and furrows are in non-parallel alignment to the longitudinal dimension of the separator, and preferably perpendicular thereto. The ribs are formed on a substantially flat battery separator backweb by passing the backweb through the nip formed by a pair of opposed embossing rollers.

Abstract: Fuel cells incorporating a novel ion-conducting membrane are disclosed. The membrane comprises a plurality of acid-stable polymer molecules each having at least one ion-conducting component covalently bonded to at least one flexible connecting component. The membrane has ion-conducting components of the polymer molecules ordered such that a plurality of continuous ion-conducting channels penetrate the membrane from a first face to a second face and such that the ion-conducting channels are situated in an elastic matrix formed by the flexible connecting components. A preferred membrane is obtained by (1) sulfonating SEBS with sulfur trioxide under conditions that result in greater than 25 mol % sulfonation and (2) heating the polymer.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first active electrode material having a tubular shape closed at one end and open at the other, a second active electrode material disposed within the cavity of the tubular shaped first active electrode material, a scrolled separator disposed between the sidewalls of the cavity and the second active electrode material, and an insulator disc disposed between the closed end of the cavity and the second active electrode material. The scrolled separator and insulator disc cooperate to provide a liner which provides a continuous electrical and physical barrier between the cavity walls and the second active electrode material disposed within the cavity. The cell utilizes a simple design which minimizes space occupied by the separator and insulator disc, while maximizing the available area for ion mass transfer between the electrodes, whereby greater cell efficiency and improved performance characteristics are achieved.

Abstract: A separator for a battery using an organic electrolytic solution, which comprises a microporous film comprising a matrix comprised of a polyethylene and a propylene polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 1,000,000, the propylene polymer being present in a proportion of from 5 to 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyethylene and the propylene polymer, the polyethylene containing a fraction having a molecular weight of not smaller than 1,000,000 in a proportion of at least 10% by weight and a fraction having a molecular weight of not greater than 100,000 in a proportion of at least 5% by weight, and wherein the microporous film has a thickness of from 10 to 500 .mu.m, a porosity of from 40 to 85% and a maximum pore diameter of from 0.05 to 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: The zinc active powder for a mercury-free rechargeable electrochemical cell is coated with a surfactant, and separately with an aqueous solution of indium sulphate. Without any subsequent filtering, washing or drying, the powder is assembled into an electrochemical cell. The cell can include a hydrogen recombination catalyst in contact with the electrochemically active material of the cathode.

Abstract: A battery separator having sodium sulfate incorporated therein in order to reduce and/or eliminate hydration short problems in batteries. The preferred method of adding sodium sulfate directly to the separator is via the use of sodium sulfate-containing silica as a separator filler added during the process of manufacturing the separator. The present invention is also directed to a battery separator containing a relatively high level of sodium sulfate, and to batteries which incorporate such separators.

Abstract: A gel-type storage battery is made by preparing porous electrolyte pads having internal pockets containing a dry powdered gelling agent, and inserting the pad between adjacent battery electrodes before addition of acid. The gelling agent may include acid resistant superabsorbing polymer particles, which cause the pads to swell into intimate contact with the electrodes upon addition of the aqueous acid.

Abstract: A battery having a positive electrode, a negative electrode is equipped with a diaphragm between the electrodes. The diaphragm includes a hydrophilized polymer porous body with pores in which ethylene copolymer particles are held, having a melting point of 80.degree. to 170.degree. C., and side chains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery separator comprising (a) a nonwoven web of fibers having a mean diameter of about 15 .mu.m or less and (b) a graft polymerized monomer on the surface of the nonwoven web which renders the nonwoven web spontaneously wettable by an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the nonwoven web comprises at least about 60 wt. % of a first polyolefin having a first melting temperature and no more than about 40 wt. % of a second polyolefin having a second melting temperature which is lower than the first melting temperature, the nonwoven web has been subjected to a temperature between the first and second melting temperatures, and the nonwoven web has a thickness of at least about 50 .mu.m. The present invention also provides a battery containing such a battery separator, as well as a method of preparing such a battery separator and battery.

Abstract: A separator for an electrochemical generator is constituted by a microporous polyolefin film grafted with at least one monomer selected from diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, furfuryl acrylate and a diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate/acrylic acid mixture. In a process for the production of a separator of this kind grafting of the monomer is carried out in three stages:irradiation of the film,if required, storage of the irradiated film,immersion of the irradiated film in the grafting solution comprising the monomer, a solvent, and at least one additive. The separator may be used in an electrochemical generator with either an aqueous or nonaqueous electrolyte where the salt concentration is between 1M and 2M.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electron-conducting molecular preparation designed to act as a conductor by receiving an electron at its one end and conducting the electron along its molecular structure to its other end. The molecule in the preparation has the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 12the groups X and Y are identical or different and denote functional substituents bound to the pyridine nitrogen, or one or both of X and Y are absent, andR, being identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic side chain introduced for enhancing the solubility of the molecule in organic solvents, for example a branched or unbranched alkyl or alkoxy group containing any number of carbon atoms.The molecular preparations can be incorporated in a substantially insulating membrane to act as conductors between an electroactive species and an electrode in diagnostic determinations.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an electrode (10) having a microporous polymeric substrate (12) upon which is deposited the first and second layers (18 and 22) of an electrochemically material. Disposed between said first and second layers of electrochemically active materials is a current collecting layer adapted to electrically couple the electrode with a battery cell can. Two or more of such electrodes (40 and 60) may be stacked one atop the other in order to affect a positive and negative electrode as used in conventional cylindrical cells.

Abstract: A layer built cell with improved safety having at least one pair of positive and negative electrodes, an electrolytic solution and at least one separator which is present between the pair of electrodes. The separator has a liquid retention rate of at least 1.5 cc/g, the retention rate having been measured relative to retention of propylene carbonate.

Abstract: An alkali metal battery has an alkali metal anode such as lithium in an organic anolyte and a cathode in an aqueous catholyte. An ion conductive diaphragm allows ions to migrate between the anolyte and the catholyte while limiting the transport of water from the catholyte to the anolyte.In a preferred embodiment, the ion conductive diaphragm is nonporous so that there is no transport of water ion to the anolyte.The battery is particularly useful for long durations of up to a week or longer in seawater.