Power sources that enable in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body power sources of the invention include a solid support, a first high surface area electrode and a second electrode. Embodiments of the in-power sources are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the power sources of the invention.

Power sources that enable in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body power sources of the invention include a solid support, a first high surface area electrode and a second electrode. Embodiments of the in-power sources are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the power sources of the invention.

Active metal and active metal intercalation electrode structures and battery cells having ionically conductive protective architecture including an active metal (e.g., lithium) conductive impervious layer separated from the electrode (anode) by a porous separator impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte). This protective architecture prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment on the other (cathode) side of the impervious layer, which may include aqueous or non-aqueous liquid electrolytes (catholytes) and/or a variety electrochemically active materials, including liquid, solid and gaseous oxidizers. Safety additives and designs that facilitate manufacture are also provided.

Active metal and active metal intercalation electrode structures and battery cells having ionically conductive protective architecture including an active metal (e.g., lithium) conductive impervious layer separated from the electrode (anode) by a porous separator impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte). This protective architecture prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment on the other (cathode) side of the impervious layer, which may include aqueous or non-aqueous liquid electrolytes (catholytes) and/or a variety electrochemically active materials, including liquid, solid and gaseous oxidizers. Safety additives and designs that facilitate manufacture are also provided.

A battery includes a casing that has an inner surface defining a chamber for an electrolyte, and a conductive lining being configured for electrical communication with a first battery terminal. There is also a permeable separator sheet disposed between the electrolyte and the conductive surface; a conductive rod having a first end configured for electrical communication with a second battery terminal, and, a second end configured for contacting the electrolyte. There is also an opening disposed in the casing; a sealing member configured for arrangement between at least a sealed position and an unsealed position to allow a potential difference to be produced between the first and second battery terminals. There is also at least one spacing element configured for spacing the electrolyte apart from the conductive lining within the chamber.

A battery includes a casing that has an inner surface defining a chamber for an electrolyte, and a conductive lining being configured for electrical communication with a first battery terminal. There is also a permeable separator sheet disposed between the electrolyte and the conductive surface; a conductive rod having a first end configured for electrical communication with a second battery terminal, and, a second end configured for contacting the electrolyte. There is also an opening disposed in the casing; a sealing member configured for arrangement between at least a sealed position and an unsealed position to allow a potential difference to be produced between the first and second battery terminals. There is also at least one spacing element configured for spacing the electrolyte apart from the conductive lining within the chamber.

Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include an ingestible power harvesting device and related applications. An ingestible power harvesting device includes a cathode electrode and an anode electrode that can catalyze a power generating reaction to generate a direct current (DC) power when surrounded by an acidic electrolyte. The cathode electrode and the anode electrode are coupled to an encapsulated electronic device that includes power harvesting circuitry configured to harvest the DC power and output a DC supply voltage for a prolonged period. In examples discussed herein, the prolonged period is at least five days. The DC supply voltage powers an electronic circuit in the encapsulated electronic device to support a defined in vivo operation (e.g., controlled drug delivery, in vivo vital signs monitoring, etc.). As such, the ingestible power harvesting device can operate in vivo for the prolonged period without requiring an embedded conventional battery.

Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include an ingestible power harvesting device and related applications. An ingestible power harvesting device includes a cathode electrode and an anode electrode that can catalyze a power generating reaction to generate a direct current (DC) power when surrounded by an acidic electrolyte. The cathode electrode and the anode electrode are coupled to an encapsulated electronic device that includes power harvesting circuitry configured to harvest the DC power and output a DC supply voltage for a prolonged period. In examples discussed herein, the prolonged period is at least five days. The DC supply voltage powers an electronic circuit in the encapsulated electronic device to support a defined in vivo operation (e.g., controlled drug delivery, in vivo vital signs monitoring, etc.). As such, the ingestible power harvesting device can operate in vivo for the prolonged period without requiring an embedded conventional battery.

A metal seawater fuel cell includes a single cell or a battery pack which is composed of more than two single cells connected in series or in parallel or in series and parallel through circuits. The single cell has a metal anode arranged oppositely in a sealed single cell housing, a cathode carrying a hydrogen evolution catalyst, and a diaphragm arranged between the metal anode and the cathode, the bottom and the top of the single cell housing are respectively provided with fluid flow channels, and both ends of the fluid flow channels are respectively provided with openings communicated with the interior and exterior of the housing. The metal anode and/or single cell housing is placed in a closed transitional housing. The transitional housing is a degradable material or can be mechanically damaged by a driving device driven and started by a control device.

A metal seawater fuel cell includes a single cell or a battery pack which is composed of more than two single cells connected in series or in parallel or in series and parallel through circuits. The single cell has a metal anode arranged oppositely in a sealed single cell housing, a cathode carrying a hydrogen evolution catalyst, and a diaphragm arranged between the metal anode and the cathode, the bottom and the top of the single cell housing are respectively provided with fluid flow channels, and both ends of the fluid flow channels are respectively provided with openings communicated with the interior and exterior of the housing. The metal anode and/or single cell housing is placed in a closed transitional housing. The transitional housing is a degradable material or can be mechanically damaged by a driving device driven and started by a control device.