Hetero Ring Containing Polymer Patents (Class 429/310)
  • Patent number: 7858215
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid electrolyte membrane made from an electrolyte composition that shows low methanol cross-over and exhibits high proton conductivity. The method includes applying an electrolyte composition including an organic solvent and a perfluorocyclobutane-containing polymer having a specific structure onto a substrate, and then removing the solvent. High proton conductivity is provided by sulfonic acid groups connected to the benzene rings. Reduction of methanol crossover is realized by introduction of a rigid structure with aromatic rings, or a combination of a rigid structure with aromatic rings and a three-dimensional cross-linked structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Nawalage Florence Cooray, Fumio Takei, Masao Tomoi
  • Patent number: 7820323
    Abstract: The carboxyl borate represents a novel liquid that upon reaction with lithium halide produces a lithium ion electrochemical device electrolyte upon dissolution in an aprotic solvent mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Shengshui Zhang, Conrad Xu, T. Richard Jow
  • Publication number: 20100209779
    Abstract: High electrical energy density storage devices are disclosed. The devices include electrochemical capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, hybrid electrochemical-electrolytic capacitors, secondary batteries and batcaps. Advantageously, the energy storage devices may employ core-shell protonated perovskite submicron or nano particles in composite films that have one or more shell coatings on a protonated perovskite core particle, proton bearing and proton conductive. The shells may be formed of proton barrier materials as well as of electrochemically active materials in various configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Recapping, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Wendman
  • Patent number: 7732099
    Abstract: A totally solid polymer electrolyte composition with high ionic conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties is provided. This electrolyte composition is produced by polymerizing a monomer composition comprising a molten quaternary ammonium salt having a polymerizable functional group introduced therein and a charge transfer ion source in the presence of a polymeric reinforcing material. The polymeric reinforcing material can be formed into a composite of polymer blend morphology by dissolving the monomer composition and the reinforcing material in an appropriate organic solvent and polymerizing the solution. Alternatively, the composite can be obtained by impregnating a porous sheet or film as the reinforcing material with the monomer composition and effecting polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Trekion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoya Ogata, Hiroshi Kagawa, Makiko Sada
  • Patent number: 7700241
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer electrolyte for use in an electrochemical device. Said polymer electrolyte comprises at least one polymer having ion-exchangeable functional groups. The polymer also comprises ionic liquid functional groups. The ion-exchangeable functional groups comprise a polymer-bound anionic group, such as a sulfonate, a carboxylate, and a phosphonate or any anionic surfactant group. Also disclosed is an electrical device that comprises said polymer electrolyte material. Such electrical device preferably consists of a fuel cell, an electrical battery, a super capacitor, an electrochromic window or a solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Adam Samuel Best, Sebastien Mathieu Jean Viale, Stephen James Picken
  • Patent number: 7601448
    Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane having outstanding water resistance and high thermal resistance, moreover having practical strength required for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane of a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell at low price, and a method for producing the polymer electrolyte membrane are provided. A polymer electrolyte comprising a block copolymer comprising one or more of blocks in which sulfonic acid groups are introduced and one or more blocks in which sulfonic acid groups are not substantially introduced wherein at least one block in the block copolymer is a block having aromatic rings in polymer chain, and a porous membrane, and a fuel cell using the membrane are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasuaki Hidaka, Katsuhiko Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20090214956
    Abstract: A lithium-ion battery having an anode including an array of nanowires electrochemically coated with a polymer electrolyte, and surrounded by a cathode matrix, forming thereby interpenetrating electrodes, wherein the diffusion length of the Li+ ions is significantly decreased, leading to faster charging/discharging, greater reversibility, and longer battery lifetime, is described. The battery design is applicable to a variety of battery materials. Methods for directly electrodepositing Cu2Sb from aqueous solutions at room temperature using citric acid as a complexing agent to form an array of nanowires for the anode, are also described. Conformal coating of poly-[Zn(4-vinyl-4?methyl-2,2?-bipyridine)3](PF6)2 by electroreductive polymerization onto films and high-aspect ratio nanowire arrays for a solid-state electrolyte is also described, as is reductive electropolymerization of a variety of vinyl monomers, such as those containing the acrylate functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Amy L. Prieto, James M. Mosby, Timothy S. Arthur
  • Publication number: 20090148777
    Abstract: A room temperature crosslinkable polymer system comprising an anhydride containing polymer and an oxyalkylene amine and a polymer electrolyte derived therefrom are prepared and employed as ion conducting materials for batteries such as lithium ion battery, solar cells and electrochromic devices is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Zhiquang Song, Suruliappa G. Jeganathan, Jacqueline Lau, Rakesh Gupta
  • Publication number: 20090111027
    Abstract: An ionically conductive polymer has the chemical structure 1 as shown herein. Examples of the polymer include 4,4?-(4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)butane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone, sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing carboxylic acid backbone, and sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone) containing benzimidazole backbone from carboxylic acid containing sulfonated poly(aryl ether sulfone). The polymer has intrinsic ion conducting properties so that it is effectively conductive even under low water conditions. In one embodiment, the polymer has an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 S/cm at a temperature of 120° C. when the polymer is substantially anhydrous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ramanathan S. Lalgudi, Jeffrey Boyce, Jay Sayre, Bhima R. Vijayendran
  • Publication number: 20080160417
    Abstract: Provided is a polymer composition containing an oxocarbon and a polymer, further, a polymer composition that the oxocarbon are expressed by formula (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Ken Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7345135
    Abstract: The invention provides a crosslinkable aromatic resin having a protonic acid group and a crosslinkable group, suitable for electrolytic membranes and binders used in fuel cells, etc., and electrolytic polymer membranes, binders and fuel cells using the resin. The crosslinkable aromatic resin has a crosslinkable group, which is not derived from the protonic acid group and can form a polymer network without any elimination component. This resin exhibits excellent ion conductivity, heat resistance, water resistance, adhesion property and low methanol permeability. Preferably, the crosslinkable group is composed of a C1 to C10 alkyl group directly bonded to the aromatic ring and/or an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the main chain in which at least one carbon atom directly bonded to the aromatic ring bonds to hydrogen, and a carbonyl group, or a carbon-carbon double bond or triple bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Junichi Ishikawa, Takashi Kuroki, Satoko Fujiyama, Takehiko Omi, Tomoyuki Nakata, Yuichi Okawa, Kazuhisa Miyazaki, Shigeharu Fujii, Shoji Tamai
  • Patent number: 7211352
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Young Gi Lee, Kwang Sun Ryu, Soon Ho Chang
  • Patent number: 7160648
    Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition for improving overcharge safety and a lithium battery using the same are provided. The polymer electrolyte composition includes acrylate, epoxy or isocyanate at both of its terminals, and includes a compound containing an aromatic group such as thiophene, biphenyl or furan in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight based on the amount of the overall organic electrolytic solution. The polymer electrolyte composition further includes at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), and a mixture thereof. A lithium polymer battery using the polymer electrolyte composition can be suppressed from danger of ignition or explosion when the battery is overcharged due to some uncontrolled conditions, such as failure of a charger. Moreover, an additional cutoff device is not necessary, while still exhibiting good life cycle characteristics of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyeong-Gon Noh
  • Patent number: 7105237
    Abstract: Substituted thieno[3,4-b] thiophene polymers and copolymers are disclosed. Adjusting the type and quantity of substitution allows for the intricate control of the resulting polymer's conductivity, optoelectronic properties, and/or solubility. A process for preparing such polymers and use thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Connecticut
    Inventor: Gregory Allen Sotzing
  • Patent number: 7101637
    Abstract: A proton-conductive membrane for electrochemical applications, particularly for use in fuel cells, is provided. The membrane consists of a polymer based on a base polymer, other than a vinyl polymer, which includes aromatic rings and also sulfonic acid groups which are bound covalently directly to the aromatic rings of the base polymer, that is, without spacer groups therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: GKSS-Forschungszentrum Geesthacht
    Inventors: Kai Jakoby, Suzana Nunes Pereira, Klaus-Victor Peinemann
  • Patent number: 7094490
    Abstract: This invention relates to ion conductive copolymers which are useful in forming polymer electrolyte membranes used in fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Polyfuel, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuguang Cao, Helen Xu, Thomas Jeanes, Kie Hyun Nam, Jian Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 7060735
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takumi Taniguchi, Mitsuru Nakano, Masaya Kawasumi, Yu Morimoto, Naoki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7045241
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Akita, Teruaki Komiya
  • Patent number: 7037614
    Abstract: An electrolyte composition that shows low methanol cross-over and exhibits high proton conductivity when used as a solid electrolyte for solid polymer fuel cells or the like, and a solid electrolyte membrane and a solid polymer fuel cell that use the electrolyte composition are provided. This electrolyte composition comprises a perfluorocyclobutane-containing polymer having a specific structure. High proton conductivity is provided by sulfonic acid groups connected to the benzene rings. Reduction of methanol crossover is realized by introduction of a rigid structure with aromatic rings, or a combination o a rigid structure with aromatic rings and a three-dimensional cross-linked structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Nawalage Florence Cooray, Fumio Takei, Masao Tomoi
  • Patent number: 7011905
    Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a catalytic layer are properly assembled even when the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and an ion exchange resin in the catalytic layer are formed of different materials. In a fuel cell, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 20 is provided with a first solid polymer electrolyte membrane 200, and second solid polymer electrolyte membranes 202 and 204 provided at respective sides thereof. The second solid polymer electrolyte membranes 202 and 204 are formed of the same material as the ion exchange resin (not shown) included in a catalytic layer 26 and a catalytic layer 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Sakamoto, Hiroko Sanda, Hirosaku Nagano, Hidekazu Kuromatsu, Kiyoyuki Namura
  • Patent number: 6916679
    Abstract: A novel method for production of and an apparatus for an encapsulated solid-state electrochemical device is disclosed. The present invention provides for electrical devices, such as, for example, thin-film batteries with sensitive chemistries that can survive environmental exposure while providing external electrical contact to the internal cell chemistry. The method of packaging of the present invention may include bonding one or more protective multi-layer laminates to the environmentally sensitive surfaces of an electronic device. The present invention may provide the advantage of avoiding entrapped air beneath the laminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Infinite Power Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn W. Snyder, Pawan K. Bhat, Shefall Jaiswal
  • Patent number: 6896777
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Solvay Solexis S.p.A.
    Inventors: Vincenzo Arcella, Alessandro Ghielmi
  • Patent number: 6878491
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Daiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhito Miura, Masanori Yanagida, Hiroki Higobashi, Shouhei Matsui
  • Patent number: 6849362
    Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition for improving overcharge safety and a lithium battery using the same are provided. The polymer electrolyte composition includes acrylate, epoxy or isocyanate at both of its terminals, and includes a compound containing an aromatic group such as thiophene, biphenyl or furan in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight based on the amount of the overall organic electrolytic solution. The polymer electrolyte composition further includes at least one of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), and a mixture thereof. A lithium polymer battery using the polymer electrolyte composition can be suppressed from danger of ignition or explosion when the battery is overcharged due to some uncontrolled conditions, such as failure of a charger. Moreover, an additional cutoff device is not necessary, while still exhibiting good life cycle characteristics of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyeong-Gon Noh
  • Patent number: 6841299
    Abstract: An electrolyte composition excellent in charge-transporting property that can be prepared with ease, and a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell that comprises the electrolyte composition to exhibit excellent cell characteristics while preventing leakage or depletion of the electrolyte composition. The electrolyte composition comprises: a particular molten salt; a polymer prepared by a reaction between an electrophile having at least two unsaturated bonds polarized by an electron-withdrawing group and a nucleophile having a plurality of nucleophilic groups; and a metal salt containing a Group IA metal ion or a Group IIA metal ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Wariishi
  • Patent number: 6828065
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lithium Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Zafar A. Munshi
  • Publication number: 20040197664
    Abstract: A battery, which has excellent safety in an overcharged state and is excellent in low-temperature characteristics and cycle characteristics, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Jiro Iriyama, Yukiko Morioka, Sigeyuki Iwasa, Kentaro Nakahara, Masaharu Satoh, Masahiro Suguro
  • Publication number: 20040191602
    Abstract: The invention provides a crosslinkable aromatic resin having a protonic acid group and a crosslinkable group, suitable for electrolytic membranes and binders used in fuel cells, etc., and electrolytic polymer membranes, binders and fuel cells using the resin. The crosslinkable aromatic resin has a crosslinkable group, which is not derived from the protonic acid group and can form a polymer network without any elimination component. This resin exhibits excellent ion conductivity, heat resistance, water resistance, adhesion property and low methanol permeability. Preferably, the crosslinkable group is composed of a C1 to C10 alkyl group directly bonded to the aromatic ring and/or an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the main chain in which at least one carbon atom directly bonded to the aromatic ring bonds to hydrogen, and a carbonyl group, or a carbon-carbon double bond or triple bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Junichi Ishikawa, Takashi Kuroki, Satoko Fujiyama, Takehiko Omi, Tomoyuki Nakata, Yuichi Okawa, Kazuhisa Miyazaki, Shigeharu Fujii, Shoji Tamai
  • Patent number: 6790553
    Abstract: A method for producing a bridged polymer membrane includes the steps of: obtaining a liquid medium comprising a basic polymer having an amino group in a repeating unit, a bridging agent, and a solvent; shaping the liquid medium into a membrane configuration to obtain the shaped membrane; and bridging the basic polymer by the bridging agent in the shaped membrane. A fuel cell has the bridged polymer membrane. The mechanical strength of the polymer electrolyte membrane is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Celanese Ventures GmbH
    Inventor: Tetsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6746803
    Abstract: A composite comprises at least one first layer which includes a composite comprising (a) from 1 to 99% by weight of a solid (I) with a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 100 &mgr;m or a mixture made from at least two solids, (b) from 99 to 1% by weight of a polymeric binder (II) obtainable by polymerizing b1) from 5 to 100% by weight, based on the binder (II), of a condensation product III made from at least one compound IV which is capable of reacting with a carboxylic acid or with a sulfonic acid or with a derivative or with a mixture of two or more of these, and at least one mol per mole of compound IV of a carboxylic or sulfonic acid V which has at least one functional group capable of free-radical polymerization, or of a derivative of these or of a mixture of two or more of these and b2) from 0 to 95% by weight, based on the binder (II), of another compound VII with an average molecular weight (number average) of at least 5000 having polyether segments in a main or side chain, where the at lea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Bauer, Bernd Bronstert, Helmut Möhwald
  • Patent number: 6727024
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyalkylene oxide based polymer composition for solid polymer electrolytes having superior mechanical properties and ionic conductivity by comprising a cross-linking agent with at least two functional groups of phenyl alkyleneglycol acrylate substitited in core molecules; a softener of polyalkyleneglycol alkylether alkyl(metha)acrylate; a plasticizer of polyalkyleneglycol dialkylether; a initiator and lithium salt thus can be useful as an electrolyte for a high capacity lithium-polymer secondary battery for load leveling or electric vehicles as well as an electrolyte for a small capacity lithium-polymer secondary battery for portable information terminals such as a cellular phone and a notebook computer, and electronic products such as a camcorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Yongku Kang, Changjin Lee, Seok Koo Kim
  • Patent number: 6664006
    Abstract: All-solid-state electrochemical cells and batteries employing very thin film, highly conductive polymeric electrolyte and very thin electrode structures are disclosed, along with economical and high-speed methods of manufacturing. A preferred embodiment is a rechargeable lithium polymer electrolyte battery. New polymeric electrolytes employed in the devices are strong yet flexible, dry and non-tacky. The new, thinner electrode structures have strength and flexibility characteristics very much like thin film capacitor dielectric material that can be tightly wound in the making of a capacitor. A wide range of polymers, or polymer blends, characterized by high ionic conductivity at room temperature, and below, are used as the polymer base material for making the solid polymer electrolytes. The preferred polymeric electrolyte is a cationic conductor. In addition to the polymer base material, the polymer electrolyte compositions exhibit a conductivity greater than 1×10−4 S/cm at 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Lithium Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Zafar A. Munshi
  • Patent number: 6645675
    Abstract: A wide range of solid polymer electrolytes characterized by high ionic conductivity at room temperature, and below, are disclosed. These all-solid-state polymer electrolytes are suitable for use in electrochemical cells and batteries. A preferred polymer electrolyte is a cationic conductor which is flexible, dry, non-tacky, and lends itself to economical manufacture in very thin film form. Solid polymer electrolyte compositions which exhibit a conductivity of at least approximately 10−3-10−4 S/cm at 25° C. comprise a base polymer or polymer blend containing an electrically conductive polymer, a metal salt, a finely divided inorganic filler material, and a finely divided ion conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Lithium Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Zafar A. Munshi
  • Patent number: 6641957
    Abstract: The non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention has a negative electrode comprising metallic lithium, a lithium alloy or a material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium; a positive electrode; a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising a solvent and a solute dissolved in the solvent, wherein the above non-aqueous electrolyte contains at least one additive selected from phthalimide, derivative of phthalimide, phthalimidine, derivative of phthalimidine, tetrahydrophthalimide and derivative of tetrahydrophthalimide. On account of the effect of the above additive, the nonaqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention is not liable to cause an increase in the internal resistance during a long-term storage at high temperatures, and the charge/discharge cycle characteristics are improved in a secondary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kawaguchi, Tadayoshi Takahashi, Nobuharu Koshiba
  • Publication number: 20030148188
    Abstract: Compounds containing at least one tetraketopiperazine-1,4-diyl unit are disclosed as active materials in the positive electrodes of batteries. Novel methods for preparing the tetraketopiperazine unit-containing compounds include: (i) reacting an oxalyl halide and an oxamide, and adding water or an aqueous alkali solution to the reaction mixture, (ii) reacting an oxalyl halide and a silylamine, (iii) reacting an oximidyl halide and an amine, (iv) reacting an oxalyl halide and a silylamine, and reacting with an amine, (v) reacting an oxalyl halide and a dioxamide, (vi) reacting an oximidyl halide and a diamine, and (vii) reacting an oxalyl halide and a silylamine, and reacting with a diamine. A novel method for preparing an oximidyl halide is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: IM&T Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Teruo Umemoto
  • Patent number: 6593019
    Abstract: Ionic perfluorovinyl compounds and their uses as components of ionic conductors of the polymer type, of selective membranes or of catalysts. The compounds comprise at least one perfluorovinyl group and at least one group chosen from —O or one of the groups C≡N, —C(C≡N)2, —NSO2R or —C[SO2R]2 or a pentacyclic group comprising at least one N, C—C≡N, CR, CCOR or CSO2R group. The compounds and/or their polymers are of use in the preparation of ionically conducting materials, electrolytes and selective membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: ACEP Inc., Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite de Montreal
    Inventors: Michel Armand, Christophe Michot
  • Patent number: 6447952
    Abstract: This invention provides alkali ion conducting polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and elastomeric properties suitable for use in high energy batteries. The polymer electrolytes are cyclic carbonate-containing polysiloxanes that can be modified with a cross linker or chain extender, and an alkali metal ion-containing material dissolved in the carbonate-containing polysiloxane. The cyclic carbonate-containing polysiloxanes may be prepared by reacting derivatized polysiloxanes with chain extending and/or crosslinking agents. The invention also provides batteries prepared by contacting an alkali metal anode with an alkali metal intercalating cathode and an alkali ion-conducting polymer electrolyte. As one example, polymers prepared from poly {3[2,3-(carbonyldioxy)propoxy]propyl]methyl siloxane, a polysiloxane with cyclic carbonate side chains, have shown promising results for battery applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Eltron Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Ella F. Spiegel, Anthony F. Sammells, Kresimir Adamic
  • Patent number: 6420648
    Abstract: A light harvesting array useful for the manufacture of devices such as solar cells comprises: (a) a first substrate comprising a first electrode; and (b) a layer of light harvesting rods electrically coupled to the first electrode, each of the light harvesting rods comprising a polymer of Formula I: X1&Parenopenst;Xm+1)m  (I) wherein m is at least 1, and may be from two, three or four to 20 or more; X1 is a charge separation group (and preferably a porphyrinic macrocycle, which may be one ligand of a double-decker sandwich compound) having an excited-state of energy equal to or lower than that of X2, and X2 through Xm+1 are chromophores (and again are preferably porphyrinic macrocycles).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 6413676
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Lithium Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Zafar A. Munshi
  • Patent number: 6376129
    Abstract: The invention relates to sulphonated polyimides, notably of formula (I) The invention also relates to an ion exchange membrane that includes such a polyimide and a fuel cell that includes such a membrane. The membranes of the invention have excellent durability and low cost and the fuel cells can be used, in particular, in electric vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Sylvain Faure, Michel Pineri, Pierre Aldebert, Régis Mercier, Bernard Sillion
  • Patent number: 6326105
    Abstract: Polymer electrolyte composites for alkali metal electrochemical devices which are formed by coating an inert, lightweight, electrically insulating, non-woven glass fiber net which includes a polyvinyl alcohol binder, with a liquid polymer which may be ionically conductive, and curing the polymer to form a solid or semi-solid state electrolyte composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Lithium Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph B. Kejha, Santha Kolla, Jay Forlino
  • Patent number: 6300016
    Abstract: A polycarbonate electrolyte comprising a polycarbonate membrane matrix and a lithium salt-containing electrolytic solution impregnated into the polycarbonate membrane matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yih-Song Jan, Jong-Ming Lin, Mei-Hui Wang, Sheng-Feng Wu
  • Patent number: 6291106
    Abstract: A high-strength, heat-resistant and high-safety electrolytic-solution-supporting polymer film which can be applied to secondary batteries typified by lithium and lithium ion secondary batteries and which has an ionic conductivity of at least 5×10−4 S/cm at 25° C., a puncture strength of at least 300 g and a mechanical heat resistance of at least 300° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Daido, Takeyuki Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6210838
    Abstract: A substrate for an ion conductor includes a polymer or molecule capable of sustaining ion conduction, and a boroxine ring. The above mentioned polymer or molecule participates in and promotes ionic conduction. The boroxine ring is bonded to the above mentioned polymer or molecule, and captures anions resulting from dissolution of a salt. An ion conductor includes the substrate, and a salt combined with the substrate. In the ion conductor, the anions resulting from the salt are captured by the boroxine ring, but the cations resulting therefrom are transported. Thus, ion conduction where the majority of charge is carried by the cations occur. As a result, cation transport numbers far greater than usually observed can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Tatsuo Fujinami, Mary Anne Mehta
  • Patent number: 6183914
    Abstract: A polymer-based electrolyte composition having excellent film-forming properties, flexibility, mechanical strength and high hydroxide conductivity is disclosed. The composition comprises an organic polymer having an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt structure; a nitrogen-containing, heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salt; and a metal hydroxide salt. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is cast in the form of a film that is suitable for use as an ion-conducting or other specialty membrane in a power source, such as for example an alkaline battery or fuel cell, that relies on hydroxide anion transport for its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Reveo, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Yao, Tsepin Tsai, Yuen-Ming Chang, Muguo Chen
  • Patent number: 6176984
    Abstract: High temperature polybenzazole and polyether polymer electrolytes are provided. High temperature polybenzazole polymer electrolytes may comprise a benzobisoxazole, a benzobisthiazole, a benzobisimidazole, a difluorodisulfonated phenyl ring or a sulfonated bisphenylether. High temperature polyether polymers comprise a persulfonated phenyl ring, and a substituted phenyl ring or a substituted bisphenylsulfonyl ring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Subhash Narang, Susanna Ventura, Gary Koolpe
  • Patent number: 6162563
    Abstract: A polymer solid electrolyte obtained by blending (1) a polyether copolymer having a main chain derived form ethylene oxide and an oligooxyethylene side chain, (2) an electrolyte salt compound, and (3) a plasticizer of an aprotic organic solvent or a derivative or metal salt of a polyalkylene glycol having a number-average molecular weight of 200 to 5,000 or a metal salt of the derivative is superior in ionic conductivity and also superior in processability, moldability and mechanical strength to a conventional solid electrolyte. A secondary battery is constructed by using the polymer solid electrolyte in combination with a lithium metal negative electrode and a lithium cobaltate positive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Daiso Co., LTD
    Inventors: Katsuhito Miura, Shigeru Shoji, Takahiro Sakashita, Yasuo Matoba
  • Patent number: 6124060
    Abstract: This invention provides a solid polymer electrolyte which is low in water absorption, from which no dopant runs out even in pressing, and which is excellent in stability in the presence of water or methanol, proton conductivity and methanol barrier properties, in which an imidazole ring-containing polymer such as a polybenzimidazole compound is doped with an acid in which at least one hydrogen atom of an inorganic acid such as phosphoric acid is substituted by a functional group having a phenyl group by blending the imidazole ring-containing polymer with the acid in a solution using a solvent such as trifluoroacetic acid, preferably at a rate of 1 to 10 molecules of the acid per repeating structure unit of a molecular chain of the imidazole ring-containing polymer, the solid polymer electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Akita, Masao Ichikawa, Katsutoshi Nosaki, Hiroyuki Oyanagi, Masaru Iguchi
  • Patent number: 6080511
    Abstract: Polymer electrolyte composites for alkali metal electrochemical devices which are formed by coating an inert, lightweight, electrically insulating, woven or non-woven glass fiber net with a liquid, ion-conductive polymer, and curing the polymer to form a solid state or semi-solid state electrolyte composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Lithium Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph B. Kejha
  • Patent number: 6019908
    Abstract: An ion-conductive polymer electrolyte comprises an organic polymer, a soluble electrolyte salt and an organic solvent. The organic polymer is a compound obtained by crosslinking an organic compound having an average molecular weight of 500 to 50,000 and a structure of the following general formula 1,Z--[(E).sub.m --(A).sub.n --Y].sub.k 1in which Z is a residue of a compound having at least one active hydrogen; Y is an active hydrogen group or polymerizable functional group; k is an integer of 1 to 12; E is a structure of the following general formula 2, ##STR1## wherein p is an integer of 0 to 25 and R is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; A is --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O)--; m is an integer of 1 to 220; n is an integer of 1 to 240 and m+n.gtoreq.4; and E and A are random-copolymerized. The organic solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolan, 4,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan, .gamma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiyuki Kono, Kenji Motogami, Shigeo Mori