Abstract: Methods of making a battery component are provided. The method comprises gas phase depositing a composition onto an electrode, the composition comprising a first component and a second component, and removing at least a portion of the second component to form a separator comprising a porous polymer film on the electrode. The first component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers and is different from the first component. The first component and the second component each form separate polymer phases and together form a layer. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of by-products and remaining portions of the first component from the forming the first polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates biomedically useful compositions containing bioactive agents and biodegradable carbohydrate polyethers that exhibit reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. The microstructure structure and properties of the carbohydrate polyethers can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell delivery, surgical procedures and the like.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a battery component comprises an electrode and a separator deposited on a surface of the electrode is provided. The separator comprises a porous poly(para-xylylene) film. In some embodiments, the electrode can include at least one cavity or protrusion, and the separator layer can be gas phase deposited directly on the electrode. In certain embodiments, methods of making a battery component are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates biomedically useful compositions containing bioactive agents and biodegradable carbohydrate polyethers that exhibit reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. The microstructure structure and properties of the carbohydrate polyethers can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell delivery, surgical procedures and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel carbohydrate polyether compositions that are soluble in aqueous media and particularly to carbohydrate polyether compositions exhibiting reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. Also, since the carbohydrate polyethers of the present invention can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel chromatography stationary phases comprising non-polysaccharide carbohydrate polyethers and methods for their preparation. Particularly, the invention relates to chromatography stationary phases comprising said carbohydrate polyethers and more particularly to chiral stationary phases. Also, since the carbohydrate polyethers of the present invention can be conveniently prepared with controlled functionality, molecular weights and polydispersity indices as well as controlled microstructure, tertiary structure stationary phases prepared from these polymers can be conveniently modified or custom synthesized to accommodate specific separation requirements.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods of forming composite materials are provided. The composite materials described herein can be utilized as an electrode material for a battery. In certain embodiments, the composite material includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight silicon particles, and greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of one or more types of carbon phases. At least one of the one or more types of carbon phases can be a substantially continuous phase. The method of forming a composite material can include providing a mixture that includes a precursor and silicon particles, and pyrolysing the precursor to convert the precursor into one or more types of carbon phases to form the composite material.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an electrode includes a body of material formed in substantial part of carbon, the body having an exterior surface and an interior located within the exterior surface, and a plurality cavities located in the interior of the body. Each of the cavities is in communication with the exterior of the body and has an interior surface. The cavities can each be sized to accommodate a battery separator located therein and substantially covering the interior surface of the cavity.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a gas phase deposited porous separator is provided. The porous separator can be deposited onto an electrode. The electrode can include at least one cavity or protrusion, and the separator layer can be gas phase deposited onto a surface of the at least one cavity or protrusion. In certain embodiments, a method of gas phase depositing a separator layer is provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with an alkali metal containing anode having high discharge capacity, charge efficiency and low self-discharge. The addition of at least one nitramide or dinitramide salt of a metal cation to the electrochemical cell electrolyte unexpectedly lowers first cycle irreversible capacity, adds higher cycle life, lowers self-discharge and beneficially addresses several additional degrees of freedom with respect to electrolyte solvent selection while providing higher charge capacity. Additives include the lithium metal salts of nitramide or dinitramide, and the electrolyte consists essentially of a lithium metal salt dissolved in a at least one of an aqueous solvent, molten salt solvent system and a non-aqueous solvent mixture of at least one of organic ethers, esters, carbonates, acetals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel chromatography stationary phases comprising non-polysaccharide carbohydrate polyethers and methods for their preparation. Particularly, the invention relates to chromatography stationary phases comprising said carbohydrate polyethers and more particularly to chiral stationary phases. Also, since the carbohydrate polyethers of the present invention can be conveniently prepared with controlled functionality, molecular weights and polydispersity indices as well as controlled microstructure, tertiary structure stationary phases prepared from these polymers can be conveniently modified or custom synthesized to accommodate specific separation requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte for an electrochemical cell wherein the electrolyte includes a solvent mixture comprising a dioxolane and one or more of 1,2-dialkoxyalkanes of 5 or 6 carbon atoms and/or 1,3-dialkoxyalkanes of 5 or 6 carbon atoms. Also disclosed are cells and batteries including the electrolyte. An electrochemical cell including the electrolyte preferably has an anode that includes lithium and a cathode including an electroactive sulfur-containing material.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with an alkali metal containing anode having high discharge capacity, charge efficiency and low self-discharge. The addition of at least one nitramide or dinitramide salt of a metal cation to the electrochemical cell electrolyte unexpectedly lowers first cycle irreversible capacity, adds higher cycle life, lowers self-discharge and beneficially addresses several additional degrees of freedom with respect to electrolyte solvent selection while providing higher charge capacity. Additives include the lithium metal salts of nitramide or dinitramide, and the electrolyte consists essentially of a lithium metal salt dissolved in a at least one of an aqueous solvent, molten salt solvent system and a non-aqueous solvent mixture of at least one of organic ethers, esters, carbonates, acetals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte for an electrochemical cell wherein the electrolyte includes a solvent mixture comprising a dioxolane and one or more of 1,2-dialkoxyalkanes of 5 or 6 carbon atoms and/or 1,3-dialkoxyalkanes of 5 or 6 carbon atoms. Also disclosed are cells and batteries including the electrolyte. An electrochemical cell including the electrolyte preferably has an anode that includes lithium and a cathode including an electroactive sulfur-containing material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a non-electroactive particulate material having a strong adsorption of soluble polysulfides. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a non-electroactive particulate material having a strong adsorption of soluble polysulfides. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a)sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, -Sm-, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a non-electroactive particulate material having a strong adsorption of soluble polysulfides. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to non-aqueous electrolytes which comprise (a) one or more solvents; (b) one or more ionic salts; and, (c) a multifunctional monomer comprising two or more unsaturated aliphatic reactive moieties per molecule, which multifuntional monomer is soluble in said one or more solvents, which multifuctional monomer rapidly polymerizes when said electrolyte is heated to an initiation temperature greater than 100° C., thereby increasing said viscosity and internal resistivity of said electrolyte. When incorporated into a nonaqueous electrolyte, the multifunctional reactive monomer improves the safety of electric current producing cells by rapidly polymerizing at elevated temperatures to increase the viscosity and internal resistivity of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a non-electroactive particulate material having a strong adsorption of soluble polysulfides. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods of purification of an organic lithium salt comprising the steps of: (a) dissolving an impure organic lithium salt in a solution comprising an organic complexing solvent; (b) crystallizing from said solution a solid solvate complex comprising said lithium salt and said organic complexing solvent; (c) separating said solid solvate complex from said solution; (d) dissociating said solid solvate complex to yield: (i) said lithium salt in a solid form, and, (ii) a volatile composition comprising said organic complexing solvent; and, (e) removing said volatile composition to yield said lithium salt in a solid form of purity greater than the purity of said impure lithium salt. The present invention also pertains to electrolytes for electric current producing cells comprising such purified lithium salts.