Current collector for polymer electrochemical cells and eclectrochemical generators thereof

Abstract

A current collector for an electrochemical cell. The current collector comprises a polymer support film having a surface. The current collector also comprises a conductive metallic layer on at least a portion of the surface of the polymer support film, the conductive metallic layer having a first thickness. The current collector further comprises a protective metallic layer on the conductive metallic layer. The protective metallic layer has a second thickness less than the first thickness and is adapted to protect the conductive metallic layer against corrosion. Also provided are a method of manufacturing such a current collector and an electrochemical generator comprising such a current collector.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 329,364 filed on Dec. 27, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to polymer electrolyte batteries and, more particularly, to current collectors for use in polymer electrolyte batteries. BACKGROUND [0003] Rechargeable batteries manufactured from laminates of solid polymer electrolytes and sheet-like electrodes display many advantages over conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. These advantages include: lower overall battery weight; higher power density; higher specific energy; and longer service life. In addition, they are more environmentally friendly since the danger of spilling toxic liquid into the environment is eliminated. [0004] Solid polymer battery components generally include: positive electrodes (commonly referred to as cathodes); negative electrodes (commonly referred ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides a current collector for an electrochemical cell that includes a polymer support film with a conductive metallic layer on its surface, which is further protected by a thinner protective metallic layer to prevent corrosion. The method of manufacturing the current collector involves coating the polymer support film with a conductive metallic layer, and then coating it with a protective metallic layer to ensure long-term durability and stability of the electrochemical cell."

Problems solved by technology

Current collectors have a tendency to corrode or form an insulating film, which impairs the passage of electrons between the collector and the active material of the electrode, thereby increasing the internal resistance of the electrochemical cell and reducing power density and cycle life of such rechargeable batteries.

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