Patent ID: 6413667
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: B29C,B29L,B32B,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
A method of making a rechargeable flat bonded-electrode electrochemical cell comprising an assemblage of positive and negative electrode layer members having a separator layer member interposed therebetween, each of said electrode members comprising a polymeric matrix composition and said separator comprising a microporous polyolefin membrane exhibiting a property of pore collapse at temperatures above a threshold temperature, and each of said members being bonded at its respective interfaces to contiguous members to form a unitary multilayer, planar, electrochemical cell structure characterized in thata) a primary plasticizer for said polymeric electrode member composition is deposited within the pores of said microporous polyolefin separator membrane prior to assembling said cell members; b) a surface of electrode member composition is assembled contiguous to a porous surface of said separator membrane; c) said assemblage is subjected to laminating pressure and temperature, said temperature being below said threshold and said pressure being sufficient to force a substantial amount of said plasticizer from said pores and into contact with said contiguous electrode member composition to thereby enable said plasticizer to interact with said composition at said laminating temperature to soften said matrix polymer and form in said composition a thermoplastic adhesive interface with said separator membrane surface; and d) said adhesive interface is cooled to thereby form an adhesive interface bond between said contiguous electrode and separator surfaces.