Abstract: The loss in delivered capacity (capacity fade) after cycling non-aqueous rechargeable lithium manganese oxide batteries at elevated temperatures can be greatly reduced by depositing a small amount of certain foreign metal species on the surface of spinel in the cathode. In particular the foreign metal species are from compounds having either bismuth, lead, lanthanum, barium, zirconium, yttrium, strontium, zinc or magnesium. The foreign metal species are introduced to the surface of spinel by moderately heating either an aqueous treated mixture or a dry mixture of ready-made spinel and the foreign metal compound.

Abstract: An improved design and manufacturing method is disclosed for calendered, double side segment coated webs. By staggering the leading edges and/or the trailing edges of the segment coatings on one side of the web from those on the other side, web damage, including the incidence of breakage, can be reduced. Further, vibration and wear on the calendering apparatus can be reduced. The invention is particularly useful for heavily calendered webs such as the electrodes in non-aqueous rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: An improved design and manufacturing method is disclosed for calendered, double side segment coated webs. By staggering the leading edges and/or the trailing edges of the segment coatings on one side of the web from those on the other side, web damage, including the incidence of breakage, can be reduced. Further, vibration and wear on the calendering apparatus can be reduced. The invention is particularly useful for heavily calendered webs such as the electrodes in non-aqueous rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: Non-aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries can be protected against overcharge abuse by incorporating small amounts of suitable additives into the electrolyte. Additives selected from the group consisting of phenyl-R-phenyl compounds wherein R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, fluorine substituted biphenyl compounds, and 3-thiopheneacetonitrile can provide superior cycling performance along with satisfactory overcharge protection in high voltage lithium ion batteries. 2,2-diphenylpropane can be a preferred gassing agent additive in batteries equipped with electrical disconnect devices.

Abstract: The loss in delivered capacity upon cycling non-aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries can be reduced by incorporating a small amount of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 additive in the electrolyte. The B.sub.2 O.sub.3 additive is preferably dissolved in the electrolyte prior to assembling the battery. The invention is particularly suited to lithium ion rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: The loss in delivered capacity (fade) after cycling non-aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries can be reduced by incorporating a small amount of certain additive compounds in the battery. The additive compound comprises boron, oxygen, and organic end groups that are chemically compatible with the battery components. The structure of the additive compound contains a boroxine (BO).sub.3 ring. The invention is particularly suited to lithium ion batteries. Trimethoxyboroxine and trimethylboroxin are particularly effective additives. Preferably, the additive compound is dissolved in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A novel form of the insertion compound having the formula Li.sub.x Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 and a tetragonal crystal structure has been synthesized wherein x is a number in the range from about 1.7 to about 2.1. The insertion compound has a voltage relative to Li/Li.sup.+ in the range from about 3.2 to about 3.8 V and is thus air stable. The insertion compound is useful as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries. In particular, the insertion compound can be used as a cathode additive to result in a cathode limited construction. In certain applications, this can result in improved tolerance to overdischarge.