Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to an energy storage device including at least two electrodes (e.g., an anode and a cathode). At least one of the two electrodes can be formed from lithium or a lithium alloy. The energy storage device can also include an electrolyte solution in contact with the two electrodes and a separator with a melting point higher than a melting point of lithium. The separator can define a boundary between the two electrodes and encapsulates at least one of the two electrodes. The separator can also be impermeable to molten lithium. Thus, when exposed to a temperature that causes lithium from one or more of the electrodes to melt, the separator can prevent contact between molten lithium from one electrode and the other electrode.

Abstract: An anode for a lithium ion cell comprising stabilised lithium metal powder, polyethylene oxide and a lithium intercalation material. The use of polyethylene oxide as the binder for an anode used in a secondary cell enables lithium powder to be incorporated in the anode leading to an improvement in cell performance.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte comprises a polymer combined with a solution of a salt in a plasticising solvent, and the polymer is a terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride (VdF), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE). The proportion by weight of vinylidene fluoride is at least 85%. The polymer has a large enough molecular weight that its melt flow index, at 230 ° C. and 21.6 kg, is less than 5.0 g/10 min. The resulting polymer electrolyte may be referred to as a solid electrolyte or a gelled electrolyte, and is suitable for use as the separator/electrolyte in an electrochemical cell, such as a secondary lithium ion cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is made by assembling an anodic layer and a cathodic layer, these layers being separated by a plasticised membrane of polymeric material consisting of a PVdF-type polymer chain, and ethylene carbonate as a plasticiser, but containing no lithium salt, the membrane being less than 30 &mgr;m thick and being cast from a volatile solvent. The resulting cell precursor is soaked in an electrolyte solution to form the cell. The membrane absorbs the electrolyte solution, forming a gelled or polymeric electrolyte.

Abstract: A polymeric chain consisting primarily of vinylidene fluoride, onto which is grafted a mono-unsaturated carboxylic acid, ester, or amide, for example acrylic acid, may be combined with a lithium salt and a solvent to form an electrolyte material. This may be used as electrolyte in a lithium cell, or may be combined with an insertion material to make a composite electrode for such a cell. The electrolyte, and so also the composite electrode incorporating this electrolyte, adheres well to a metal current collector.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte suitable for use in a lithium ion cell comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) combined with a solution of a salt such as lithium perchlorate, in a compatible solvent such as an ethylene carbonate/N-methyl-pyrrolidone mixture. The PVdF is a homopolymer of high molecular weight, with a melt flow index at 230.degree. C. and 10 kg of less than 1.O g/10 min.