BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure is generally related to electrochemical metal-air cells having nested electrodes provided in an annular configuration, and systems that contain such cells.

Description of Related Art

Metal-air cells typically include a fuel electrode at which metal fuel is oxidized, an oxidant electrode at which an oxidant (i.e., oxygen from the air) is reduced, and an ionically conductive medium therebetween for providing ion conductivity between the fuel and oxidant electrodes. In some embodiments of metal-air cells, or other cells utilizing an oxidant, a wound, rolled, folded, or otherwise compacted configuration may be utilized for enhancing cell space management and arrangement. In some such cells, multiple layers are formed that include the fuel electrode, the oxidant electrode, and the ionically conductive medium. Examples of such cells are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,309,259 and 8,895,197, the entireties of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

It is an aspect of this disclosure to provide an electrochemical cell including: an oxidant electrode for absorbing gaseous oxidant and a fuel electrode for receiving a metal fuel. The oxidant electrode has one or more active materials for reducing the gaseous oxidant. The cell also includes a liquid ionically conductive medium, that is contained by the oxidant electrode, for conducting ions for supporting electrochemical reactions at the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode. The oxidant electrode and the fuel electrode are each configured in annular form, and the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode are nested in the cell.

Another aspect provides a system including a sealed container and a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each cell includes: an oxidant electrode for absorbing gaseous oxidant and a fuel electrode for oxidizing a metal fuel. The oxidant electrode has one or more active materials for reducing the gaseous oxidant. The oxidant electrode and the fuel electrode are each configured in annular form, and the oxidant electrode and the fuel electrode are nested. Also included in the system is a liquid ionically conductive medium for conducting ions for supporting electrochemical reactions at the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode. The sealed container contains the plurality of electrochemical cells therein.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

