Liang L Liang

US Patent:

20050112471, May 26, 2005

Filed:

May 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/445271

Inventors:

Muguo Chen - South Salem NY, US
Fuyuan Ma - Yorktown NY, US
Jennifer Leveille - Brewster NY, US
Tsepin Tsai - Chappaqua NY, US
Anu Eapen - New City NY, US
Ben Lewis - Yonkers NY, US
Liang Liang - Yorktown Heights NY, US
Xuejun Cao - Nanuet NY, US
Alex Elien - Bronx NY, US
Octavia Elien - Bronx NY, US

International Classification:

H01M002/16

US Classification:

429253000, 429347000

Abstract:

A nickel-zinc electrochemical cell is disclosed using a polymer matrix separator. The polymer matrix separator includes a polymerization product of one or more monomers selected from the group of water-soluble, ethylenically-unsaturated acids and acid derivatives, and a crosslinking agent, and serves as a primary or supplemental source of electrolyte ionic species for the electrochemistry. Ionic species is contained as a solution phase within the polymer matrix membrane, allowing it to behave as a liquid electrolyte without the disadvantages. In secondary batteries (i.e., rechargeable), polymer matrix membranes are particularly useful as both an electrolyte reservoir and as a dendrite resistant separator between the charging electrode and the zinc electrode. The polymer matrix membrane protects the electrodes from corrosion and prevents zinc oxidation product from the zinc electrode to contaminate the electrolyte.