The present invention provides a thin, bendable, printed, layered primary battery structure without a battery separator. The battery includes a first layer including a printed positive electrode. A second layer includes a negative electrode material which may be a printed negative electrode or a metal foil negative electrode. An adhesive, UV-curable intermediate layer is adhered to the first layer on a first side of the intermediate layer and is adhered to the second layer on a second side of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer includes a water-soluble electroactive material and a water-soluble viscosity-regulating polymer in an amount sufficient to render the intermediate layer adhesive. The intermediate layer also includes a water-insoluble polymer matrix having sufficient rigidity to prevent contact of the first layer and the second layer. A flexible package encases the first, second, and intermediate layers.