Electrode assembly containing ion exchange material

Abstract

To provide a battery cell with improved cycle life and electrical performance during use. [Solution] A rechargeable battery cell includes electrodes and an ion exchange material arranged to define a mutually permeable interface with at least a portion of the electrodes. The closely contacting mutually permeable interface can be provided by completely or partially embedding the electrodes in the ion exchange material, or by surrounding the electrodes or discontinuities of the electrodes with a thin film of the ion exchange material. In one embodiment, the electrodes may be particles that are completely or partially embedded in the ion exchange material, coated with the ion exchange material, or in partial contact with the ion exchange material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] <Related Applications> This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 910,952, filed Oct. 4, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] <Technical Field> The present disclosure generally relates to the field of batteries and battery components. More specifically, the present application relates to batteries or cells that include ion-exchange materials.

Background Art

[0003] There is a great demand for low-cost rechargeable battery systems with high energy density for portable devices, electric vehicles, grid storage, and other applications. In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have become a common technology selected for many energy storage applications. Unfortunately, due to the limited availability of critical metals and the high energy costs and safety risks associated with Li-ion technology, the widespread adoption of batteries in many applications is limited.

[0004] As an alternative, Zn-based batteries using aqueous electrolytes have been used. Such batteries can be used in many potential applications because they are low-cost and relatively safe.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a rechargeable battery cell includes electrodes and ion exchange material arranged to define an interpenetrating interface with at least a portion of the electrodes. The intimate interpenetrating interface can be provided by completely or partially embedding the electrodes in the ion exchange material, or by surrounding the electrodes or discontinuities of the electrodes with a thin film of the ion exchange material. In one embodiment, the electrodes may be particles that are completely or partially embedded in the ion exchange material, coated with the ion exchange material, or in partial contact with the ion exchange material. In another embodiment, the electrode particles may be mixed with or blended with the ion exchange material.

[0006] In some embodiments, the electrode may include a zinc (Zn)-containing anode. In other embodiments, the electrode is a cathode containing at least one of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), manganese dioxide (MnO2), iron salt (Fe(VI)), manganate salt (Mn(VI)), or permanganate salt (Mn(VII)).

[0007] The electrode may contain, at least partially, electrode particles that are less than 300 microns in size and are packed to have a pore volume of less than 50% of the total electrode volume.

[0008] In some embodiments, the ion exchange material may include either an anion exchange material or a cation exchange material. The ion exchange material may include a polymer material to which charged functional groups are bonded.

[0009] In some embodiments, ion transport can be enabled by a liquid alkaline electrolyte in contact with the electrode. Optionally, the electrolyte may contain at least some incorporated ion exchange material.

[0010] In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery cell may include an electrode containing a plurality of particles and an ion exchange material that contacts and surrounds at least a portion of the particles of the electrode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery cell may include an electrode containing a plurality of particles and an ion exchange material that contacts and completely surrounds the surface of each of the plurality of particles.

[0012] In one embodiment, a rechargeable battery cell may include an electrode containing a plurality of particles and an ion exchange material arranged to embed substantially all of the plurality of particles in the electrode.

[0013] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery cell may include forming a plurality of particles on an electrode and embedding or mixing an ion exchange material in at least some of the plurality of particles on the electrode. Embedding may include at least one of melting, softening, depositing from a molten or solution, lamination, and pressure application.

[0014] In some embodiments, the manufacturing process may include soaking the electrodes in a liquid electrolyte.

[0015] In some embodiments, the manufacturing process may include assembling the electrodes and ion exchange material into a battery before embedding or mixing the ion exchange material into at least some of the particles.

[0016]

[0017] Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which, unless otherwise specified, similar reference numerals throughout the drawings refer to similar parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This shows a battery containing an ion exchange material that comes into contact with an electrode material.

[0019] [Figure 2A] Shows various forms of contact between electrode particles and an ion exchange material. [Figure 2B] Shows various forms of contact between electrode particles and an ion exchange material. [Figure 2C] Shows various forms of contact between electrode particles and an ion exchange material.

[0020] [Figure 3] It is a graph showing the discharge capacity of a Ni-Zn cell as a function of the number of cycles.

[0021] [Figure 4] Shows a cross-sectional SEM image of a Zn electrode with anion exchange membranes laminated on both sides.

[0022] [Figure 5] Shows a more detailed SEM image of a Zn electrode with anion exchange membranes laminated on both sides.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023]

[0024] The present disclosure relates, in part, to a battery cell having improved cycle life and electrical performance during use. For example, the cell can exhibit a higher battery discharge voltage, a higher discharge capacity, a lower internal resistance, and a high rate discharge ability. In some embodiments, the disclosed battery cell has a long cycle life at a high rate discharge current.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a rechargeable battery cell system 100, including a casing 102 that encloses various battery components. The battery components may include current collectors 110 and 112 that facilitate charging and discharging of the battery cell system 100. Other components include electrode materials 120 and 122 that contact the current collectors 110 and 112, respectively. The electrode materials 120 and 122 are separated from each other by a separator 130 that allows only the flow of ions between the materials. The rechargeable battery cell system 100 may include an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange material, and other materials and components as described below.

[0026] <Electrode> Electrode materials may include materials formed as thin films or materials with structured patterns such as columns, needles, grooves, or slots. In some embodiments, electrodes may be loosely arranged materials, tightly bonded or sintered structures, or solid continuous pore structures. In one embodiment, electrodes may be formed from particles provided in various forms such as powders, granules, pellets, or nanomaterials. In some embodiments, particles may have an average size (diameter or longest dimension) of about 0.1 μm to 300 μm, and in certain embodiments, about 100 μm to 1 μm. In some embodiments, relatively uniform particle sizes may be used, while in other embodiments, materials with non-uniform sizes may be used. The particles can be processed to increase their effective surface area. In some embodiments, the particles can be bonded together by heating, melting, fusing, or sintering. In other embodiments, additional binders can be used to bond the particles together.

[0027] <Current collector> At least a portion of the electrode material is positioned in contact with a current collector. The current collector supplies current to be consumed by the electrode reaction during charging and recovers the current generated during discharge. The current collector is typically formed from a material that has high conductivity and is inert to the electrochemical cell reaction. The current collector can be molded in the form of a plate, foil, mesh, porous sponge, punched or slotted metal, or expanded metal.

[0028] Examples of current collector materials include Ni, Ti, Cu, Al, Pt, V, Au, Zn, and alloys of two or more of these metals, such as stainless steel. Other embodiments may include graphite cloth, copper sheets, or woven brass with mesh slots.

[0029] <Anode material> The anode material for the electrode can include a wide range of elements such as zinc, aluminum, magnesium, iron, and lithium, as well as other metals in pure, oxide, or salt form, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, relatively pure Zn, ZnO, or a mixture of Zn and ZnO can be used. In the case of a rechargeable zinc anode, the electrochemical active material is zinc oxide powder or a mixture of zinc and zinc oxide powder. Zinc oxide is dissolved in an alkaline electrolyte to form zincate (Zn(OH)₄). 2- ) can be formed. Zinc oxide and / or zincate are reduced to zinc metal during the charging process.

[0030] More broadly, anode materials may include the following:

[0031] Any metal M, metal oxide MOx, or metal salt having a redox potential E0 lower than the redox potential of the cathode material.

[0032] Any metal oxide MOx having a redox potential E0 lower than the redox potential of the cathode material.

[0033] Any alloy of any metal MM1M2...Mn, mixed oxides, or mixed salts having an E0 lower than the E0 of the cathode material.

[0034] Any polymer capable of accommodating anions in its structure, having a redox potential E0 lower than the redox potential of the cathode material.

[0035] Any mixture of one or more of the above types of materials.

[0036] <Cathode Material> A wide range of materials can be used as cathode materials for electrodes, including metals or metal-containing compounds, such as iron salts (Fe(VI)), permanganates (Mn(VII)), nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), manganese dioxide (MnO2), or any combination thereof.

[0037] More broadly, cathode materials may include the following:

[0038] Any metal M having a redox potential E0 higher than the redox potential of the anode material.

[0039] Any metal oxide MOx having a redox potential E0 higher than the redox potential of the anode material.

[0040] Any alloy of any metal MM1M2...Mn has an E0 higher than the E0 of the anode material.

[0041] Metal fluorides (MFn) have a higher redox potential than anode materials.

[0042] Any alloy MM1M2...MnOxFm where n is 2 or greater and m is 0 or greater.

[0043] Any polymer capable of accommodating anions in its structure, having a redox potential E0 higher than the redox potential of the anode material.

[0044] CFx carbon fluoride, where x is between 0 and 2.

[0045] Salts that are unstable in aqueous electrolytes, including but not limited to FeVI (hexavalent iron) battery systems.

[0046] Any mixture of one or more of the above types of materials.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cathode may contain one or more additives selected from the group consisting of Bi, Cu, Sn, Pb, Ag, Co, Ni, Mg, K, Li, Al, Ca, Fe, Zn, V, Ba, Y, Ti, and Sr, where the additives are in the form of oxides or hydroxides.

[0048] <Additives and binders> Various additives can be used to improve the electrochemical, electrical, or mechanical properties of the electrodes. For example, electrochemical performance can be improved by adding nickel, nickel hydroxide, nickel oxyhydroxide, or nickel oxide-containing cathode materials that can contain or be coated with small amounts of cobalt oxide, strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2), barium oxide (BaO), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), Fe3O4, calcium fluoride (CaF2), or yttrium oxide (Y2O3) to improve battery cell performance. As another example, electrodes may contain oxides such as bismuth oxide, indium oxide, and / or aluminum oxide. Bismuth oxide and indium oxide can interact with zinc to reduce gas generation in the electrodes. Bismuth oxide may be supplied at a concentration between about 1 and 10% by weight of the dry anode formulation. Indium oxide may be present at a concentration between about 0.05 and 1% by weight of the dry anode formulation. Aluminum oxide can be supplied at a concentration between approximately 1 and 5% by weight of the dry anode formulation.

[0049] In some embodiments, one or more additives may be included to improve the corrosion resistance of the zinc electrode material. Specific examples of anions that may be included to reduce the solubility of zinc in the electrolyte include phosphate, fluoride, borate, zincate, silicate, oxalate, or stealth. Generally, these anions may be present in the electrode at a concentration of up to about 10% by weight of the dry electrode formulation.

[0050] Furthermore, additives that improve electrical properties such as conductivity can be added. For example, various carbonaceous materials, including powdered or fibrous carbon such as graphite, coke, Ketjenblack, and acetylene black, can be used as electrode additives. Carbonaceous nanomaterials, such as single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, multi-walled carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanowhiskers, or carbon nanorods, can also be used.

[0051] The additive may be supplied, co-precipitated, or coated onto particles as a chemically homogeneous component in a mixture or solution.

[0052] In one embodiment, the mechanical properties of an electrode can be improved by increasing its mechanical strength and reducing bending or cracking by adding a binder. Examples of binders include polymer materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyisobutylene (PIB), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl acetate, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyamide, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), silicone elastomers such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), or rubber materials such as natural rubber (NR), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM).

[0053] <Ion exchange materials> Ion exchange materials are generally selective for the transport of either cations or anions. Anion-selective ion exchange materials can be used alone, cationic-selective ion exchange materials can be used alone, or they can be used in combination. In one embodiment, the ion exchange material may be an organic or polymer material to which a strongly acidic group, such as a sulfonic acid containing sodium polystyrene sulfonate, i.e., polyAMPS, is bonded. Alternatively, the ion exchange material may be an organic or polymer material to which a strongly basic group, such as a quaternary amino group containing a trimethylammonium group (e.g., polyAPTAC), is bonded. In another embodiment, the ion exchange material may be an organic or polymer material to which a weakly acidic group containing a carboxylic acid group is bonded. Alternatively, the ion exchange material may be an organic or polymer material to which a weakly basic group is bonded, typically characterized by primary, secondary, and / or tertiary amino groups (e.g., polyethyleneamine).

[0054] Ion exchange materials can be provided for interaction with electrode materials as fully or partially embedded polymers, particulate mixtures, membranes or films, microparticles or beads, or coatings. The anode alone, the cathode alone, or both the anode and cathode can be configured to interact with ion exchange materials, which may be the same or different material for each electrode.

[0055] <Electrolytes> Electrolytes are used to maintain high ionic conductivity between electrodes and within electrode pores. Electrolytes can be aqueous, solvent-based, solid polymers, or ionic liquids. In some embodiments, the electrolyte may be semi-solid or gelled. Gelling agents may include polymers that absorb the liquid of the electrolyte and swell. Examples of such polymers include polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylamide.

[0056] In another embodiment, the electrolyte may be a solid electrolyte. In yet another embodiment, the electrolyte may be formed as a solid material having absorbent water. For example, KOH is exposed to moist air.

[0057] In another embodiment, the electrolyte can be formed from an ion exchange material as described in the "Ion Exchange Material" section above.

[0058] In one embodiment, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte can be used. Examples of alkaline electrolytes include alkalis such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide, or inorganic salts such as zinc bromide.

[0059] <Separator> Separators can be replaced (or used in combination with) ion-exchange membranes or films. Conventional porous polymer separators or ion-exchange separators may be provided as polymer membranes or films. Typically, the separator is placed between the anode and cathode and acts to prevent the anode and cathode from having an internal electrical short circuit. Furthermore, the separator can also act to retain electrolytes, particularly in battery systems using different cathode and anode electrolytes. Separators are generally required to have a porous structure or a structure with several perforations that is chemically stable to the electrolyte while allowing ions to pass through. In some embodiments, one or more separators can be formed by coating electrodes or particles that collectively form electrodes. Separators can be formed from nonwoven fabrics or membranes having a microporous structure made of glass, polypropylene, polyethylene, resin, or polyamide. Alternatively, the separator may consist of a metal oxide film or a resin film combined with a metal oxide, each having a plurality of perforations.

[0060] <Processing> In one embodiment, a dry mixing step can be performed in which various anode and cathode materials, as well as additives and binders, are mixed during the drying process. Optional processing steps, such as heating, fusing, compressing, and melting of the ion exchange materials, can be performed before the mixture is placed in the battery casing. In other embodiments, optional processing steps, such as heating, fusing, compressing, and melting of the ion exchange materials, can be performed after the mixture has been placed in the battery casing. A liquid electrolyte can be added before sealing the battery casing.

[0061] In other embodiments, a wet mixing process may be used instead. In a wet mixing process, one or more solvents may be added at the start of the mixing process or during the mixing process, or alternatively, one or more components may be used in the form of a dispersion or suspension. The solvents may then be removed after the mixing process or after the manufacturing process.

[0062] In other embodiments, various individual components may be manufactured using different methods. For example, a portion of the electrode may be manufactured using a dry mixing process, while a portion of the electrode may be manufactured using a wet process. In yet another embodiment, both dry and wet processes may be used in combination for different components.

[0063] <Battery and Cell Design> Battery cells can have any of several different shapes and sizes. For example, coin cells, prismatic cells, pouch cells, or cylindrical cells can be used. Cylindrical cells can have diameters and lengths such as conventional 18650, 26650, AAA cells, AA cells, A cells, C cells, or D cells. Custom cell designs can be used in some applications. For example, prismatic cell designs can be used for various larger cell forms used in portable or vehicle applications, as well as various non-portable applications. Battery packs can be specially designed for specific tools or applications. Battery packs can include one or more battery cells, as well as appropriate casings, contacts, and conductive lines, to enable reliable charging and discharging in electrical equipment.

[0064] Figures 2A to 2C show portions of rechargeable battery cells 200, 210, and 220, which include electrodes and ion exchange material arranged to define interpenetrating interfaces with at least a portion of the electrodes. Closely contacting interpenetrating interfaces can be provided by completely or partially embedding the electrodes in the ion exchange material, or by surrounding the electrodes or discontinuities of the electrodes with a thin film of the ion exchange material. In one embodiment, the electrodes may be particles that are completely or partially embedded in the ion exchange material, coated with the ion exchange material, or in partial contact with the ion exchange material.

[0065] Figure 2A shows a rechargeable battery cell 200, which includes a current collector 202 in contact with at least some of a plurality of electrochemically active particles 206. Another set of particles 206 is also in contact and partially embedded in an ion exchange membrane 204. This ion exchange membrane can be positioned by partially melting, fusing, laminating, or crimping it to the particles 206. An electrolyte (not shown) can also be supplied to fill the particle pore spaces and to contact the ion exchange membrane 204.

[0066] Figure 2B shows a rechargeable battery cell 210 including a current collector 212. Each particle 216 is surrounded and in contact with an ion exchange material 214. This ion exchange membrane can be positioned by coating the particles 216 before the particles are incorporated into the rechargeable battery cell. An electrolyte (not shown) can also be supplied to fill the particle pore spaces and to come into contact with the ion exchange material 214.

[0067] Figure 2C shows a rechargeable battery cell 220, which includes a current collector 222 in contact with at least some of a plurality of electrochemically active particles 226. Another set of particles 226 are also in contact and completely embedded in an ion exchange material 224. This ion exchange material can be positioned by melting or fusion adhesion to the particles 226. An electrolyte (not shown) may also be supplied to contact the ion exchange material 224. [Examples]

[0068] [Example 1] This example describes the production of a ZnO-based anode for alkaline rechargeable batteries, in which an anion exchange film is embedded in the surface electrode by lamination. The following paste composition was used for anode preparation: ZnO (94 wt%), carbon nanotubes (1 wt%), and PTFE (5 wt%). Using this composition, a viscous paste containing 27 wt% water was prepared. The paste was rolled out to form a uniform film approximately 0.6 mm thick. The film was applied to a brass wire cloth current collector. The anode film applied to the current collector was vacuum-dried overnight at 70°C and then compressed using a calender roller press. Subsequently, a 37 mm × 25 mm electrode was cut from the film on the current collector, and nickel strip tabs were attached to the electrode. An anion exchange film was laminated on both sides of the electrode using a SKY-325 R6 laminating machine at 140°C with speed setting 2.

[0069] [Example 2] This example describes the fabrication of a rechargeable alkaline nickel-zinc cell having a ZnO-based anode with an anion exchange film embedded in the surface electrode. The cell anode was prepared as described in Example 1 above. A commercially available sintered nickel electrode was used as the cathode. The cathode size was 40 mm × 27 mm and the capacity was 27 mAh / cm². 2 Nickel strips were welded to each cathode to form electrode tabs. Each cathode was sealed in a paper separator. The anode was sandwiched between the two cathodes forming the electrode stack. The electrode stack was placed inside a polypropylene pouch fitted with a pressure relief valve, with the electrode tabs protruding from the pouch. 2 ml of electrolyte (20% KOH in water) was added to the cell. The cell was then sealed using a heat sealer.

[0070] The cells were left immersed for 4 hours, then charged, and subsequently subjected to charge-discharge cycling using the following test protocol: constant current charging at 162 mA to 1.95 V, followed by constant voltage charging to a total capacity of 173 mAh, and constant current discharge to 1.2 V or 173 mAh. The tests were conducted at room temperature. The discharge capacity of the Ni-Zn cells as a function of the number of cycles is shown in Figure 3 as Graph 300.

[0071] [Example 3] This example describes the production of a Zn metal anode for alkaline rechargeable batteries, in which an anion exchange film is embedded in the surface electrode by lamination. The following paste composition was used for anode preparation: Zn (79 wt%), ZnO (14.5%), Bi2O3 (0.5%), PTFE (5.8 wt%), CMC (0.2%). Using this composition, a viscous paste containing 12 wt% water was prepared. The paste was rolled out to form a uniform film approximately 0.6 mm thick. The film was applied to a brass wire cloth current collector. The anode film applied to the current collector was vacuum-dried overnight at 70°C and then compressed using a calender roller press. Subsequently, a 37 mm × 25 mm electrode was cut from the film on the current collector, and nickel strip tabs were attached to the electrode. An anion exchange film was laminated on both sides of the electrode using a SKY-325 R6 laminating machine at 140°C with speed setting 2.

[0072] Cross-sectional samples were prepared from anodes formed using the pot-and-polish technique. Cross-sectional SEM images and EDX analysis results are shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0073] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional SEM image of a Zn electrode with anion exchange films laminated on both sides. An anode 400 containing anion exchange films 401 is laminated on both sides of an electrochemically active layer 402 in which a brass mesh current collector 403 is embedded. The electrochemically active layer consists of Zn metal particles 404 mixed with ZnO, Bi2O3 as an additive, and PTFE as a binder.

[0074] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional SEM image 500 of a Zn electrode with anion exchange films stacked on both sides. The image shows a magnified view of the close contact between the film anion exchange material 501 (corresponding to the film anion exchange material 401 in Figure 4) and the electrode electrochemical active material 502 (corresponding to the electrochemical active layer 402 in Figure 4).

[0075] In the above description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific exemplary embodiments that form part of the present disclosure and in which the disclosure may be implemented. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the concepts disclosed herein, and it should be understood that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and other embodiments may be utilized. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive.

[0076] Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, the occurrences of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” in various parts of this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, database, or characteristic may be combined in any preferred combination and / or subcombination in one or more embodiments or examples. Additionally, it should be noted that the drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes to those skilled in the art and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0077] Those skilled in the art, who benefit from the teachings presented in the above description and the accompanying drawings, will likely recall numerous modifications and other embodiments of the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is also understood that other embodiments of the invention may be carried out in the absence of elements / steps not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. It is a rechargeable battery cell, electrodes, and Ion exchange material disposed to define a mutual penetration interface with at least a portion of the electrode Rechargeable battery cells, including

2. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the electrode further comprises a zinc (Zn)-containing anode.

3. The electrode is nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) ２ ), nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), manganese dioxide (MnO ２ The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the cathode comprises at least one of ), iron salt (Fe(VI)), manganese salt (Mn(VI)), and permanganate salt (Mn(VII)).

4. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is a cathode containing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of Bi, Cu, Sn, Pb, Ag, Co, Ni, Mg, K, Li, Al, Ca, Fe, Zn, V, Ba, Y, Ti, and Sr, and the additive is in the form of an oxide or hydroxide.

5. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the electrode at least partially comprises electrode particles that are less than 300 microns in size and filled to have a pore volume of less than 50% of the total electrode volume.

6. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises an anion exchange material.

7. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material.

8. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material to which positively charged functional groups are bonded.

9. A rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid alkaline electrolyte.

10. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte having at least some ion exchange material.

11. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte that is a liquid, solid, or gel.

12. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte which is a hygroscopic solid material having absorbent water, selected from a list including KOH, NaOH, LiOH, or any combination thereof.

13. It is a rechargeable battery cell, Electrodes containing multiple particles; and Ion exchange material that contacts and surrounds at least a portion of the particles of the electrode Rechargeable battery cells, including

14. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the electrode further comprises a zinc (Zn)-containing anode.

15. The electrode is nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) ２ ), nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), manganese dioxide (MnO ２ The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the cathode comprises at least one of ), iron salt (Fe(VI)), manganese salt (Mn(VI)), and permanganate salt (Mn(VII)).

16. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the electrode is a cathode containing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of Bi, Cu, Sn, Pb, Ag, Co, Ni, Mg, K, Li, Al, Ca, Fe, Zn, V, Ba, Y, Ti, and Sr, and the additive is in the form of an oxide or hydroxide.

17. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the electrode at least partially comprises electrode particles that are less than 300 microns in size and filled to have a pore volume of less than 50% of the total electrode volume.

18. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises an anion exchange material.

19. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material.

20. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material to which positively charged functional groups are bonded.

21. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, further comprising a liquid alkaline electrolyte.

22. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 13, further comprising an electrolyte having at least some ion exchange material.

23. It is a rechargeable battery cell, Electrodes containing multiple particles; and An ion exchange material that contacts the surface of each of the plurality of particles and completely surrounds the surface of each of the plurality of particles Rechargeable battery cells, including

24. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, wherein the electrode further comprises a zinc (Zn)-containing anode.

25. The electrode is nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) ２ ), nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), manganese dioxide (MnO ２ The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, wherein the cathode comprises at least one of ), iron salt (Fe(VI)), manganese salt (Mn(VI)), and permanganate salt (Mn(VII)).

26. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, wherein the electrode is a cathode containing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of Bi, Cu, Sn, Pb, Ag, Co, Ni, Mg, K, Li, Al, Ca, Fe, Zn, V, Ba, Y, Ti, and Sr, and the additive is in the form of an oxide or hydroxide.

27. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, wherein the electrode at least partially comprises electrode particles that are less than 300 microns in size and filled to have a pore volume of less than 50% of the total electrode volume.

28. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises an anion exchange material.

29. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material.

30. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material to which positively charged functional groups are bonded.

31. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, further comprising a liquid alkaline electrolyte.

32. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, further comprising an electrolyte having at least some ion exchange material.

33. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, further comprising an electrolyte that is a liquid, solid, or gel.

34. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 23, further comprising an electrolyte which is a hygroscopic solid material having absorbent water, selected from a list including KOH, NaOH, LiOH, or any combination thereof.

35. It is a rechargeable battery cell, Electrodes containing multiple particles; and Ion exchange material arranged to embed substantially all of the plurality of particles of the electrode Rechargeable battery cells, including

36. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, wherein the electrode further comprises a zinc (Zn)-containing anode.

37. The electrode is nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) ２ ), nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), manganese dioxide (MnO ２ The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, wherein the cathode comprises at least one of ), iron salt (Fe(VI)), manganese salt (Mn(VI)), and permanganate salt (Mn(VII)).

38. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, wherein the electrode is a cathode containing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of Bi, Cu, Sn, Pb, Ag, Co, Ni, Mg, K, Li, Al, Ca, Fe, Zn, V, Ba, Y, Ti, and Sr, and the additive is in the form of an oxide or hydroxide.

39. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, wherein the electrode at least partially comprises electrode particles that are less than 300 microns in size and filled to have a pore volume of less than 50% of the total electrode volume.

40. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises an anion exchange material.

41. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material.

42. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, wherein the ion exchange material further comprises a polymer material to which positively charged functional groups are bonded.

43. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, further comprising a liquid alkaline electrolyte in contact with the electrode.

44. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, further comprising an electrolyte having at least some ion exchange material.

45. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, further comprising an electrolyte that is a liquid, solid, or gel.

46. The rechargeable battery cell according to claim 35, further comprising an electrolyte which is a hygroscopic solid material having absorbent water, selected from a list including KOH, NaOH, LiOH, or any combination thereof.

47. A method for manufacturing rechargeable battery cells, Forming multiple particles on an electrode; and The ion exchange material is embedded in at least some of the multiple particles of the electrode. A method for manufacturing rechargeable battery cells, including [the specified element].

48. A method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery cell according to claim 47, wherein the embedding further comprises at least one of melting, softening, depositing from the molten material, lamination, and pressure application.

49. A method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery cell according to claim 47, further comprising immersing the electrode in a liquid electrolyte.

50. A method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery cell according to claim 47, further comprising assembling the electrodes and the ion exchange material into a battery before embedding or mixing the ion exchange material into at least some of the plurality of particles.

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