Patent ID: 7771497

Claim:
A method for providing an electrochemical cell, comprising the steps of: a) providing an anode; b) providing a cathode comprising the steps of: i) first pressing a first cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but a relatively low rate capability at least two times comprising at least a first pressure as the first time and a second pressure as the second time of the first pressing separated by a first period when the pressure is relaxed to thereby form a first cathode active material blank; ii) positioning the first cathode active blank in a pressing fixture contacting a first major side of a first cathode current collector and a second cathode active blank of a material having a relatively low energy density but a relatively high rate capability contacting a second, opposite major side of the first cathode current collector to form a cathode assembly; and iii) second pressing the cathode assembly at least two times comprising at least a third pressure as the first time and a fourth pressure as the second time of the second pressing separated by a second period when the pressure is relaxed, wherein the third and fourth pressures of the second pressing are less than the first and second pressures of the first pressing; c) providing a separator intermediate the anode and cathode in electrical association with each other; and d) activating the anode and cathode with a electrolyte.