Apple Inc.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY WITH MULTI-LAYER MEMBRANE

Abstract:

Batteries are described that include a cathode, an anode, and a separator that electrically insulates the cathode from the anode. The separator includes a cation exchange membrane positioned between a first anion exchange membrane and a second anion exchange membrane, and has a hydroxide ion conductivity of at least about 10 mS/cm, and a diffusion ratio of hydroxide ions to at least one type of metal ion of at least about 100:1. Also described are methods of making a battery that include forming a separator between a cathode electrode and an anode electrode. The separator includes a cation exchange membrane positioned between a first anion exchange membrane and a second anion exchange membrane. The methods also include contacting the cathode electrode with a cathode current collector and the anode electrode with an anode current collector, where the cathode and anode currently collectors are electrically insulated from each other by a spacer material.