Abstract: A method of fabricating a multi-layered thin film electrochemical device is provided. The method comprises: providing a first target material in a chamber; providing a substrate in the chamber; emitting a first intermittent laser beam directed at the first target material to generate a first plasma, wherein each pulse of the first intermittent laser beam has a pulse duration of about 20 fs to about 500 ps; depositing the first plasma on the substrate to form a first thin film; providing a second target material in the chamber; emitting a second intermittent laser beam directed at the second target material to generate a second plasma, wherein each pulse of the second intermittent laser beam has a pulse duration of about 20 fs to about 500 ps; and depositing the second plasma on or above the first thin film to form a second thin film.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method of forming an electrode composition suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The method involves (a) forming a carbon-containing coating on a metal-oxide material; and (b) forming an electrode paste or slurry from components comprising a solvent, a polymeric binder material and the coated metal-oxide material. Also provided is an electrode composition suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The electrode composition includes a polymeric binder material and an active material. The active material includes a metal oxide with a carbon-containing coating thereon. Also provided is an electrochemical cell which includes an electrode formed from the electrode composition. The invention results in an electrochemical cell having improved charge-discharge cycle life and improved coulomb efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method of forming an electrode composition suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The method involves (a) forming a carbon-containing coating on a metal-oxide material; and (b) forming an electrode paste or slurry from components comprising a solvent, a polymeric binder material and the coated metal-oxide material. Also provided is an electrode composition suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The electrode composition includes a polymeric binder material and an active material. The active material includes a metal oxide with a carbon-containing coating thereon. Also provided is an electrochemical cell which includes an electrode formed from the electrode composition. The invention results in an electrochemical cell having improved charge-discharge cycle life and improved coulomb efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a novel electrode composition suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The composition includes a polymeric binder material and a doped tungsten (IV) oxide active material. The active material includes a tungsten (IV) oxide host material and a metal dopant in the host material effective to increase the charge-discharge capacity per unit weight of the active material when used in an electrochemical cell. Also provided is a method for forming the electrode composition and an electrochemical cell comprising the composition. The invention results in an electrochemical cell having improved charge-discharge capacity per unit weight of the electrode active material, and is additionally chemically and electrochemically stable.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming an electrode suitable for use in an electrochemical cell, and novel electrodes which can be formed therefrom. The methods involve the steps of: (a) forming an electrode slurry from components comprising a solvent, a polymeric binder material and a solid electrode material, wherein the polymeric binder material is formed by modifying a polyolefin with at least one unsaturated polycarboxylic acid or an anhydride of the acid, chlorinating the modified polyolefin and partially crosslinking carboxyl groups or acid anhydride groups on the chlorinated, modified polyolefin with an epoxy group of a compound which has at least two epoxy groups per molecule; (b) coating the electrode slurry on a substrate; and (c) evaporating the solvent. Also provided are electrochemical cells which include the inventive electrodes. The invention has particular applicability to the manufacture of nonaqueous electrochemical power supplies.

Abstract: Provided is a novel electrode composition suitable for use in an electrochemical cell. The composition includes a polymeric binder material and a doped tungsten (IV) oxide active material. The active material includes a tungsten (IV) oxide host material and a metal dopant in the host material effective to increase the charge-discharge capacity per unit weight of the active material when used in an electrochemical cell. Also provided is a method for forming the electrode composition and an electrochemical cell comprising the composition. The invention results in an electrochemical cell having improved charge-discharge capacity per unit weight of the electrode active material, and is additionally chemically and electrochemically stable.