Abstract: An electrode having an oriented array of multiple nanotubes is disclosed. Individual nanotubes have a lengthwise inner pore defined by interior tube walls which extends at least partially through the length of the nanotube. The nanotubes of the array may be oriented according to any identifiable pattern. Also disclosed is a device featuring an electrode and methods of fabrication.

Abstract: A fabrication process for conformal coating of a thin polymer electrolyte layer on nanostructured electrode materials for three-dimensional micro/nanobattery applications, compositions thereof, and devices incorporating such compositions. In embodiments, conformal coatings (such as uniform thickness of around 20-30 nanometer) of polymer Polymethylmethacralate (PMMA) electrolyte layers around individual Ni—Sn nanowires were used as anodes for Li ion battery. This configuration showed high discharge capacity and excellent capacity retention even at high rates over extended cycling, allowing for scalable increase in areal capacity with electrode thickness. Such conformal nanoscale anode-electrolyte architectures were shown to be efficient Li-ion battery system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a lithium plate, a method for lithiation of an electrode, and an energy storage device. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lithium plate used for lithium pre-doping of an electrode for an energy storage device, including: a contact area contacting the electrode at the time of the pre-doping; and a plurality of through holes or a plurality of grooves regularly distributed to be adjacent to the contact area so that an electrolytic solution gains easy access to the vicinity of a contact boundary of the contact area and the electrode at the time of the pre-doping. In addition, a method for lithiation of an electrode for an energy storage device using the above-mentioned lithium plate and an energy storage device including a negative electrode (anode) lithiated according to the method have been proposed.

Abstract: Several embodiments related to lithium-ion batteries having electrodes with nanostructures, compositions of such nanostructures, and associated methods of making such electrodes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for producing an anode suitable for a lithium-ion battery comprising preparing a surface of a substrate material and forming a plurality of conductive nanostructures on the surface of the substrate material via electrodeposition without using a template.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a lithium ion storage device that has a positive electrode, an alloy-based negative electrode and a lithium ion supply source for pre-doping lithium ions to the negative electrode. The method includes: a pre-doping step of pre-doping the negative electrode at a low charge rate; and a first charge step of, after the pre-doping step, performing a first charge at a charge rate that is higher than the one during the pre-doping.

Abstract: A single crystal of zinc oxide which is c-axis oriented with use of electrolytic deposition method is formed on an amorphous carbon layer, after the amorphous carbon layer is provided on an inexpensive graphite substrate. The amorphous carbon layer is provided by oxidizing the surface of the graphite substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a secondary cell according to the present invention includes step (A) of putting a solution having an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable/reducible organic compound and a supporting electrolyte dissolved therein into contact with a positive electrode active material, thereby oxidizing or reducing the positive electrode active material; and step (B) of accommodating the oxidized positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material in a case in the state of facing each other with a separator being placed therebetween, and filling the case with an electrolyte solution. By oxidizing or reducing the positive electrode active material, lithium ions or anions as the support electrode are incorporated into the positive electrode active material.

Abstract: An improved Ni—Zn cell with a negative electrode substrate plated with tin or tin and zinc during manufacturing has a reduced gassing rate. The copper or brass substrate is electrolytic cleaned, activated, electroplated with a matte surface to a defined thickness range, pasted with zinc oxide electrochemically active material, and baked. The defined plating thickness range of 40-80 ?In maximizes formation of an intermetallic compound Cu3Sn that helps to suppress the copper diffusion from under plating layer to the surface and eliminates formation of an intermetallic compound Cu6Sn5 during baking to provide adequate corrosion resistance during battery operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a reliable and cost efficient battery or electrochemical capacitor electrode structure that has an improved lifetime, lower production costs, and improved process performance are provided. In one embodiment a method for forming a three dimensional porous electrode for a battery or an electrochemical cell is provided. The method comprises depositing a columnar metal layer over a substrate at a first current density by a diffusion limited deposition process and depositing three dimensional metal porous dendritic structures over the columnar metal layer at a second current density greater than the first current density.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a metal oxide or lithium-metal-oxide electrode comprises contacting a surface of the electrode, prior to cell assembly, with an aqueous or a non-aqueous acid solution having a pH greater than 4 but less than 7 and containing a stabilizing salt, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to etch the surface of the electrode and introduce stabilizing anions and cations from the salt into said surface. The structure of the bulk of the electrode remains unchanged during the acid treatment. The stabilizing salt comprises fluoride and at least one cationic material selected from the group consisting of ammonium, phosphorus, titanium, silicon, zirconium, aluminum, and boron.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for forming an electrode structure used in an energy storage device. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for characterizing nanomaterials used in forming high capacity electrode structures for energy storage devices. In one embodiment a process for forming an electrode structure for an energy storage device is provided. The process comprises depositing a columnar metal structure over a substrate at a first current density by a diffusion limited deposition process, measuring a capacitance of the columnar metal structure to determine a surface area of the columnar metal structure, and depositing three dimensional porous metal structures over the columnar metal structure at a second current density greater than the first current density.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a negative electrode for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided. A negative electrode precursor of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is allowed to absorb lithium ions, the negative electrode precursor includes a current collector and an active material layer formed on the current collector. The precursor is provided with an exposed portion of the current collector. In this method, a negative electrode active material layer is allowed to absorb lithium ions by electrolysis in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. At this time, by measuring a potential of a portion immersed in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, the exposed portion is detected and an electric current of the electrolysis is controlled. Thereby, the deposition of lithium metal on the exposed portion is suppressed.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from a complex adsorbed at the surface of the electrode, the complex including the electrically conductive material combined with a second material that is substantially reducible and not substantially oxidizable. The surface of the electrode can be microroughened. The invention also includes a method for making various embodiments of the electrode, and a method of generating electricity using the electrode. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel cell is provided including the electrode of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell, including a polygonal tubular support an outer surface of which has a plurality of planes, a plurality of unit cells respectively formed on the plurality of planes of the tubular support, inner connectors for connecting the plurality of unit cells in series, and a pair of outer connectors for connecting the plurality of unit cells connected in series to a current collector, so that respective unit cells are connected in series on the planes of the tubular support, thus exhibiting excellent cell performance and high power density per unit volume, and maintaining high voltage upon collection of current to thereby reduce power loss due to electrical resistance. A method of manufacturing the solid oxide fuel cell is also provided.

Abstract: A monolithic electrolytic assembly (MEA), as well as associated structures and processes operative in the general field of solid oxide electrolytic devices, is disclosed. The invention provides a reliable and durable interconnect for both structural and electrical components of such devices. In the present invention, thin-film-based solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide oxygen/hydrogen generators may be fabricated using primarily solid metal alloys as underlying components of thin film and thick film structures built thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating lithium-ion batteries using thin-film deposition processes that form three-dimensional structures is provided. In one embodiment, an anodic structure used to form an energy storage device is provided. The anodic structure comprises a conductive substrate, a plurality of conductive microstructures formed on the substrate, a passivation film formed over the conductive microstructures, and an insulative separator layer formed over the conductive microstructures, wherein the conductive microstructures comprise columnar projections.

Abstract: A composite electrode and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. By using a composite electrode that includes a porous support made of ceramic or metal and a conductive polymer or a metal oxide formed on a surface of the porous support, a capacitor or secondary cell that provides increased charge/discharge capacity and increased energy/output density, as well as high-temperature stability and high reliability, can be manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an apparatus for the electrochemical deposition of fine catalyst particles onto carbon fibre-containing substrates which have a compensating layer (“microlayer”). The method comprises the preparation of a precursor suspension containing ionomer, carbon black and metal ions. This suspension is applied to the substrate and then dried. The deposition of the catalyst particles onto the carbon fibre-containing substrate is effected by a pulsed electrochemical method in an aqueous electrolyte. The noble metal-containing catalyst particles produced by the method have particle sizes in the nanometer range. The catalyst-coated substrates are used for the production of electrodes, gas diffusion electrodes and membrane electrode units for electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells (membrane fuel cells, PEMFC, DMFC, etc.), electrolysers or electrochemical sensors.

Abstract: An electrode for a charge storage device and a method for forming the electrode. The electrode comprises an electrode body having an essentially continuous phase of an active material, an essentially continuous phase of an electroconductive material, and an essentially continuous phase of void space. The active material is oxidized by applying a potential to the electrode body in the charge storage device so as to transform the active material to an oxide species thereof. The resulting oxide species of the active material has a higher active surface area than the active material prior to the oxidizing.

Abstract: In a ceramic capacitor according to the present invention, the electrode strips of an internal electrode and the dielectric strips of a ceramic dielectric member are arranged perpendicularly to the surface of a substrate, and as such, the plurality of electrode strips and the plurality of dielectric strips are arranged alternately along a parallel direction relative to the substrate surface. That is, the electrode strips and the dielectric strips are multi-layered along a parallel direction relative to the substrate surface, thereby facilitating the realization of multi-layering in the ceramic capacitor by a known patterning technology.

Abstract: Provided is a submerged-type, electrosorption-based desalination apparatus for water purification and method, comprising applying a DC voltage of 0.1 to 2.0 volts to a carbon electrode of the reactor to thereby adsorb inorganic ions on the carbon electrode, and reversely applying the same DC voltage having opposite polarity to recycle regeneration solution to the outside of the apparatus or into the treatment tank, thereby enhancing a recovery rate. In addition, in order to improve desalination efficiency, the reactor used in the desalination apparatus may be embodied in various forms of T-shaped, linear type, single, composite, and ion exchange membrane electrodes. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to remove inorganic ions from industrial wastewater, sea water, and brackish water, which contain large amounts of inorganic ions.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen and applications thereof, includes: a reaction and formation step, a reaction and acceleration step, and an extended treatment step, the reaction and formation step performed by a) providing a reaction object made of a metallic material; b) cleaning the reaction object; and c) having the cleaned reaction object chemically contacted with an electrolyte solution so as to generate a chemical reaction and to produce hydrogen and by-products thereof, the reaction and acceleration step performed to accelerate hydrogen production rate through the chemical reaction by adding an acidic material while performing the reaction and formation step, and the extended treatment step performed by drying an electrolyte solution of metal ions produced after hydrogen production reaction, and treating the electrolyte solution of metal ions with appropriate solutions so as to completely achieve economical and practical purposes of carrying out oxidation reduction and prevent a second pollution.

Abstract: Activation of a tungsten-containing catalyst using water in a PEM-type fuel cell is described as well as cathode operation of the tungsten-containing catalyst.

Abstract: A porous battery electrode for a rechargeable battery includes a monolithic porous structure having a porosity in the range of from about 74% to about 99% and comprising a conductive material. An active material layer is deposited on the monolithic porous structure. The pores of the monolithic porous structure have a size in the range of from about 0.2 micron to about 10 microns. A method of making the porous battery electrode is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for recharging a fuel used to produce hydrogen for a hydrogen consuming device. The fuel can be NaBH4 which forms NaBO2 upon reacting with H2O to produce hydrogen. The NaBO2 is converted to NaBH4 through a series of coupled chemical reactions which include reacting NaBO2 with a metal and hydrogen to produce NaBH4 and oxidized metal. The oxidized metal can then be recycled using an electrolytic process which converts the oxidized metal to metal and oxygen. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for removing the spent fuel such as NaBO2 from the hydrogen consuming device to the charger and delivering the recharged fuel, such as NaBH4, back to the hydrogen consuming device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a thin-layer battery stack on a three-dimensional substrate. The invention further relates to a thin-layer battery stack on a three-dimensional substrate obtainable by such a method. Moreover, the invention relates to a device comprising such a battery stack. The method according to the invention provides a rapid way to manufacture battery stacks on three-dimensional substrate, and the obtained products are of superior quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying the interfacial resistance of a lithium metal electrode immersed in an electrolytic solution, which consists in depositing a film of metal oxide particles on the surface of this electrode. The invention also relates to a lithium metal electrode, the surface of which is covered with a film of metal oxide particles, and to a battery of the lithium metal type.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a layer-structured catalysts at the electrode/electrolyte interface of a fuel cell is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, depositing an electrolyte layer on the substrate, depositing a catalyst bonding layer to the electrolyte layer, depositing a catalyst layer to the catalyst bonding layer, and depositing a microstructure stabilizing layer to the catalyst layer, where the bonding layer improves adhesion of the catalyst onto the electrolyte. The catalyst and a current collector is a porous catalyst and a fully dense current collector, or a fully dense catalyst and a fully dense current collector structure layer. A nano-island catalyst and current collector structure layer is deposited over the catalyst and current collector or over the bonding layer, which is deposited over the electrolyte layer. The fuel cell can be hydrogen-fueled solid oxide, solid oxide with hydrocarbons, solid sensor, solid acid, polymer electrolyte or direct methanol.

Abstract: An electrode for a bipolar cell or battery includes a plate-like body made of hardened resin containing particles of titanium suboxide or other electrically conductive particulate arranged to form electrical paths. A method of testing the body for porosity is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery comprising a positive electrode of nickel hydroxide and a negative electrode of hydrogen-absorption alloy, prolonged battery life is achieved by limiting the charge and discharge operations to be performed in the range of 20-60% of the hydrogen-absorption capacity of the hydrogen-absorption alloy.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrode having immobilized ?-conjugated ligands is provided. The method includes bringing an aqueous solution into contact with an electrically conductive base material, the aqueous solution including ?-conjugated ligands and at least one of (i) a surfactant, and (ii) a water-soluble molecule having a structure different from that of the ?-conjugated ligands, the water-soluble molecule having a ?-conjugated structure, and immobilizing the ?-conjugated ligands on the base material.

Abstract: A metallic separator in which falling off of the conductive inclusions projecting from a matrix surface is prevented, whereby the contact resistance is decreased, resulting in increasing the characteristics for generation of electrical energy. A metallic separator for a fuel cell comprises conductive inclusions in a metal structure, and the conductive inclusions project from a surface of a matrix to a height of 1 to 3 micrometers.

Abstract: In an alkaline dry battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an alkaline electrolyte, the positive electrode includes manganese dioxide and graphite powder and contains Ti(SO4)2 as an additive.

Abstract: A continuous electroforming process to form a strip for battery electrodes, comprising the steps of providing a mandrel having on its surface a reusable pattern subdivided into conductive and non-conductive areas; moving said mandrel through an electroforming bath to deposit a metal layer on said mandrel while it moves through the electroforming bath until the metal layer has assumed the shape of the conductive pattern and a thickness at least sufficient to provide strength for the layer to be removed from said mandrel; and separating said layer from said mandrel; is characterised by moving said strip through at least one subsequent bath in which electrodeposition of metal takes place on both sides of said strip while it is moved through said subsequent bath, applying a current density of at least 10 A/dm2 and up to 300 A/dm2 to the conductive surface of the moving mandrel and to the metal surface of the strip in each of the subsequent baths; and directing a forced flow of electrolyte onto the surface of the

Abstract: Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile.

Abstract: A method for making the anode (or the cathode) of a nickel-metal hydride battery by electrodepositing a metal in the interstitial spaces a bed of metal-hydride active material particles (or electrodepositing a metal in the interstitial spaces of a bed of nickel hydroxide particles). Alternatively, the anode (or cathode) can be made by pressing metal-hydride active material particles (or nickel hydroxide particles) into a cellular metal substrate formed by electrodepositing a metal in the interstitial spaces of a bed of particles. Or, the anode (or cathode) can be made by flowing a suspension of metal-hydride active material particles (or nickel hydroxide particles) through a cellular metal substrate formed by electrodepositing a metal in the interstitial spaces of a bed of particles.

Abstract: A battery sheath made of formed and cold-rolled sheet metal as well as a process for manufacturing the battery sheath are proposed. In the process, cold-rolled strip stock is provided on at least one side with a coating of Ni, Co, Fe, Sn, In, Pd, Bi or their alloys in an electroplating bath, e.g., a Watts-type bath. As an additional component, the electroplating bath contains electrically conductive particles such as carbon, carbon black, graphite, TiS2, TaS2, MoSi2. These particles are deposited on the base material during electroplating together with Ni, Co, Fe, Sn, In, Pd, Bi or their alloys. The sheet metal side with, for example, the carbon-containing electroplated coating faces preferably inwardly when the sheet is formed into a battery sheath. Batteries with battery sheaths produced in this manner exhibit reduced increase in internal resistance, even with prolonged storage, as compared to known batteries.

Abstract: An electrode fabrication method, electrolytic cell and laser stimulation system for producing heat and elevated electrode power densities in a water-based liquid electrolyte. The electrode fabrication process involves using a Hydrogen absorbing metal that will form a hydride, cold working said metal, etching said metal, polishing said metal, ultrasonically cleaning said metal and annealing said metal. The electrolytic cell of the system has a pair of external magnets adjacent to the cell providing a magnetic field across the face of the cathode. The electrolytic cell also has a secondary anode of Gold capable of providing Gold ions to plate over to the cathode during the course of electrolysis. The system also has a laser under computer control capable of tuning the laser to specific wavelengths capable of triggering heat evolution and elevated electrode power densities.

Abstract: A fuel cell and methods of producing same are provided. The fuel cell includes a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode and a proton conductor material disposed there between. The fuel cell can be produced by producing an arc discharge across a pair of electrodes composed of carbon to form a carbonaceous material which can be deposited onto a proton conductor material to form at least one of the fuel and oxygen electrode thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery cathode active material formed of electrolytic manganese dioxide which has a large specific area and a high electric potential and can enhance battery characteristics such as high-rate characteristics and high-rate pulse characteristics when used as a battery cathode active material. The invention also provides a method for producing electrolytic manganese dioxide and a battery employing the cathode active material. The battery cathode active material is formed of electrolytic manganese dioxide containing a sulfate group in an amount of 1.3 to 1.6 wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention provides plating solutions, particularly metal plating solutions, designed to provide uniform coatings on substrates and to provide substantially defect free filling of small features, e.g., micron scale features and smaller, formed on substrates with none or low supporting electrolyte, i.e., which include no acid, low acid, no base, or no conducting salts, and/or high metal ion, e.g., copper, concentration. Additionally, the plating solutions may contain small amounts of additives which enhance the plated film quality and performance by serving as brighteners, levelers, surfactants, grain refiners, stress reducers, etc.

Abstract: A method of activating a hydrogen storage alloy electrode. The method comprises the step of applying current cycles to the electrode where each current cycle includes a forward pulse effective to at least partially charge the electrode and a reverse pulse effective to at least partially discharge the electrode.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of manganese dioxide comprising subjecting an aqueous bath comprising manganese sulfate (MnSO4) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to electrolysis in a closed cell wherein the electrolysis bath is maintained at an elevated temperature above 110° C., preferably above 115° C. and at superatmospheric pressure. Desirably the bath can be maintained at an elevated temperature between about 115° C. and 155° C. The electrolysis is carried out preferably at elevated current density of between about 12.5 and 37 Amp/sq. ft (135 and 400 Amp/sq. meter) which allows for smaller or fewer electrolysis units. An MnO2 product having a specific surface area (SSA) within desired range of between 18-45 m2/g can be obtained. A doping agent, preferably a soluble titanium dopant is employed to help obtain the desired specific surface area (SSA) of the MnO2 product. The manganese dioxide product in zinc/MnO2 alkaline cells gives excellent service life, particularly in high power application.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode for a secondary cell capable of readily forming an active material layer only on a necessary portion of a collector by a method supplying raw material from a gas phase is obtained. This method of manufacturing an electrode for a secondary cell comprises steps of forming a mask layer containing a material reduced in adhesion to a collector due to a high temperature for forming an active material layer on a prescribed region of the collector, forming the active material layer on the collector and on the mask layer by a method supplying raw material from a gas phase and removing the mask layer and part of the active material layer formed on the mask layer. Thus, the mask layer is readily separated from the collector after the active material layer is formed by the method supplying raw material from a gas phase.

Abstract: A secondary battery comprises a pair of collectors made of a valve action metal, a pair of electrodes comprising a sulfuric acid aqueous solution, a separator and an outer can. Each collector is covered with an oxide film of a thickness of 1.7-10 nm. The oxide film is formed in a range of from 30% by area or more to less than 100% by area relative to the surface area of the collector. Each collector has one electrode disposed thereon.

Abstract: A method of activating a metal hydride electrode of an alkaline fuel cell. The method comprises the step of applying current cycles to the anode where each current cycle includes a forward current effective to at least partially charge the electrode and a reverse current effective to at least partially discharge the electrode.

Abstract: A method for preparing lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries to reduce water content and cell impedance. A battery having improved calendar life is prepared by electrochemically treating the activated cell by applying a voltage to the cell to react oxygen provided or trapped in the cell with moisture present as an unavoidable impurity. The electrochemical treatment of the present invention decreases the water content in the cell, thereby lowering cell impedance and extending battery life.

Abstract: A blended solution is made by melting LiOH•H2O into distilled water, and then, Co metallic powders are added into the blended solution to make a reactive solution. The reactive solution is charged into an autoclave, and held at a predetermined temperature. Then, a pair of platinum electrodes are set into the reactive solution, and a given voltage is applied between the pair of platinum electrode. As a result, a compound thin film, made of crystal LiCoO2 including Li element of the blended solution and Co element of the Co metallic powders, is synthesized on the platinum electrode constituting the anode electrode.

Abstract: A process for dewaxing waxy hydrocarbonaceous materials, such as hydrocarbon fuel and lubricating oil fractions to reduce their cloud and pour points comprises reacting the material with hydrogen in the presence of a dewaxing catalyst comprising at least one metal catalytic component and ferrierite in which at least a portion of its cation exchange positions are occupied by one or more trivalent rare earth metal cations. The rare earth ion exchanged ferrierite catalyst has good selectivity for lubricating oil production, particularly when dewaxing a Fischer-Tropsch wax hydroisomerate. Preferably at least 10% and more preferably at least 15% of the ferreirite cation exchange capacity is occupied by one or more trivalent rare earth metal cations.

Abstract: A method of pretreating a hydrogen-occluding alloy, by electrically plating the hydrogen-occluding alloy with a Co--V alloy or a Co--Mo alloy. A nickel-hydrogen secondary battery manufactured using the pretreated hydrogen-occluding alloy has an increased initial activation rate and an increased high rate discharge characteristic.