Multi-layered, chemically bonded lithium-ion and lithium/air batteries
Disclosed are multilayer, porous, thin-layered lithium-ion batteries that include an inorganic separator as a thin layer that is chemically bonded to surfaces of positive and negative electrode layers. Thus, in such disclosed lithium-ion batteries, the electrodes and separator are made to form non-discrete (i.e., integral) thin layers. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating integrally connected, thin, multilayer lithium batteries including lithium-ion and lithium/air batteries.
1. A device comprising:
a multilayer, lithium/air battery comprising:
a lithium metal anode layer having a first and a second surface and having a thickness from 10-100 microns;
an air electrode;
an anode current collector;
a porous, entirely inorganic separator layer consisting essentially of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia, niobium, tantalum oxide, or mixtures thereof and having a first and a second surface, the first surface of the separator layer being integrally connected to the first surface of the anode layer and the separator having a thickness of from 2 to 100 μm.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the inorganic separator comprises alumina.
3. A multilayer, lithium/air battery comprising:
a lithium metal anode layer having a first and a second surface and having a thickness from 10-100 microns; and
a porous, entirely inorganic separator consisting essentially of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia, niobium, tantalum oxide, or mixtures thereof and having a first and a second surface, the first surface of the separator being integrally connected to the first surface of the anode layer.
4. The lithium/air battery of claim 3 further comprising an anode current collector connected to the second surface of the anode layer.
5. The lithium/air battery of claim 4 wherein the anode and anode current collector are substantially encased within, and in direct physical contact with, the entirely inorganic separator.
6. The lithium/air battery of claim 3 further comprising a first air electrode connected to the inorganic separator layer.