High energy density, flexible lithium primary batteries

摘要

A primary lithium battery particularly adapted for use in self-contained self-powered devices (SSPD) for mobile communication and computing products, such as radio frequency identification tags, PCMCIA cards, and smart cards. The battery has a flexible and compact design which eliminates use of a separate electrolyte membrane by utilizing an electrolyte-bearing composite cathode that preferably has a polyacrylonitrile matrix. Performance of the battery is optimized by controlling the amount of aprotic organic solvents within the composite cathode within a prescribed range of ratios. In so doing, the performance characteristics of the battery closely approximate those having conventional liquid electrolytes without the safety concerns associated with liquid electrolyte leakage, and exhibit enhanced performance at sub-ambient temperatures. A further feature is that the composite cathode is encapsulated within a polymeric matrix that eliminates the exposure hazard posed by the lithium intercalation compounds used within the cathode. The battery is enclosed in a customized laminate stack for sealing and encapsulation. Alternative packaging embodiments are also disclosed.