WO2008059409A1 - Electrochemical energy source and electronic device provided with such an electrochemical energy source - Google Patents

Electrochemical energy source and electronic device provided with such an electrochemical energy source Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008059409A1
WO2008059409A1 PCT/IB2007/054542 IB2007054542W WO2008059409A1 WO 2008059409 A1 WO2008059409 A1 WO 2008059409A1 IB 2007054542 W IB2007054542 W IB 2007054542W WO 2008059409 A1 WO2008059409 A1 WO 2008059409A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy source
electrochemical energy
source according
cell
foregoing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2007/054542
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rogier A. H. Niessen
Petrus H. L. Notten
Remco H. W. Pijnenburg
Jiang Zhou
Herbert Lifka
Johannes H. G. Op Het Veld
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
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Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Publication of WO2008059409A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008059409A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
    • H01M50/117—Inorganic material
    • H01M50/119—Metals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/058—Construction or manufacture
    • H01M10/0585—Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only flat construction elements, i.e. flat positive electrodes, flat negative electrodes and flat separators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/04—Construction or manufacture in general
    • H01M10/0436—Small-sized flat cells or batteries for portable equipment
    • H01M10/044—Small-sized flat cells or batteries for portable equipment with bipolar electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/052—Li-accumulators
    • H01M10/0525—Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/4207—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
    • H01M50/121—Organic material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/058—Construction or manufacture
    • H01M10/0587—Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only wound construction elements, i.e. wound positive electrodes, wound negative electrodes and wound separators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/04—Processes of manufacture in general
    • H01M4/0402—Methods of deposition of the material
    • H01M4/0404—Methods of deposition of the material by coating on electrode collectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/13—Electrodes for accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte, e.g. for lithium-accumulators; Processes of manufacture thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/13—Electrodes for accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte, e.g. for lithium-accumulators; Processes of manufacture thereof
    • H01M4/139—Processes of manufacture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M6/40—Printed batteries, e.g. thin film batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • Electrochemical energy source and electronic device provided with such an electrochemical energy source
  • the invention relates to an improved electrochemical energy source.
  • the invention also relates to an electronic device provided with such an electrochemical energy source.
  • Rechargeable batteries and in particular lithium rechargeable batteries, are the focus of intense investigation around the world because of the rapid proliferation of portable electronic devices in the international marketplace.
  • two kinds of batteries can be distinguished in the prior art; the (microscopic) thin- film batteries and the (macroscopic) bulk batteries.
  • Known thin- film batteries are commonly used to supply electrical energy to e.g. microelectronic modules, more particular to integrated circuits (ICs).
  • ICs integrated circuits
  • An example hereof is disclosed in the international patent application WO 00/25378, where a solid-state thin-film micro battery is fabricated directly onto a specific substrate. During this fabrication process the first electrode, the intermediate solid-state electrolyte, and the second electrode are subsequently deposited as a stack onto the substrate.
  • Known bulk lithium batteries are for example formed by lithium ion batteries, wherein each battery may comprise a carbon electrode as the negative electrode and a lithiated metal oxide, such as lithiated cobalt oxide, lithiated nickel oxide, lithiated manganese oxide, or mixtures of these materials as the positive electrode, a microporous polypropylene or polyethylene separator that separates the two electrodes and prevents them from shorting electrically, and liquid organic solvents containing a lithium salt as the electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte is usually absorbed into the separator material and provides high ionic conductivity and migration of ions between the electrodes of the cell.
  • an electrochemical energy source comprising: at least one stack of multiple cells stacked on top of each other, each cell comprising: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode; at least one electron-conductive intermediate barrier layer being situated between a first cell and a second cell, which intermediate barrier layer is adapted to at least substantially preclude exchange of active species between the first cell and the second cell, and multiple current collectors, wherein at least a positive current collector is electrically connected to a positive electrode, at least a negative current collector is electrically connected to a negative electrode, and at least an intermediate current collector is electrically connected to said intermediate barrier layer.
  • an energy source with a relatively high output voltage can be manufactured.
  • this intermediate barrier layer multiple cells will be connected in series.
  • the electrochemical energy source comprises more than two cells, an even higher voltage output can be realised.
  • Another major advantage of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention is that the effective voltage output can be regulated efficiently, since each cell of the energy source can be controlled easily by a control unit (management system) as will be elucidated further hereinafter, resulting in the major advantage that the voltage adapted can be adapted to the requirements of the electronic components or devices to be powered.
  • the electrochemical energy source is not merely adapted to realise a relatively high voltage output, but also to realise a multi- voltage output, as a result of which the energy source according to the invention can be applied in a relatively flexible manner in a broad field of electronic applications.
  • Another advantage of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention is that a relatively high specific energy (Wh/kg) can be achieved due to the reduced usage of packaging material and connection cables. Since the multiple cells are integrated within a single stack, the electrochemical energy source according to the invention can be shaped in a relatively compact manner.
  • the electrochemical energy source comprises at least three current collectors, multiple voltage output can be realised in a relatively easy manner.
  • the electrochemical energy source preferably further comprises a control unit for selectively electrically connecting at least two current collectors to form an electrical circuit.
  • the control unit also considered as a (power) management system, is adapted for regulating the effective output of the energy source by selectively involving or excluding specific cells of the energy source for delivering power. Selecting the involved (active) cells and the excluded (passive) cells of the energy source to deliver a desired voltage output can be realised and modified instantaneously. In case a relatively small voltage output is required, e.g.
  • the first cell could be activated and the second cell could be passivated (bypassed) by using the current collector of the first cell and the intermediate current collector to form an electrical circuit.
  • the second cell could be involved in the powering process, wherein the intermediate current collector will no longer be used, but wherein rather the two extreme current collectors of the cell stack are used.
  • the voltage output of each cell has a predetermined value, which value may be programmed as a static, or predefined dynamic value in the control unit.
  • the control unit may also be adapted to periodically or even "real-time" monitor the actual voltage output of different cells of the energy source.
  • Powering one or more electronic components or devices by means of the energy source according to the invention leads to discharge of one or multiple (involved) cells.
  • rechargeable cells are used in the energy sources according to the invention, it will also be conceivable to selectively charge (beside discharge) one or multiple cells of the energy source. This charge process can also be managed and controlled by means of the control unit.
  • the intermediate current collector makes integral part of the intermediate barrier layer.
  • a metal strip such as a copper strip or aluminium strip, could for example be used to act as intermediate barrier layer/current collector.
  • at least one electrode is coated onto the intermediate barrier layer.
  • both (antipolar) electrodes neighbouring the intermediate barrier on opposite sides are coated onto the intermediate barrier layer to secure a reliable and durable physical contact between the intermediate layers and the electrodes coated thereon, which will be in favour of the performance of the electrochemical energy source.
  • the stack of cells mutually separated by the intermediate barrier layer is deposited onto a substrate.
  • a thin- film energy source can be manufactured, wherein the substrate is adapted to support the cell stack.
  • the electrolyte used in at least one cell, and in particular in all cells is a substantially solid-state electrolyte to allow subsequent deposition of the different layers to form the cell stack.
  • the electrochemical source comprises multiple stacks deposited onto said substrate, each stack comprising multiple cells stacked on top of each other. The stacks could be mutually electrically connected, either in series or parallel. More preferably, the multiple stacks are formed by segmentation of a single basic stack.
  • the single basic stack can be manufactured relatively easily, and the subsequent segmentation (splitting) of the basic stack can be done relatively efficiently and accurately by means of conventional techniques, such as etching techniques.
  • a substrate is applied which is ideally suitable to be subjected to a surface treatment to pattern the substrate, which may facilitate patterning of the electrode(s).
  • the substrate is more preferably made of at least one of the following materials: C, Si, Sn, Ti, Ge, Al, Cu, Ta, and Pb. A combination of these materials may also be used to form the substrate(s).
  • n-type or p-type doped Si or Ge is used as substrate, or a doped Si-related and/or Ge-related compound, like SiGe or SiGeC.
  • Beside relatively rigid materials, also substantially flexible materials, such as e.g. foils like Kapton ® foil or metal foils, may be used for the manufacturing of the substrate. It may be clear that also other suitable materials may be used as a substrate material.
  • the energy source further comprises at least one electron- conductive bottom barrier layer being deposited between the substrate and at least one electrode, which bottom barrier layer is adapted to at least substantially preclude diffusion of active species of the cell directly deposited onto said substrate into said substrate.
  • the bottom barrier layer is preferably made of at least one of the following materials: Ta, TaN, Ti, and TiN. It may be clear that also other suitable materials may be used to act as barrier layer.
  • the electrochemical energy source according to the invention does not necessarily have to be a solid-state energy source.
  • at least one cell of the energy source comprises a matrix situated between the positive electrode and the negative electrode for retaining a substantially liquid- state electrolyte.
  • the matrix can also vary dependent on the type of electrolyte used in the cell. Commonly, a perforated and/or porous (polymer) matrix is used, which is soaked with the liquid- state electrolyte.
  • said electrochemical cell comprises an impermeable sheet surrounding the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte of at least one cell.
  • the impermeable sheet is adapted to prevent leaking of an (liquid-state) electrolyte out of said cell at one side and prevent intrusion of moisture and air out of the local atmosphere into said cell at the other side.
  • Said impermeable sheet can be manufactured of an assembly of metal and/or polymer sheets.
  • the impermeable sheet is integrated with a casing of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention.
  • At least one electrode of the energy source according to the invention is adapted for storage of active species of at least one of following elements: hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), sodium (Na) and potassium (K), or any other suitable element which is assigned to group 1 or group 2 of the periodic table.
  • the electrochemical energy source of the energy system according to the invention may be based on various intercalation mechanisms and is therefore suitable to form different kinds of (reserve-type) battery cells, e.g. Li- ion battery cells, NiMH battery cells, et cetera.
  • At least one electrode, more the battery anode comprises at least one of the following materials: C, Sn, Ge, Pb, Zn, Bi, Sb, Li, and, preferably doped, Si.
  • a combination of these materials may also be used to form the electrode(s).
  • n-type or p-type doped Si is used as electrode, or a doped Si-related compound, like SiGe or SiGeC.
  • other suitable materials may be applied as anode, preferably any other suitable element which is assigned to one of groups 12-16 of the periodic table, provided that the material of the battery electrode is adapted for intercalation and storing of the abovementioned reactive species.
  • the positive electrode preferably comprises a hydride forming material, such as AB5-type materials, in particular LaNi 5 , and such as magnesium-based alloys, in particular Mg x Tii_ x .
  • the negative electrode for a lithium ion based cell preferably comprises at least one metal-oxide based material, e.g. LiCoO 2 , LiNiO 2 , LiMnO 2 or a combination of these such as. e.g. Li(NiCoMn)O 2 .
  • the cathode preferably comprises Ni(OH) 2 and/or NiM(OH) 2 , wherein M is formed by one or more elements selected from the group of e.g. Cd, Co, or Bi.
  • the electrochemical energy source has a non-planar geometry, being a geometry deviating from a planar geometry, such as for example a curved plane geometry, or a hooked geometry.
  • a major advantage of the electrochemical energy source having a non-planar geometry is that any desired shape of said electrochemical energy source can be realized such that the freedom of choice as regards shape and format of said electrochemical energy source is many times greater than the freedom offered by the state of the art.
  • the geometry of said electrochemical energy source can thus be adapted to spatial limitations imposed by any electrical apparatus in which the battery can be used.
  • At least one electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode is patterned at least partially.
  • a three-dimensional surface area, and hence an increased surface area per footprint of the electrode(s), and an increased contact surface per volume between the at least one electrode and the electrolyte is obtained.
  • This increase of the contact surface(s) leads to an improved rate capacity of the energy source, and hence to an increased performance of the energy source according to the invention. In this way the power density in the energy source may be maximized and thus optimized. Due to this increased cell performance a small-scale energy source according to the invention will be adapted for powering a small-scale electronic device in a satisfying manner.
  • the freedom of choice of (small-scale) electronic components to be powered by the electrochemical energy source according to the invention will be increased substantially.
  • the nature, shape, and dimensioning of the pattern may be various, as will be elucidated below. It is preferred that at least one surface of at least one electrode is substantially regularly patterned, and more preferably that the applied pattern is provided with one or more cavities, in particular pillars, trenches, slits, or holes, which particular cavities can be applied in a relatively accurate manner. In this manner the increased performance of the electrochemical energy source can also be predetermined in a relatively accurate manner.
  • a surface of the substrate onto which the stack is deposited may be either substantially flat or may be patterned (by curving the substrate and/or providing the substrate with trenches, holes and/or pillars) to facilitate generating a three-dimensional oriented cell.
  • the current collectors are made of at least one of the following materials: Al, Ni, Pt, Au, Ag, Cu, Ta, Ti, TaN, and TiN.
  • Other kinds of current collectors such as, preferably doped, semiconductor materials such as e.g. Si, GaAs, InP may also be applied to act as current collector.
  • the invention also relates to an electronic device provided with at least one electrochemical energy source according to the invention, and at least one electronic component connected to said electrochemical energy source.
  • the at least one electronic component is preferably at least partially embedded in the substrate of the electrochemical energy source.
  • SiP System in Package
  • the electrochemical energy source according to the invention is ideally suitable to provide power to different kind of electronic devices, like domestic electrical appliances, such as laptops, and relatively small high power electronic applications, such as (bio)implantantables, hearing aids, autonomous network devices, and nerve and muscle stimulation devices.
  • electronic devices like domestic electrical appliances, such as laptops, and relatively small high power electronic applications, such as (bio)implantantables, hearing aids, autonomous network devices, and nerve and muscle stimulation devices.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section of an electronic device according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross section of an electrochemical energy source according to the invention
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross section of another electrochemical energy source according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of an electronic device 1 according to the invention.
  • the electronic device 1 comprises a substrate 2 on top of which two solid- state thin-film stacks 3a, 3b are deposited.
  • Each stack 3a, 3b comprises two electrochemical cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d deposited on top of each other.
  • Each cell 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d comprises a negative electrode 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, an electrolyte 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and a positive electrode 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.
  • the cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d shown in this figure may for example be lithium ion cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.
  • Electrode materials for this application e.g. LiCoO 2 , LiNiO 2 , LiNio.85Coo.15Alo.05O2, LiMn 2 O 4 , LiFePO 4 , et cetera as materials for the positive electrode 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and e.g. graphite, Li 4 TiSOi 4 , Si, et cetera as materials for the negative electrode 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.
  • LiCoO 2 LiNiO 2 , LiNio.85Coo.15Alo.05O2
  • LiMn 2 O 4 LiFePO 4
  • et cetera as materials for the positive electrode 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d
  • graphite Li 4 TiSOi 4 , Si, et cetera as materials for the negative electrode 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.
  • Each stack 3a, 3b further comprises a bottom current collector 8a, 8b deposited between the substrate and the bottom cell 4a, 4c, an intermediate current collector 9a, 9b deposited in between two cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d being stacked on top of each other, and a top current collector 10a, 10b deposited on top of the top cell 4b, 4d.
  • the bottom current collectors 8a, 8b are adapted to chemically separate the bottom cells 4a, 4c from the substrate 2, while the intermediate current collectors 9a, 9b are adapted to mutually chemically separate the stacked cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.
  • each stack 3 a, 3b comprises three terminals A-C; D-F which makes six terminals A-F in total which can be used for powering one or multiple electronic components 11 embedded in the substrate 2.
  • the electrochemical energy source 2 also comprises a control unit 12 connected to the cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and in particular to the terminals A-F of the energy source 2.
  • the control unit 12 can be applied either mono lit hically or as a System in Package onto the substrate 2.
  • the control unit 12 is adapted for selecting the (commonly maximum two per stack 3 a, 3b) terminals A-F to be used for powering the electronic component(s) 11.
  • the control unit 12 will connect both terminals A and C and terminals D and F directly or indirectly to the electronic component(s) 11, wherein both stacks 3a, 3b may be mutually connected by the control unit 12 either in series or parallel.
  • both stacks 3a, 3b may be mutually connected by the control unit 12 either in series or parallel.
  • one of the stacks 3a, 3b may be used for powering the electronic component(s), wherein for example terminals A and C, A and B, or B and C may be used for powering the electronic component(s).
  • nine possible (unique) terminal combinations can be made for powering the electronic component(s) 11 (or any other electronic component or device).
  • the stacks 3a, 3b are preferably manufactured by initially generating a single stack (step A), and by subsequently segmenting said single stack into multiple stacks 3 a, 3b (step B). This latter step B can be performed for example by means of etching techniques.
  • step A a single stack
  • step B subsequently segmenting said single stack into multiple stacks 3 a, 3b
  • This latter step B can be performed for example by means of etching techniques.
  • An advantage of this segmentation is that the stacks 3a, 3b can be formed in a relatively accurate manner.
  • the connections between all the segments can be optimised for every application separately (depending on the voltage and/or rate capability needed).
  • connections can be made directly after the single cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are generated (by the cell manufacturer) or the connections can be made afterwards (by the device manufacturer).
  • Another big advantage of the segmented integrated all- so lid- state energy source is that the cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can not only be connected with fixed wires, but the connections can also be made by using switches, for example MEMS switches or MOSFETs, the switches preferably being mono lit hically integrated.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of an electrochemical energy source 13 according to the invention.
  • the electrochemical energy source 13 comprises three wet electrochemical cells 14a, 14b, 14c stacked on top of each other.
  • Each cell 14a, 14b, 14c comprises a negative electrode 15a, 15b, 15c, a positive electrode 16a, 16b, 16c, and a polymer matrix 17a, 17b, 17c retaining a liquid- state electrolyte situated in between said negative electrode 15a, 15b, 15c and said positive electrode 16a, 16b, 16c.
  • Each electrode 15a, 15b, 15c, 16a, 16b, 16c is connected to a current collector 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d resulting in four terminals A, B, C, D for powering an electronic device.
  • the intermediate current collectors 18b, 18c are also adapted to chemically separate the different cells 14a, 14b, 14c from each other.
  • Dependent on the terminals to be used the output voltage of the energy source 13 can be regulated en optimised for specific purposes.
  • the cells 14a, 14b, 14c are surrounded by an impermeable sheet 19.
  • the sheet 19 is also adapted to seal the cells 14a, 14b, 14c individually to prevent exchange of active species between the cells 14a, 14b, 14c.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section of another electrochemical energy source 20 according to the invention.
  • This energy source 20 is more or less similar to the energy source 13 shown in figure 2, since the energy source 20 shown in figure 3 also comprises three electrochemical cells 21a, 21b, 21c mutually separate by intermediate barrier layers 26a, 26b.
  • the energy source 20 has a curved plane geometry.
  • Each cell 21a, 21b, 21c comprises a negative electrode 22a, 22b, 22c, a positive electrode 23a, 23b, 23c, and an separator/electrolyte 24a, 24b, 24c situated in between the negative electrode 22a, 22b, 22c, and the positive electrode 23a, 23b, 23c.
  • the negative electrode 22a, 22b, 22c may be made of graphite, while the positive electrode 23a, 23b, 23c may be made Of LiCoO 2 .
  • the negative electrode 22a of each cell 21a, 21b, 21c is applied onto a current collector leading to terminals B, C, and D respectively.
  • the intermediate barrier layers 26a, 26b act as current collector in this example.
  • the positive electrode 23 c of the top cell 21c is applied onto a separate current collector (not explicitly shown) leading to terminal A.
  • a control unit 25 connected to the electrochemical energy source 20, and in particular to the terminals A-D the terminals can be selectively employed to realise an electrical circuit.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
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Abstract

Electrochemical energy source comprising a stack of mutliple cells each provided with current collectors. A control unit can selectively electrically connect the current collectors so as to obtain a voltage suitable for powering an electronic device. The electronic device and the electrochemical energy source can be formed on the same substrate. The electrochemical energy source is preferably a Li-ion battery.

Description

Electrochemical energy source and electronic device provided with such an electrochemical energy source
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an improved electrochemical energy source. The invention also relates to an electronic device provided with such an electrochemical energy source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rechargeable batteries, and in particular lithium rechargeable batteries, are the focus of intense investigation around the world because of the rapid proliferation of portable electronic devices in the international marketplace. Typically, two kinds of batteries can be distinguished in the prior art; the (microscopic) thin- film batteries and the (macroscopic) bulk batteries. Known thin- film batteries are commonly used to supply electrical energy to e.g. microelectronic modules, more particular to integrated circuits (ICs). An example hereof is disclosed in the international patent application WO 00/25378, where a solid-state thin-film micro battery is fabricated directly onto a specific substrate. During this fabrication process the first electrode, the intermediate solid-state electrolyte, and the second electrode are subsequently deposited as a stack onto the substrate. Known bulk lithium batteries are for example formed by lithium ion batteries, wherein each battery may comprise a carbon electrode as the negative electrode and a lithiated metal oxide, such as lithiated cobalt oxide, lithiated nickel oxide, lithiated manganese oxide, or mixtures of these materials as the positive electrode, a microporous polypropylene or polyethylene separator that separates the two electrodes and prevents them from shorting electrically, and liquid organic solvents containing a lithium salt as the electrolyte. The electrolyte is usually absorbed into the separator material and provides high ionic conductivity and migration of ions between the electrodes of the cell. These (rechargeable) bulk batteries are commercially available and are commonly used in portable computers, cellular telephones and camcorders among other applications. A major drawback of the known batteries is that the operating voltage of each battery is commonly predetermined by choice of the cathode and anode materials, and can not be regulated, wherein the predetermined operating voltage is often not sufficient for powering certain electronic devices. To overcome this problem, multiple batteries are commonly connected in series. However, in case one of these batteries breaks down, the performance of the entire battery package can be negatively and severely influenced.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved electrochemical energy source with which the output voltage can be regulated in a relatively efficient manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This object can be achieved by providing an electrochemical energy source according to the preamble, comprising: at least one stack of multiple cells stacked on top of each other, each cell comprising: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode; at least one electron-conductive intermediate barrier layer being situated between a first cell and a second cell, which intermediate barrier layer is adapted to at least substantially preclude exchange of active species between the first cell and the second cell, and multiple current collectors, wherein at least a positive current collector is electrically connected to a positive electrode, at least a negative current collector is electrically connected to a negative electrode, and at least an intermediate current collector is electrically connected to said intermediate barrier layer. By applying a so-called bipolar, wherein an intermediate electron-conductive barrier layer is applied chemically separating a positive electrode and a negative electrode of different cells, an energy source with a relatively high output voltage can be manufactured. By means of this intermediate barrier layer multiple cells will be connected in series. By repeating this structure, wherein the electrochemical energy source comprises more than two cells, an even higher voltage output can be realised. Another major advantage of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention is that the effective voltage output can be regulated efficiently, since each cell of the energy source can be controlled easily by a control unit (management system) as will be elucidated further hereinafter, resulting in the major advantage that the voltage adapted can be adapted to the requirements of the electronic components or devices to be powered. Hence, the electrochemical energy source is not merely adapted to realise a relatively high voltage output, but also to realise a multi- voltage output, as a result of which the energy source according to the invention can be applied in a relatively flexible manner in a broad field of electronic applications. Another advantage of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention is that a relatively high specific energy (Wh/kg) can be achieved due to the reduced usage of packaging material and connection cables. Since the multiple cells are integrated within a single stack, the electrochemical energy source according to the invention can be shaped in a relatively compact manner.
Since the electrochemical energy source according to the invention comprises at least three current collectors, multiple voltage output can be realised in a relatively easy manner. To manage and regulate the voltage output, the electrochemical energy source preferably further comprises a control unit for selectively electrically connecting at least two current collectors to form an electrical circuit. The control unit, also considered as a (power) management system, is adapted for regulating the effective output of the energy source by selectively involving or excluding specific cells of the energy source for delivering power. Selecting the involved (active) cells and the excluded (passive) cells of the energy source to deliver a desired voltage output can be realised and modified instantaneously. In case a relatively small voltage output is required, e.g. merely the first cell could be activated and the second cell could be passivated (bypassed) by using the current collector of the first cell and the intermediate current collector to form an electrical circuit. In case subsequently a larger voltage output is desired also the second cell could be involved in the powering process, wherein the intermediate current collector will no longer be used, but wherein rather the two extreme current collectors of the cell stack are used. Commonly, the voltage output of each cell has a predetermined value, which value may be programmed as a static, or predefined dynamic value in the control unit. However, the control unit may also be adapted to periodically or even "real-time" monitor the actual voltage output of different cells of the energy source. Powering one or more electronic components or devices by means of the energy source according to the invention leads to discharge of one or multiple (involved) cells. However, in case rechargeable cells are used in the energy sources according to the invention, it will also be conceivable to selectively charge (beside discharge) one or multiple cells of the energy source. This charge process can also be managed and controlled by means of the control unit.
In a preferred embodiment of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention, the intermediate current collector makes integral part of the intermediate barrier layer. In this manner the number of components used to build-up the energy source can be limited, as a result of which the energy source can be constructed relatively simply which will be in favour of the manufacturing process of the energy source according to the invention. A metal strip, such as a copper strip or aluminium strip, could for example be used to act as intermediate barrier layer/current collector. Preferably, at least one electrode is coated onto the intermediate barrier layer. Preferably both (antipolar) electrodes neighbouring the intermediate barrier on opposite sides are coated onto the intermediate barrier layer to secure a reliable and durable physical contact between the intermediate layers and the electrodes coated thereon, which will be in favour of the performance of the electrochemical energy source.
In a preferred embodiment, the stack of cells mutually separated by the intermediate barrier layer is deposited onto a substrate. In this manner, a thin- film energy source can be manufactured, wherein the substrate is adapted to support the cell stack. To this end, however, it is preferred that the electrolyte used in at least one cell, and in particular in all cells, is a substantially solid-state electrolyte to allow subsequent deposition of the different layers to form the cell stack. In a particular preferred embodiment the electrochemical source comprises multiple stacks deposited onto said substrate, each stack comprising multiple cells stacked on top of each other. The stacks could be mutually electrically connected, either in series or parallel. More preferably, the multiple stacks are formed by segmentation of a single basic stack. The single basic stack can be manufactured relatively easily, and the subsequent segmentation (splitting) of the basic stack can be done relatively efficiently and accurately by means of conventional techniques, such as etching techniques. In a preferred embodiment preferably a substrate is applied which is ideally suitable to be subjected to a surface treatment to pattern the substrate, which may facilitate patterning of the electrode(s). The substrate is more preferably made of at least one of the following materials: C, Si, Sn, Ti, Ge, Al, Cu, Ta, and Pb. A combination of these materials may also be used to form the substrate(s). Preferably, n-type or p-type doped Si or Ge is used as substrate, or a doped Si-related and/or Ge-related compound, like SiGe or SiGeC. Beside relatively rigid materials, also substantially flexible materials, such as e.g. foils like Kapton® foil or metal foils, may be used for the manufacturing of the substrate. It may be clear that also other suitable materials may be used as a substrate material.
In case at least one cell is deposited onto a substrate, such as for example a silicon substrate, it is preferred that the energy source further comprises at least one electron- conductive bottom barrier layer being deposited between the substrate and at least one electrode, which bottom barrier layer is adapted to at least substantially preclude diffusion of active species of the cell directly deposited onto said substrate into said substrate. In this manner the substrate and the electrochemical cell will be separated chemically, as a result of which the performance of the electrochemical cell can be maintained relatively long- lastingly. In case a lithium ion based cell is applied, the bottom barrier layer is preferably made of at least one of the following materials: Ta, TaN, Ti, and TiN. It may be clear that also other suitable materials may be used to act as barrier layer.
The electrochemical energy source according to the invention does not necessarily have to be a solid-state energy source. In an alternative preferred embodiment at least one cell of the energy source comprises a matrix situated between the positive electrode and the negative electrode for retaining a substantially liquid- state electrolyte. In this manner a (macroscopic) bulk energy source can be manufactured. The matrix can also vary dependent on the type of electrolyte used in the cell. Commonly, a perforated and/or porous (polymer) matrix is used, which is soaked with the liquid- state electrolyte. In a preferred embodiment said electrochemical cell comprises an impermeable sheet surrounding the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte of at least one cell. The impermeable sheet is adapted to prevent leaking of an (liquid-state) electrolyte out of said cell at one side and prevent intrusion of moisture and air out of the local atmosphere into said cell at the other side. Said impermeable sheet can be manufactured of an assembly of metal and/or polymer sheets. Optionally, the impermeable sheet is integrated with a casing of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention.
Preferably, at least one electrode of the energy source according to the invention is adapted for storage of active species of at least one of following elements: hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), sodium (Na) and potassium (K), or any other suitable element which is assigned to group 1 or group 2 of the periodic table. So, the electrochemical energy source of the energy system according to the invention may be based on various intercalation mechanisms and is therefore suitable to form different kinds of (reserve-type) battery cells, e.g. Li- ion battery cells, NiMH battery cells, et cetera. In a preferred embodiment at least one electrode, more the battery anode, comprises at least one of the following materials: C, Sn, Ge, Pb, Zn, Bi, Sb, Li, and, preferably doped, Si. A combination of these materials may also be used to form the electrode(s). Preferably, n-type or p-type doped Si is used as electrode, or a doped Si-related compound, like SiGe or SiGeC. Also other suitable materials may be applied as anode, preferably any other suitable element which is assigned to one of groups 12-16 of the periodic table, provided that the material of the battery electrode is adapted for intercalation and storing of the abovementioned reactive species. The aforementioned materials are in particularly suitable to be applied in lithium ion based battery cells. In case a hydrogen based battery cell is applied, the positive electrode preferably comprises a hydride forming material, such as AB5-type materials, in particular LaNi5, and such as magnesium-based alloys, in particular MgxTii_x. The negative electrode for a lithium ion based cell preferably comprises at least one metal-oxide based material, e.g. LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMnO2 or a combination of these such as. e.g. Li(NiCoMn)O2. In case of a hydrogen based energy source, the cathode preferably comprises Ni(OH)2 and/or NiM(OH)2, wherein M is formed by one or more elements selected from the group of e.g. Cd, Co, or Bi.
In a preferred embodiment the electrochemical energy source has a non-planar geometry, being a geometry deviating from a planar geometry, such as for example a curved plane geometry, or a hooked geometry. A major advantage of the electrochemical energy source having a non-planar geometry is that any desired shape of said electrochemical energy source can be realized such that the freedom of choice as regards shape and format of said electrochemical energy source is many times greater than the freedom offered by the state of the art. The geometry of said electrochemical energy source can thus be adapted to spatial limitations imposed by any electrical apparatus in which the battery can be used. From a point of view of space, electronic devices can often be more efficiently configured because of the greater freedom as regards the choice of the geometry of electrochemical energy source; this may lead to a saving of space in and greater freedom of design of the device. It is to be noted that a curved plane geometry results in a curved battery which has a curved plane shape which may be concave/convex or wavy. However, it also imaginable for a person skilled in the art to apply an angular battery which has a hooked shape.
In a preferred embodiment at least one electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode is patterned at least partially. By patterning or structuring one, and preferably both, electrodes of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention, a three-dimensional surface area, and hence an increased surface area per footprint of the electrode(s), and an increased contact surface per volume between the at least one electrode and the electrolyte is obtained. This increase of the contact surface(s) leads to an improved rate capacity of the energy source, and hence to an increased performance of the energy source according to the invention. In this way the power density in the energy source may be maximized and thus optimized. Due to this increased cell performance a small-scale energy source according to the invention will be adapted for powering a small-scale electronic device in a satisfying manner. Moreover, due to this increased performance, the freedom of choice of (small-scale) electronic components to be powered by the electrochemical energy source according to the invention will be increased substantially. The nature, shape, and dimensioning of the pattern may be various, as will be elucidated below. It is preferred that at least one surface of at least one electrode is substantially regularly patterned, and more preferably that the applied pattern is provided with one or more cavities, in particular pillars, trenches, slits, or holes, which particular cavities can be applied in a relatively accurate manner. In this manner the increased performance of the electrochemical energy source can also be predetermined in a relatively accurate manner. In this context it is noted that a surface of the substrate onto which the stack is deposited may be either substantially flat or may be patterned (by curving the substrate and/or providing the substrate with trenches, holes and/or pillars) to facilitate generating a three-dimensional oriented cell.
Preferably, the current collectors are made of at least one of the following materials: Al, Ni, Pt, Au, Ag, Cu, Ta, Ti, TaN, and TiN. Other kinds of current collectors, such as, preferably doped, semiconductor materials such as e.g. Si, GaAs, InP may also be applied to act as current collector.
The invention also relates to an electronic device provided with at least one electrochemical energy source according to the invention, and at least one electronic component connected to said electrochemical energy source. The at least one electronic component is preferably at least partially embedded in the substrate of the electrochemical energy source. In this manner a System in Package (SiP) may be realized. In a SiP one or multiple electronic components and/or devices, such as integrated circuits (ICs), actuators, controllers, sensors, receivers, transmitters, et cetera, are embeddded at least partially in the substrate of the electrochemical energy source according to the invention. The electrochemical energy source according to the invention is ideally suitable to provide power to different kind of electronic devices, like domestic electrical appliances, such as laptops, and relatively small high power electronic applications, such as (bio)implantantables, hearing aids, autonomous network devices, and nerve and muscle stimulation devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is illustrated by way of the following non- limitative examples, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section of an electronic device according to the invention,
Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross section of an electrochemical energy source according to the invention, and
Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross section of another electrochemical energy source according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 shows a schematic cross section of an electronic device 1 according to the invention. The electronic device 1 comprises a substrate 2 on top of which two solid- state thin-film stacks 3a, 3b are deposited. Each stack 3a, 3b, comprises two electrochemical cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d deposited on top of each other. Each cell 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d comprises a negative electrode 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, an electrolyte 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and a positive electrode 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. The cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d shown in this figure may for example be lithium ion cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. Many active materials can be used as the electrode materials for this application, e.g. LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiNio.85Coo.15Alo.05O2, LiMn2O4, LiFePO4, et cetera as materials for the positive electrode 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and e.g. graphite, Li4TiSOi4, Si, et cetera as materials for the negative electrode 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. Each stack 3a, 3b further comprises a bottom current collector 8a, 8b deposited between the substrate and the bottom cell 4a, 4c, an intermediate current collector 9a, 9b deposited in between two cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d being stacked on top of each other, and a top current collector 10a, 10b deposited on top of the top cell 4b, 4d. The bottom current collectors 8a, 8b are adapted to chemically separate the bottom cells 4a, 4c from the substrate 2, while the intermediate current collectors 9a, 9b are adapted to mutually chemically separate the stacked cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. Hence, each stack 3 a, 3b comprises three terminals A-C; D-F which makes six terminals A-F in total which can be used for powering one or multiple electronic components 11 embedded in the substrate 2. The electrochemical energy source 2 also comprises a control unit 12 connected to the cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and in particular to the terminals A-F of the energy source 2. The control unit 12 can be applied either mono lit hically or as a System in Package onto the substrate 2. The control unit 12 is adapted for selecting the (commonly maximum two per stack 3 a, 3b) terminals A-F to be used for powering the electronic component(s) 11. In case a relatively high voltage output is required, the control unit 12 will connect both terminals A and C and terminals D and F directly or indirectly to the electronic component(s) 11, wherein both stacks 3a, 3b may be mutually connected by the control unit 12 either in series or parallel. However, in case a reduced voltage output is required merely one of the stacks 3a, 3b may be used for powering the electronic component(s), wherein for example terminals A and C, A and B, or B and C may be used for powering the electronic component(s). In this manner, in fact nine possible (unique) terminal combinations can be made for powering the electronic component(s) 11 (or any other electronic component or device). Hence, multiple voltage outputs can be realised by means of both stacks 3 a, 3b and the control unit 12 in a relatively efficient manner. The stacks 3a, 3b are preferably manufactured by initially generating a single stack (step A), and by subsequently segmenting said single stack into multiple stacks 3 a, 3b (step B). This latter step B can be performed for example by means of etching techniques. An advantage of this segmentation is that the stacks 3a, 3b can be formed in a relatively accurate manner. The connections between all the segments can be optimised for every application separately (depending on the voltage and/or rate capability needed). These connections can be made directly after the single cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are generated (by the cell manufacturer) or the connections can be made afterwards (by the device manufacturer). Another big advantage of the segmented integrated all- so lid- state energy source is that the cells 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can not only be connected with fixed wires, but the connections can also be made by using switches, for example MEMS switches or MOSFETs, the switches preferably being mono lit hically integrated.
Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of an electrochemical energy source 13 according to the invention. The electrochemical energy source 13 comprises three wet electrochemical cells 14a, 14b, 14c stacked on top of each other. Each cell 14a, 14b, 14c comprises a negative electrode 15a, 15b, 15c, a positive electrode 16a, 16b, 16c, and a polymer matrix 17a, 17b, 17c retaining a liquid- state electrolyte situated in between said negative electrode 15a, 15b, 15c and said positive electrode 16a, 16b, 16c. Each electrode 15a, 15b, 15c, 16a, 16b, 16c is connected to a current collector 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d resulting in four terminals A, B, C, D for powering an electronic device. The intermediate current collectors 18b, 18c are also adapted to chemically separate the different cells 14a, 14b, 14c from each other. Dependent on the terminals to be used the output voltage of the energy source 13 can be regulated en optimised for specific purposes. To prevent leakage of electrolyte out of each cell 14a, 14b, 14c, the cells 14a, 14b, 14c are surrounded by an impermeable sheet 19. The sheet 19 is also adapted to seal the cells 14a, 14b, 14c individually to prevent exchange of active species between the cells 14a, 14b, 14c.
Figure 3 shows a schematic cross section of another electrochemical energy source 20 according to the invention. This energy source 20 is more or less similar to the energy source 13 shown in figure 2, since the energy source 20 shown in figure 3 also comprises three electrochemical cells 21a, 21b, 21c mutually separate by intermediate barrier layers 26a, 26b. However, in this embodiment the energy source 20 has a curved plane geometry. Each cell 21a, 21b, 21c comprises a negative electrode 22a, 22b, 22c, a positive electrode 23a, 23b, 23c, and an separator/electrolyte 24a, 24b, 24c situated in between the negative electrode 22a, 22b, 22c, and the positive electrode 23a, 23b, 23c. The negative electrode 22a, 22b, 22c may be made of graphite, while the positive electrode 23a, 23b, 23c may be made Of LiCoO2. The negative electrode 22a of each cell 21a, 21b, 21c is applied onto a current collector leading to terminals B, C, and D respectively. In this context it is noted that the intermediate barrier layers 26a, 26b act as current collector in this example. The positive electrode 23 c of the top cell 21c is applied onto a separate current collector (not explicitly shown) leading to terminal A. By means of a control unit 25 connected to the electrochemical energy source 20, and in particular to the terminals A-D the terminals can be selectively employed to realise an electrical circuit. Consequently, the voltage output of the energy source 20 can be selectively regulated by the energy source 20. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. Electrochemical energy source, comprising: at least one stack of multiple cells stacked on top of each other, each cell comprising:
- a positive electrode, - a negative electrode, and
- an electrolyte separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode; at least one electron-conductive intermediate barrier layer being situated between a first cell and a second cell, which intermediate barrier layer is adapted to at least substantially preclude exchange of active species between the first cell and the second cell, and multiple current collectors, wherein at least a positive current collector is electrically connected to a positive electrode, at least a negative current collector is electrically connected to a negative electrode, and at least an intermediate current collector is electrically connected to said intermediate barrier layer.
2. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrochemical energy source further comprises a control unit for selectively electrically connecting at least two current collectors to form an electrical circuit.
3. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit is adapted for selectively electrically connecting the intermediate current collector with another current collector.
4. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the intermediate current collector makes integral part of the barrier layer.
5. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one electrode is coated onto the barrier layer.
6. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the stack of cells mutually separated by the intermediate barrier layer is deposited onto a substrate.
7. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 6, characterized in that the substrate comprises Si and/or Ge.
8. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the electrochemical source comprises multiple stacks deposited onto said substrate, each stack comprising multiple cells stacked on top of each other.
9. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 8, characterized in that the multiple stacks are formed by segmenting of a single basic stack.
10. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electrolyte of at least one cell is a substantially solid-state electrolyte.
11. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the energy source further comprises at least one electron-conductive bottom barrier layer being deposited between the substrate and at least one electrode, which bottom barrier layer is adapted to at least substantially preclude diffusion of active species of the cell into said substrate.
12. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one bottom barrier layer is made of at least one of the following materials: Ta, TaN, Ti, and TiN.
13. Electrochemical energy source according to one of foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one cell comprises a matrix situated between the positive electrode and the negative electrode for retaining a substantially liquid- state electrolyte.
14. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one cell comprises an impermeable sheet surrounding the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte of said cell.
15. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that both the positive electrode and the negative electrode of at least one cell are adapted for storage of active species of at least one of following elements: H, Li, Be, Mg,
Cu, Ag, Na and K.
16. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one of the negative electrode is made of at least one of the following materials: C, Sn, Ge, Pb, Zn, Bi, Li, Sb, and, preferably doped, Si.
17. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electrochemical energy source has a non-planar geometry.
18. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one electrode of at least one cell is provided with at least one patterned surface.
19. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 18, characterized in that the at least one patterned surface of the at least one electrode is provided with multiple cavities.
20. Electrochemical energy source according to claim 19, characterized in that at least a part of the cavities form pillars, trenches, slits, or holes.
21. Electrochemical energy source according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the at least one current collector is made of at least one of the following materials: Al, Ni, Pt, Au, Ag, Cu, Ta, Ti, TaN, and TiN.
22. Electronic device, comprising at least one electrochemical energy source according to one of the claims 1-21, and at least electronic component connected to said electrochemical energy source.
23. Electronic device according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least one electronic component is at least partially embedded in the substrate of the electrochemical energy source.
24. Electronic device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the electrochemical energy source comprises a control unit for selectively electrically connecting at least two current collectors to the at least one electronic component.
25. Electronic device according to one of claims 21-24, characterized in that the at least one electronic component is chosen from the group consisting of: sensing means, controlling means, communication means, and actuating means.
26. Electronic device according to one of claims 21-25, characterized in that the electronic device and the electrochemical energy source form a System in Package (SiP).
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