| abstract |
A primary electrochemical cell is described which is capable of achieving high discharge currents. The primary electrochemical cell incorporates a novel cathode structure. That cathode structure has a cathode current collector which is comprised with a plurality of electrically interconnected layers of a porous metallic material such as a nickel screen. Interposed between the layers of the cathode current collector are layers of globules of a cathode material. This material has a composition of from about 40 to 99 weight percent of carbon black, at least 1 weight percent of a mechanical binder which is inert in the primary electrochemical cell and the remainder is graphite. When such a cathode structure is incorporated into a primary electrochemical cell, two features are obtained which contribute to the high discharge current capability of the cell. Firstly, because a multitude of globules of cathode material are utilized in the cathode structure along with a porous current collector, large channels are maintained throughout the cathode structure thereby greatly facilitating the diffusion of the electrolytic solution of the cell, throughout the cathode structure. Secondly, the conductive cathode current collector extends throughout the cathode structure and is in close contact with all of the cathode material. |