An alkaline electrochemical cell includes a cathode; a gelled anode having an anode active material and an electrolyte; and a separator disposed between the cathode and the anode; wherein the separator includes a non-conductive, porous material having a mean pore size of about 1 micron to about 5 microns, a maximum pore size of about 19 microns, and an air permeability of about 0.5 cc/cm.sup.2/s to about 3.8 cc/cm.sup.2/s at 125 Pa.

The method for fabricating an electrochemical device includes the following successive steps: a first stack successively including a first electrode and an electrically insulating electrolyte having a first main surface in contact with the first electrode and an opposite second main surface; a polymerisation step of the electrolyte so as to define at least a first area presenting a first degree of cross-linking and a first cross-linking density and a second area presenting a second degree of cross-linking different from the first degree of cross-linking and/or a second cross-linking density different from the first cross-linking density, said at least first and second areas connecting the first main surface with the second main surface; and placing the second electrode in contact with the electrolyte.

The method for fabricating an electrochemical device includes the following successive steps: a first stack successively including a first electrode and an electrically insulating electrolyte having a first main surface in contact with the first electrode and an opposite second main surface; a polymerisation step of the electrolyte so as to define at least a first area presenting a first degree of cross-linking and a first cross-linking density and a second area presenting a second degree of cross-linking different from the first degree of cross-linking and/or a second cross-linking density different from the first cross-linking density, said at least first and second areas connecting the first main surface with the second main surface; and placing the second electrode in contact with the electrolyte.

An alkaline electrochemical cell includes a cathode; a gelled anode having an anode active material and an electrolyte; and a separator disposed between the cathode and the anode; wherein the separator includes a non-conductive, porous material having a mean pore size of about 1 micron to about 5 microns, a maximum pore size of about 19 microns, and an air permeability of about 0.5 cc/cm.sup.2/s to about 3.8 cc/cm.sup.2/s at 125 Pa.

An electrochemical device is disclosed, which includes an anode and a cathode. The electrochemical device also includes an extruded electrolyte composition disposed between the anode and the cathode. The cathode and/or the anode of the electrochemical device may be disposed in a stacked geometry or in a lateral x-y plane geometry. The electrolyte composition may include a gel polymer electrolyte. The electrolyte composition is disposed between the anode and the cathode in a laterally non-continuous pattern. A method of producing an electrolyte layer of an electrochemical device is also disclosed.

An electrochemical device is disclosed, which may include an anode, a cathode, and a molded electrolyte composition disposed between the anode and the cathode. Implementations of the electrochemical device may include where the cathode and/or the anode are disposed in a stacked geometry. The electrolyte composition may include a gel polymer electrolyte, which can include a hydrogel of a copolymer and a salt dispersed in the hydrogel of a copolymer. The electrolyte composition may alternatively include a crosslinker or a photoinitiator. A method of producing an electrolyte layer of an electrochemical device is also disclosed, including preparing a substrate having an electrode for an electrochemical device, preparing a gasket to form a cavity on the substrate for the electrolyte layer, and depositing an electrolyte composition onto the substrate

A biodegradable solid aqueous electrolyte composition, an electrochemical device incorporating the electrolyte composition, and methods for the same are provided. The electrolyte composition may include a hydrogel of a copolymer and a salt dispersed in the hydrogel. The copolymer may include at least two polycaprolactone chains attached to a polymeric center block. The electrochemical device may include an anode, a cathode, and the electrolyte composition disposed between the anode and the cathode. The electrolyte composition may include a crosslinked, biodegradable polymeric material that is radiatively curable prior to being crosslinked.

An electrochemical reactor includes positive and negative electrodes. A conductive and/or dielectric liquid is provided between the positive and negative electrodes. A first isolation member provided on the positive electrode isolates the positive electrode from the liquid, and a second isolation member provided on the negative electrode isolates the negative electrode from the liquid. The first and second isolation member each includes a liquid-repellent porous membrane. The reactor further includes a pressure-applying member which pressurizes the liquid to fill the pores of the first and second liquid-repellent porous membranes with the liquid, thereby causing an electrochemical reaction involving the positive and negative electrodes.

An electrochemical reactor includes positive and negative electrodes. A conductive and/or dielectric liquid is provided between the positive and negative electrodes. A first isolation member provided on the positive electrode isolates the positive electrode from the liquid, and a second isolation member provided on the negative electrode isolates the negative electrode from the liquid. The first and second isolation member each includes a liquid-repellent porous membrane. The reactor further includes a pressure-applying member which pressurizes the liquid to fill the pores of the first and second liquid-repellent porous membranes with the liquid, thereby causing an electrochemical reaction involving the positive and negative electrodes.

The disclosure concerns an electrolyte, an electrolyte ink, a battery or other electrochemical cell including the same, and methods of making the electrolyte and electrochemical cell. The electrolyte includes an ionic liquid comprising a hydrophilic or hydrophobic anion, a multi-valent metal cation suitable for use in a battery cell, a polymer binder, and optional additives (e.g., a solid filler). The electrolyte ink includes components of the electrolyte and a solvent. The solvent and the polymer binder (or, when present, the solid filler) have a hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity or polarity similar to or matching that of the ionic liquid's anion, or form hydrogen bonds with the ionic liquid's anion. The electrolyte includes a solid inorganic filler that provides mechanical support form hydrogen bonds with the anion and/or a counterpart anion of the multi-valent metal cation, and links with a material in an adjacent layer of the electrochemical cell.