Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution, a positive electrode active material is a mixture of lithium-manganese composite oxide and at least one of lithium-nickel composite oxide represented by a general formula LiNiaM11?aO2 and lithium-cobalt composite oxide represented by the general formula LiCobM21?bO2, and said non-aqueous electrolyte solution contains at least a saturated cyclic carbonic acid ester and an unsaturated cyclic carbonic acid ester having double bond of carbon where content by amount of said unsaturated cyclic carbonic acid ester having double bond of carbon is in a range of 1.0×10?8 to 2.4×10?4 g per positive electrode capacity 1 mAh.

Abstract: A lithium polymer secondary battery which comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and polymer electrolyte layers united respectively with the two electrodes and differing in viscoelastic behavior. In this battery, conformation to the expansion and shrinkage accompanying charge/discharge is easy and the interfacial resistance between each electrode and the polymer electrolyte is kept low.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte battery having improved energy density and safety, the solid electrolyte battery incorporating a positive electrode; a negative electrode disposed opposite to the positive electrode; a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and solid electrolytes each of which is disposed between the positive electrode and the separator and between the separator and the negative electrode, wherein the separator is constituted by a polyolefin porous film, the polyolefin porous film has a thickness satisfying a range not greater than 5 mm nor greater than 15 mm and a volume porosity satisfying a range not less than 25% nor greater than 60%, and the impedance in the solid electrolyte battery is greater than the impedance realized at the room temperature when the temperature of the solid electrolyte battery satisfies a range not less than 100 EC nor greater than 160 C.

Abstract: Provided are a proton conductor and a single ion conductor both having higher conductivity and a wider operating temperature range, and a method of producing the same. A polymer including a structure portion represented by Chemical Formula 49, and an organic compound represented by Chemical Formula 50 or an organic compound represented by Chemical Formula 51 are included. Each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is a component including carbon, and each of X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 is a proton dissociative group. Further, n is n>1, and p is p>0, and the number of carbons in R4 is within a range from 1 to 4. Proton transfer can be promoted by an ether bond or the proton dissociative group of the organic compound, and the number of protons can be increased by the proton dissociative group of the organic compound, thereby the proton transfer can be smoothed.

Abstract: A process for prolonging the life of a lead-acid battery by adding an organic polymer and ultra fine lignin to its electrolyte and then discharging the battery at a high current rate and the battery so produced.

Abstract: A proton conductor mainly contains a carbonaceous material derivative, such as, a fullerene derivative, a carbon cluster derivative, or a tubular carbonaceous material derivative in which groups capable of transferring protons, for example, —OH groups or —OSO3H groups are introduced to carbon atoms of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is produced typically by compacting a powder of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is usable, even in a dry state, in a wide temperature range including ordinary temperature. In particular, the proton conductor mainly containing the carbon cluster derivative is advantageous in increasing the strength and extending the selection range of raw materials. An electrochemical device, such as, a fuel cell, that employs the proton conductor is not limited by atmospheric conditions and can be of a small and simple construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered, UV-cured polymer electrolyte and lithium secondary battery comprising the same, wherein the polymer electrolyte comprises: A) a separator layer formed of polymer electrolyte, PP, PE, PVdF or non-woven fabric, wherein the separator layer having two surfaces; B) at least one gelled polymer electrolyte layer located on at least one surface of the separator layer comprising: a) polymer obtained by curing ethyleneglycoldi(meth)acrylate oligomer of the formula (I) by UV irradiation: CH2?CR1COO(CH2CH2O)nCOCR2?CH2 wherein, R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen or methyl group, and n is a integer of 3–20; and b) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of PVdF-based polymer, PAN-based polymer, PMMA-based polymer and PVC-based polymer; and C) organic electrolyte solution in which lithium salt is dissolved in a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cationic conductor comprising a block copolymer comprising: a polymer moiety having a structural unit represented by formula (1): wherein R represents an organic group obtained via polymerization of monomer compounds having polymerizable unsaturated linkages; Q represents an n+1-valence organic group bonded to R through a single bond; Z represents a functional group capable of forming an ionic bond to or having coordination ability to a cation; Mk+ represents a k-valence cation; and n and m are each independently an integer of 1 or larger, provided that Z forms an ionic or coordination bond to a cation; and a polymer moiety having addition polymerizable monomers.

Abstract: A mixture Ia which comprises a composition IIa consisting of a) 1 to 95% by weight of a solid III, preferably a basic solid III, having a primary particle size of 5 nm to 20 microns, and b) 5 to 99% by weight of a polymeric mass IV obtainable by polymerizing b1) 5 to 100% by weight, based on the mass IV of a condensation product V of ?) at least one compound VI which is capable to react with a carboxylic acid or a sulfonic acid or a derivative thereof or a mixture of two or more thereof, and ?) at least one mole per mole of the compound VI of a carboxylic acid or a sulfonic acid VII which exhibits at least one radically polymerizable functional group, or a derivative thereof or a mixture of two or more thereof and b2) 0 to 95% by weight, based on the mass IV, of a further compound VIII having an average molecular weight (number average) of at least 5000 and having polyether segments in the main or side chain, wherein the proportion by weight of the composition IIa in the mixture Ia is 1 to 100% by weigh

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity having an anode electrode, a cathode electrode and a proton exchange membrane comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The proton exchange membrane of this invention is suitable for operating at a temperature over an entire range of about room temperature to about 170° C. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the membrane includes one or more cross-linking agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a binder for electrode materials which comprises tetrafluoroethylene polymer fine particles having an average particle size of not more than about 0.20 ?m and having a standard specific gravity of not more than about 2.20, wherein a mixture prepared from said fine particles with about 17% by weight of the total mixture of an extrusion coagent, when subjected to the measurement of an extrusion pressure by a rheometer, exhibits under the conditions of a draw ratio of 100 to 1 and an extrusion speed of 18±2 mm/min, an extrusion pressure of not less than about 220 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte providing lithium secondary batteries in which growth of lithium dendrites is suppressed and batteries exhibiting excellent discharge characteristics in low to high temperature, comprising a polymer gel holding a nonaqueous solvent containing an electrolyte, wherein the polymer gel comprises (I) a unit derived from at least one monomer having one copolymerizable vinyl group and (II) a unit derived from at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (II-a) a compound having two acryloyl groups and a (poly)oxyethylene group, (II-b) a compound having one acryloyl group and a (poly)oxyethylene group, and (II-c) a glycidyl ether compound, particularly the polymer gel comprises monomer (I), compound (II-a), and a copolymerizable plasticizing compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a UV-cured multi-component polymer blend electrolyte, lithium secondary battery and their fabrication method, wherein the UV-cured multi-component polymer blend electrolyte, comprises: A) function-I polymer obtained by curing ethyleneglycoldi-(meth)acrylate oligomer of formula 1 by UV irradiation, CH2?CR1COO(CH2CH2O)nCOCR2?CH2 (1) wherein, R1 and R2 are independently a hydrogen or methyl group, and n is an integer of 3-20; B) function-II polymer selected from the group consisting of PAN-based polymer, PMMA-based polymer and mixtures thereof; C) function-III polymer selected from the group consisting of PVdF-based polymer, PVC-based polymer and mixtures thereof; and D) organic electrolyte solution in which lithium salt is dissolved in a solvent.

Abstract: A solid-electrolyte secondary battery is provided which comprises a positive electrode, negative electrode and a solid electrolyte provided between the electrodes. The solid electrolyte contains as a matrix polymer a fluorocarbon polymer of 550,000 in weight-average molecular weight (Mw). The fluorocarbon polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of more than 550,000 shows an excellent adhesion to the active material layers of the positive and negative layers. Therefore, the high polymer solid (or gel) electrolyte adheres to the active material layers of the electrodes with a sufficient adhesive strength. A fluorocarbon polymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) over 300,000 and under 550,000 may be used in combination with a fluorocarbon polymer of 550,000 or more in weight-average molecular weight to lower the viscosity for facilitating the formation of a film of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A uniform gel electrolyte having high durability and use thereof, in particular, batteries or capacitors using such a gel electrolyte. The gel electrolyte includes a gel composition containing an electrolyte salt, a solvent for the electrolyte salt, and a polymer matrix, wherein the polymer matrix comprises a crosslinked polymer prepared by polymerizing a bifunctional (meth)acrylate represented by the following formula (I): wherein R represents a divalent organic group, and R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

Abstract: Provided are a fluoride copolymer, a polymer electrolyte comprising the fluoride copolymer, and a lithium battery employing the polymer electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte preferably includes as the fluoride copolymer at least one fluoride polymer selected from a polyethylene glycol methylether (meth)acrylate (PEGM)A)-2,2,2-trifluoroethylacrylate (TFEA) polymer, a PEGMA-TFEA-acrylonitrile (AN) polymer, a PEGMA-TFEA-methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymer, a PEGMA-TFEA-vinylpyrrolidone (VP) polymer, a PEGMA-TFEA-trimethoxyvinylsilane (TMVS) polymer, and a PEGMA-TFEA-ethoxy ethylacrylate (EEA) polymer.

Abstract: A polymeric sol electrolyte including a sol-forming polymer and an electrolytic solution consisting of a lithium salt and an organic solvent. Use of the polymeric sol electrolyte allows problems such as swelling or leakage to be overcome, compared to the case of using a liquid-type electrolytic solution. Also, the polymeric sol electrolyte has better ionic conductivity than a polymeric gel electrolyte. In addition, when the lithium battery according to the present invention is overcharged at 4.2 V or higher, an electrochemically polymerizable material existing in the polymeric sol electrolyte is subjected to polymerization to prevent heat runaway, which simplifies a separate protection circuit, leading to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte battery having improved energy density and safety, the solid electrolyte battery incorporating a positive electrode; a negative electrode disposed opposite to the positive electrode; a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and solid electrolytes each of which is disposed between the positive electrode and the separator and between the separator and the negative electrode, wherein the separator is constituted by a polyolefin porous film, the polyolefin porous film has a thickness satisfying a range not greater than 5 ?m nor greater than 15 ?m and a volume porosity satisfying a range not less than 25% nor greater than 60%, and the impedance in the solid electrolyte battery is greater than the impedance realized at the room temperature when the temperature of the solid electrolyte battery satisfies a range not less than 100° C. nor greater than 160° C.

Abstract: A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane is formed by hot air drying of a membrane formed with an acidic main-polymer having proton conductivity and capability of forming an electrolyte membrane (S12), and then immersing it into a basic polymer solution to impregnate the membrane with the basic polymer (S14). The basic polymer is introduced in a large quantity into a site acting as a proton conduction pass of the main-polymer to take charge of the proton conduction. Since in the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane, a base polymer takes charge of proton conduction as compared with the case where proton takes charge of the proton conduction as a hydrate, the base polymer shows favorable proton conductivity even in a low humidity state at an elevated temperature exceeding boiling point of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes (SPEMs) which include a porous polymer substrate interpenetrated with an ion-conducting material. SPEMs of the present invention are useful in electrochemical applications, including fuel cells and electrodialysis.

Abstract: A monomer to produce polybenzimidazole is dissolved in polyphosphoric acid. For example, polysulfated phenylene sulfonic acid (acidic group-possessing polymer) is further dissolved in this solution. In this procedure, the acidic group-possessing polymer and the monomer are adsorbed to one another in accordance with the acid-base interaction. When the monomer is polymerized, for example, by means of dehydration polymerization in this state, then polybenzimidazole is synthesized, and the polybenzimidazole and the acidic group-possessing polymer are compatibilized with each other to produce a compatibilized polymer. When the compatibilized polymer is deposited as a solid, and the solid is separated from polyphosphoric acid, then the compatibilized polymer is obtained. A proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte as a final product is manufactured by forming the compatibilized polymer to have a predetermined shape.

Abstract: Solid battery components are provided. A block copolymeric electrolyte is non-crosslinked and non-glassy through the entire range of typical battery service temperatures, that is, through the entire range of at least from about 0° C. to about 70° C. The chains of which the copolymer is made each include at least one ionically-conductive block and at least one second block immiscible with the ionically-conductive block. The chains form an amorphous association and are arranged in an ordered nanostructure including a continuous matrix of amorphous ionically-conductive domains and amorphous second domains that are immiscible with the ionically-conductive domains. A compound is provided that has a formula of LixMyNzO2. M and N are each metal atoms or a main group elements, and x, y and z are each numbers from about 0 to about 1. y and z are chosen such that a formal charge on the MyNz portion of the compound is (4-x). In certain embodiments, these compounds are used in the cathodes of rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A charge storage device comprising: a first electrode, a second electrode being opposed to and spaced apart from the first electrode; a porous separator disposed between the electrodes; a sealed package for containing the electrodes, the separator and an electrolyte in which the electrodes are immersed; and a first terminal and a second terminal being electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively and both extending from the package to allow external electrical connection to the respective electrodes, wherein the gravimetric FOM of the device is greater than about 2.1 Watts/gram.

Abstract: The compositions comprise: (a) from 1 to 99% by weight of a pigment (I) having a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 100 ?m which is a solid Ia or a compound Ib which acts as cathode material in electrochemical cells or a compound Ic which acts as anode material in electrochemical cells or a mixture of the solid Ia with the compound Ib or the compound Ic, (b) from 1 to 99% by weight of a polymeric material (II) which comprises: (IIa) from 1 to 100% by weight of a polymer or copolymer (IIa) which has, as part of the chain, at the end(s) of the chain and/or laterally on the chain, reactive groups (RG) which are capable of crosslinking reactions under the action of heat and/or UV radiation, and (IIb) from 0 to 99% by weight of at least one polymer or copolymer (IIb) which is free of reactive groups RG.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite membranes includes providing a branched polyalkoxy siloxane, providing an organic proton conductor, mixing the branched polyalkoxy siloxane with the organic proton conductor; and forming a membrane from the composite component mixture. Using the method according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the proton conductivity and the mechanical stability of membranes and to reduce the swelling by water and aqueous solutions. The obtained composite membranes may be used in PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A polymeric gel electrolyte and a lithium battery employing the same are disclosed. The polymeric gel electrolyte includes a first ionic conductive polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of greater than or equal to 5,000 and smaller than 100,000, a second ionic conductive polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 to 5,000,000, and an electrolytic solution that includes a lithium salt and an organic solvent.

Abstract: A composite polymer electrolyte membrane is formed from a first polymer electrolyte comprising a sulfonated polyarytene polymer and a second polymer electrolyte comprising another hydrocarbon polymer electrolyte. In the first polymer electrolyte, 2-70 mol % constitutes an aromatic compound unit with an electron-attractive group in its principal chain, while 30-98 mol % constitutes an aromatic compound unit without an electron-attractive group in its principal chain. The second polymer electrolyte is a sulfonated polyether or sulfonated polysulfide polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte is formed by curing a composition prepared by mixing a polymer of compounds of polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylates and/or multi-functional ethyleneoxides; one selected from a vinylacetate monomer, a (meth)acryalte monomer, and a mixture of a vinylacetate monomer and a (meth)acrylate monomer; and an electrolytic solution containing a lithium salt and an organic solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for alleviating the problem of reaction of lithium or other alkali or alkaline earth metals with incompatible processing and operating environments by creating a ionically conductive chemical protective layer on the lithium or other reactive metal surface. Such a chemically produced surface layer can protect lithium metal from reacting with oxygen, nitrogen or moisture in ambient atmosphere thereby allowing the lithium material to be handled outside of a controlled atmosphere, such as a dry room. Production processes involving lithium are thereby very considerably simplified. One example of such a process in the processing of lithium to form negative electrodes for lithium metal batteries.

Abstract: Porous hydrophilic membranes comprising a porous inert support on which an ionomer is deposited, said membranes being characterized in that they have an ionic conductivity and a water permeability higher than 1 l/(h.m2.Atm).

Abstract: A polyether copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 104 to 107, formed from 3 to 30% by mol of a repeating unit derived from propylene oxide, 96 to 69% by mol of a repeating unit derived from ethylene oxide, and 0.01 to 15% by mol of a crosslinkable repeating unit derived from a reactive oxirane compound, gives a provide a crosslinked solid polymer electrolyte which is superior in processability, moldability, mechanical strength, flexibility and heat resistance, and has markedly improved ionic conductivity.

Abstract: A high water permeability proton exchange membrane (12) is disclosed for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a fuel cell (10) or an electrolysis cell. The membrane (12) includes: a. between about 20 volume percent (“vol. %”) and about 40 vol. % of a structural insulating phase (40); between about 50 vol. % and about 70 vol. % of a hydrated nanoporous ionomer phase (42); and, about 10 vol. % of a microporous water-filled phase (44). The structural insulating material (40) defines an overall membrane volume, and the ionomer phase (42) fills all but 10% of the overall volume so that the microporous water-filled phase (44) is defined within the ionomer phase (42) and consists of open pores having a diameter of between 0.3 microns and 1.0 microns. Water transport is enhanced between opposed catalytic surfaces (14), (16) of the membrane (12).

Abstract: A pregel composition is added to an organic electrolyte solution of an electrolyte salt in a nonaqueous solvent for causing the solution to gel and form a polymer gel electrolyte. The pregel composition is dehydrated by azeotropic distillation and has a moisture content of not more than 1,000 ppm as determined by Karl Fischer titration. Polymer gel electrolytes prepared with such a pregel composition have a good electrochemical stability, and are thus highly suitable for use in secondary cells and electrical double-layer capacitors.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrolyte for secondary battery having a high ionic conductivity and an excellent safety and a secondary battery having an excellent cycle life performance comprising such an electrolyte.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable, highly resilient, hybrid copolymer solid-solution electrolyte-retention film for use in a lithium ion battery in one preferred embodiment has a predominantly amorphous structure and mechanical strength despite contact with liquid solvent electrolyte. The film is a thinned (stretched), cast film of a homogeneous blend of two or more polymers, one of which is selected for its pronounced solvent retention properties. A very high surface area inorganic filler dispersed in the blend during formation thereof serves to increase the porosity of the film and thereby enhance electrolyte retention. The film is soaked in a solution of liquid polymer with liquid organic solvent electrolyte and lithium salt, for absorption thereof. Use of a cross-linked liquid polymer enhances trapping of molecules of the electrolyte into pores of the film. The electrolyte film is sandwiched between flexible active anode and cathode layers to form the lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A proton conductor mainly contains a carbonaceous material derivative, such as, a fullerene derivative, a carbon cluster derivative, or a tubular carbonaceous material derivative in which groups capable of transferring protons, for example, —OH groups or —OSO3H groups are introduced to carbon atoms of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is produced typically by compacting a powder of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is usable, even in a dry state, in a wide temperature range including ordinary temperature. In particular, the proton conductor mainly containing the carbon cluster derivative is advantageous in increasing the strength and extending the selection range of raw materials. An electrochemical device, such as, a fuel cell, that employs the proton conductor is not limited by atmospheric conditions and can be of a small and simple construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of a composite article comprising:

Abstract: A gel electrolyte in which nonaqueous electrolyte solution obtained by dissolving electrolyte salt containing Li in a nonaqueous solvent is gelled by a matrix polymer including a copolymer as a main component which contains vinylidene fluoride as a monomer unit. The copolymer employed as the matrix polymer is carboxylic acid modified polyvinylidene fluoride into which a structure formed by esterifying a part or all of a carboxyl group, a carboxylic acid or an acetic anhydride structure is introduced. The carboxylic acid modified polyvinylidene fluoride can dissolve and retain therein a solvent of low viscosity having a low boiling point. Therefore, the carboxylic acid modified polyvinylidene fluoride is used as a matrix polymer to improve the ionic conductivity of the gel electrolyte at low temperature. Thus, a low temperature characteristic is improved and a cyclic characteristic and a load characteristic are also improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion conducting matrix comprising: (i) 5 to 60% by volume of an inorganic powder having a good aqueous electrolyte absorption capacity; (ii) 5 to 50% by volume of a polymeric binder that is chemically compatible with an aqueous electrolyte; and (iii) 10 to 90% by volume of an aqueous electrolyte, wherein the inorganic powder comprises essentially sub-micron particles. The present invention further provides a membrane being a film made of the matrix of the invention and a composite electrode comprising 10 to 70% by volume of the matrix of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are a composite polymer electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery that includes a composite polymer matrix structure having a single ion conductor-containing polymer matrix to enhance ionic conductivity and a method of manufacturing the same. The composite polymer electrolyte includes a first polymer matrix made of a first porous polymer with a first pore size; a second polymer matrix made of a single ion conductor, an inorganic material, and a second porous polymer with a second pore size smaller than the first pore size. The second polymer matrix is coated on a surface of the first polymer matrix. The composite polymer matrix structure can increase mechanical properties. The single ion conductor-containing porous polymer matrix of a submicro-scale can enhance ionic conductivity and the charge/discharge cycle stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclic siloxane polymer electrolyte for use in lithium electrochemical storage devices such as secondary batteries and capacitors. Electrolyte polymers comprising poly(siloxane-g-ethylene oxides) with one or more poly(ethylene oxide) side chains directly bonded to Si atoms are convenient to synthesize, have a long shelf life, have ionic conductivity of over 10−4 S/cm at room temperature, do not evaporate up to 150° C., have a wide electrochemical stability window of over 4.5 V (vs. lithium), and are not flammable. Viscosity and conductivity can be optimized by controlling the size of siloxane ring or the length of poly(ethylene oxide) side chain. The polymer disclosed may also be used in solid electrolyte applications by use of solidifying agents or entrapping within solid polymers. Means to synthesize both 8 and 10 membered rings are described using both boron and triethylamine as catalysts.

Abstract: A composite polymer electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The composite polymer electrolyte includes a composite film structure which includes a first porous polymer film with good mechanical properties and a second porous polymer film with submicro-scale morphology of more compact porous structure than the first porous polymer structure, coated on a surface of the first porous polymer film, and an electrolyte solution impregnated into the composite film structure. The different morphologies of the composite film structure enable to an increase in mechanical properties and ionic conductivity. Furthermore, the charge/discharge cycle performance and stability of a lithium metal polymer secondary battery are enhanced.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition comprising from 20 to 99% by weight, based on the composition, of at least one non-functionalized polymer as matrix and from 80 to 1% by weight, based on the composition, of at least one inorganic or organic low-molecular-weight solid or at least one inorganic or organic polymeric solid, each of which is capable of taking up and releasing protons, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The composite electrolyte for use in a thin plate rechargeable lithium battery comprises a porous or micro-porous inert, multi-layered polymer separator laminate which carries an adherent second polymer coating containing a dissociable lithium compound, and the multi-layered separator having adherent solid second polymer layer, is impregnated with an organic liquid containing another lithium salt. The porous or micro-porous separator laminate is made of multiple polymer layers, at least one of the member layers having melting temperature at least 20-C below the melting temperature of the other polymer member layers. The composite porous electrolyte is inserted between the electrodes of a rechargeable lithium battery. In another embodiment the porous polymer separator sheet has an adherent, dissociable lithium compound containing, solid second polymer layer on each of its major faces.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrochemical cell is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a negative pole layer and a positive pole layer one with the other or with an optional layer interposed therebetween. The pole layers and the optional layer therebetween are selected so as to self-form an interfacial separator layer between the pole layers upon such contacting.

Abstract: A copolymer of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, e.g. acrylic or methacrylic acid, and an aromatic sulphonate or carboxylate, e.g. sodium styrenesulphonate, either alone or supported on a substrate, may be used as a separator for an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity having an anode electrode, a cathode electrode and a proton exchange membrane comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The proton exchange membrane of this invention is suitable for operating at a temperature over an entire range of about room temperature to about 170° C. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the membrane includes one or more cross-linking agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a proton conductive film for an electrolytic membrane for a fuel cell, the proton conductive film being a composite body comprising a proton conductive polymer and a polymer represented by general formula (1) given below, or a composite body comprising a proton conductive polymer and a copolymer between a polymer represented by general formula (1) and a metal oxide represented by general formula (2) given below: where, X represents a functional group having a nitrogen atom, A represents a substituted or unsubstituted divalent organic group, n is an integer, M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, B, Mo, W, Ru, Ir, Ge, Si and V, x is 1 or 2, and y is 2, 3, 4 or 5.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable, highly resilient, hybrid copolymer solid-solution electrolyte-retention film for use in a lithium ion battery in one preferred embodiment has a predominantly amorphous structure and mechanical strength despite contact with liquid solvent electrolyte. The film is a thinned (stretched), cast film of a homogeneous blend of two or more polymers, one of which is selected for its pronounced solvent retention properties. A very high surface area inorganic filler dispersed in the blend during formation thereof serves to increase the porosity of the film and thereby enhance electrolyte retention. The film is soaked in a solution of liquid polymer with liquid organic solvent electrolyte and lithium salt, for absorption thereof. Use of a cross-linked liquid polymer enhances trapping of molecules of the electrolyte into pores of the film. The electrolyte film is sandwiched between flexible active anode and cathode layers to form the lithium ion battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to crosslinked polymers useful as electrolytes in rechargeable batteries, to electrolytes containing such crosslinked polymers, to methods for making such polymer electrolytes, to electrodes incorporating such crosslinked polymers, to rechargeable batteries employing such crosslinked polymers as the electrolyte and to methods for producing such batteries.