Abstract: A silicon-based anode comprising silicon, a carbon coating that coats the surface of the silicon, a polyvinyl acid that binds to at least a portion of the silicon, and vinylene carbonate that seals the interface between the silicon and the polyvinyl acid. Because of its properties, polyvinyl acid binders offer improved anode stability, tunable properties, and many other attractive attributes for silicon-based anodes, which enable the anode to withstand silicon cycles of expansion and contraction during charging and discharging.

Abstract: The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a PEM fuel cell can be recycled by contacting the MEA with a lower alkyl alcohol solvent which separates the membrane from the anode and cathode layers of the assembly. The resulting solution containing both the polymer membrane and supported noble metal catalysts can be heated under mild conditions to disperse the polymer membrane as particles and the supported noble metal catalysts and polymer membrane particles separated by known filtration means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a storage battery recycling apparatus in which a pulse current is applied to polar plates or electrodes of a storage battery functioning as a secondary cell through the SCR phase control so as to remove sulfate formed in a film or membrane on the electrodes of the storage battery, thereby recovering the performance of the storage battery in a deteriorated state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or testing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and battery test results for each of the batteries tested are obtained. A cradle is configured to receive at least two different types of batteries. The cradle includes connectors to electrically couple circuitry of a battery tester to the battery.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a lithium-containing energy storage and/or conversion device is disclosed, wherein the energy storage and/or conversion device includes electrodes and an electrolyte, and wherein the method includes substantially removing the electrolyte from the energy storage and/or conversion device, substantially removing waste products from surfaces of the electrodes, and adding a new quantity of electrolyte to the energy storage and/or conversion device.

Abstract: A battery device that sits in an underground “box” that would be situated in the ground and would be vastly larger than many car batteries put together. It would be 3 feet wide, 1 to 3 feet deep and up to 12 feet long and would be built on site. The battery would be composed of individual super cells 3 feet wide, 1 to 3 feet deep and 1 foot long. Each super cell can be individually replaced for recycling and repair. The battery would be comprised of cells made of the best materials available according to the technology (lithium ion, etc.) available and whatever patent associated with that technology. At this time, wet lead acid technology as used in conventional auto type batteries are described in this device. This battery would allow for a huge power source for the home or whatever application it would be used for.

Abstract: A preservation assembly of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is provided. The assembly includes an uninstalled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack and sealing units. The uninstalled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is provided with an oxidizing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through a cathode and a reducing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through an anode. The sealing units include sealing plugs or containers and are configured to seal the inlet and the outlet of the oxidizing agent passage within which an oxygen concentration has been decreased and to seal the inlet and the outlet of the reducing agent passage within which the oxygen concentration has been decreased. The uninstalled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is in a state before an assembled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is incorporated into a fuel cell system.

Abstract: A method of preserving a PEFC stack of the present invention is a method of preserving a PEFC stack that is provided with an oxidizing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through a cathode and a reducing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through an anode. The method comprises preserving the polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack in an uninstalled state under a condition in which an oxygen concentration within the oxidizing agent passage and within the reducing agent passage is lower than an oxygen concentration in atmospheric air.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate operating proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are provided. The methods can involve contacting a reducing agent comprising a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, or a reducing plasma with a cathode catalyst of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell to reduce the cathode catalyst. The systems employ a fuel supply component that supplies fuel to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell; and a regeneration component that provides a reducing agent comprising a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, or a reducing plasma to a cathode catalyst of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell to reduce the cathode catalyst.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells containing nanostructured negative active materials and composite positive active materials and methods of fabricating such electrochemical cells are provided. Positive active materials may have inactive components and active components. Inactive components may be activated and release additional lithium ions, which may offset some irreversible capacity losses in the electrochemical cells. In certain embodiments, the activation releases lithium ion having a columbic content of at least about 400 mAh/g based on the weight of the activated material.

Abstract: This invention provides a lithium-ion battery in which a coating film forming agent degradation reaction is prevented. A lithium-ion battery 100 in which electrodes 1 and 2 and an electrolyte are accommodated in a battery container 13, and which has a means of for adding a coating film forming agent 20 for adding a coating film forming agent 21 that forms a coating film on the surface of each of electrodes 1 and 2 to an electrolyte in a battery container 13 is provided. With the use of such means of adding a coating film forming agent 20, a reaction of electrochemical degradation of a coating film forming agent 21 is prevented, allowing long-term preservation. Also, with the addition of a coating film forming agent 21 to an electrolyte, a deteriorated coating film on the surface of each of electrodes 1 and 2 is repaired such that a lithium-ion battery 100 can be regenerated, resulting in extension of battery life.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is directed to recycling a battery that includes a plurality of lithium cells removable from one another. The battery is tested to measure internal resistance of the lithium cells to determine if the lithium cells present a predetermined level of operational capability. The lithium cells having the operational level less than the predetermined level of operational capability are replaced with new lithium cells as the battery is re-assembled. The removed lithium cells are recycled.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for recharging a lithium ion battery, including providing a lithium ion battery comprising used liquid electrode material; removing said used liquid electrode material from said lithium ion battery; and, introducing a relatively unused liquid electrode material into the lithium ion battery to replace the used liquid electrode material.

Abstract: A method of producing HCl from H2 and Cl2 is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises at least one photochemical chamber placed in fluid communication with at least one source of H2 and at least one source of Cl2. In some embodiments, the photochemical chamber effects the formation of HCl through the use of at least one source of ultraviolet radiation contained therein. In some embodiments, the HCl product may be captured and used as a gas. In some embodiments, the HCl product may be absorbed into water to form an aqueous HCl solution.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating lithium batteries (100) having a positive electrode member (155) comprising an aluminum positive current collector (151) and a positive active material layer (152) containing a composite oxide of lithium and transition metal element positive active material (153) which is fixed to the positive current collector (151).

Abstract: The present invention is a dual configuration rechargeable battery for an electric powered vehicle where the battery in a first configuration provides a first chemical reaction discharging a battery electrolyte to generate an electrical current and with a reverse current, recharging the battery; and in a second configuration provides a second chemical reaction to generate a reverse electrical current and recharging the battery so that the battery returned to the first configuration is charged. The chemical for the second reaction is depleted and must be replenished to repeat the cycle. The battery in the second configuration provides both the recharging of the electrolyte and an electrical current for an electric powered vehicle while recharging. The charging current are equivalent to the discharging current so that the battery can be designed for operational current and not higher charging currents. Unlike recharging from an external source such as the power grid, the battery is used while recharging.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolytic cell manufacturing method is characterized in that a nonaqueous electrolyte containing vinylene carbonate is used, a coating on the surface of the negative electrode is formed at the initial charging/discharging in such a way by lowering the negative electrode potential to less than 0.4 V with relative to the lithium potential, wherein the nonaqueous electrolytic cell comprises a nonaqueous electrolyte containing an electrolytic salt and a nonaqueous solvent, a positive electrode, and a negative electrode containing a negative electrode material into/from which lithium ions are inserted/desorbed at a potential higher than the lithium potential by 1.2 V. The nonaqueous electrolytic cell is used in a range of negative electrode potential nobler than the lithium potential by 0.8 V.

Abstract: A method of recycling a lithium-containing energy storage device including an electrolyte is provided. The method includes placing the storage device in an extraction vessel, sealing the extraction vessel, adding a fluid containing CO2 as a primary component to the extraction vessel under such conditions that the CO2 is in a supercritical phase, dissolving the electrolyte in the fluid, transferring the fluid to a recovery vessel and recovering the electrolyte from the fluid in the recovery vessel. Methods of refurbishing lithium-containing energy storage and conversion devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An all-solid lithium secondary battery which uses a sulfide-based solid electrolyte material and has a power-generating element that has formed therein an oxide layer containing substantially no moisture, which is produced by oxidation of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte material in a zone where the electrolyte-containing layer containing at least the sulfide-based solid electrolyte material is in contact with an external air.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of and an arrangement for dismantling and storage of objects comprising alkali metal containing substances, in particular lithium containing batteries, in the presence of a protective atmosphere, wherein the protective atmosphere is carbon dioxide. The arrangement comprises a gas-tight chamber for bringing the objects under a protective environment, and a gas-tight chamber for dismantling the objects within the protective atmosphere of carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating all types of lithium anode cells and batteries by means of a hydrometallurgical process at room temperature. The treatment method enables cells and batteries comprising a metallic lithium-based anode or an anode containing lithium incorporated in an anodic insertion compound to be treated under safe conditions, thus enabling the metallic casings, electrode contacts, cathode metal oxides and lithium salts to be separated and recovered.

Abstract: A battery pack capable of sufficiently exhibiting performance of each secondary battery constituting the battery pack and its producing method are provided. The battery pack producing method of the invention comprises an obtaining process for obtaining a charge amount voltage curve C during charging and a charge amount voltage curve D during discharging, a selecting process for selecting more than one of the used secondary batteries close to each other in curves C and D from a group of the used secondary batteries whose curves C and D have been obtained, and an assembling process for combining the selected used secondary batteries to constitute the battery pack.

Abstract: A process for producing high purity lead oxide from impure lead compounds particularly from waste lead battery paste which includes an oxidation-reduction step. The process results in a reduction of impure lead compounds to the +2 valence state and metal particle contaminants are oxidized to the +2 state.

Abstract: Embodiments related to reconditioning of electrode materials for energy storage devices are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method, comprising obtaining a quantity of spent electrode material, wherein the quantity of spent electrode material comprises a portion of material in a second crystallographic state, applying heat to the quantity of spent electrode material under such conditions as to cause at least some of the portion of material in the second crystallographic state to convert to the first crystallographic state, thereby forming a processed spent electrode material, and cooling the processed spent electrode material to thereby recover a reconditioned electrode material. Other embodiments may comprise relithiation of the spent electrode material.

Abstract: A process for recovery of the silica present in the separators located between the elements of lead-acid batteries characterized in that it comprises the following operations: a) washing the heavy plastics to remove the lead compounds and other foreign bodies, b) separating the plastics from the washing solution, c) lead recovery and regeneration of the washing solution, d) rinsing of the plastics, e) drying of the plastics, f) separation of the granular plastics from the thin plastics (polyethylene with silica filler, PVC, fabrics) by drawing them up in a flow of air making use of the shape effect, g) separation of the PVC and fabrics from the polyethylene with silica filler through fragmentation, h) pyrolysis of the polyethylene with silica filler, i) cracking of the pyrolysis gases and vapours in order to reduce their molecular weight and render them more suitable for handling and combustion to provide the heat necessary for pyrolysis, j) oxidation of the pyrolysis residue to remove carbonaceous residues a

Abstract: Respective heaters 21 through 24 receive power supply and start heating. The heaters 21 through 24 keep heating sealing layers 8 to or over a softening temperature at which the sealing layers 8 are softened or molten. After the sealing layers 8 are softened or molten to weaken the adhesive force between a pair of separators 6 and 7, the heaters 21 through 24 are detached from a fuel cell 10. The worker then completely separates the pair of separators 6 and 7 from each other with some tool or by hand and removes an MEA 2 from the fuel cell 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for improving capacity, average operating voltage and specific energy of a secondary lithium ion cell or battery. This method is achieved by means of properly adjusting the ratio between a positive material and negative material, which is calculated by theoretical specific energy, and properly increasing charge cut-off voltage. The present method can greatly increasing specific energy and average operating voltage of a secondary lithium ion cell without influence on recycle property of the cell. The present invention also provides a secondary lithium ion cell or battery practicing the method, a protecting circuit adapted for the secondary lithium ion cell or battery, a electronic device using said protecting circuit and said secondary lithium ion cell or battery, and a charging device for the secondary lithium ion cell or battery.

Abstract: A direct carbon fuel electrochemical device and method for generating electricity. The apparatus includes a solid oxide electrolyte having an anode side and a cathode side. Carbon and at least one metal oxide are provided to the anode side for reaction at the anode and air is provided to the cathode side. At least a portion of the carbon is oxidized and at least a portion of the metal oxide is reduced to a metal or lower oxide metal oxide on the anode side. The metal or lower oxide metal oxide is electrochemically reoxidized with oxygen in the air, thereby generating electricity.

Abstract: In an improved rechargeable alkaline manganese cell that has a manganese dioxide cathode comprising pellets formed by pressing a cathode powder blend comprising a hygroscopic additive for increasing cumulative capacity, the sticky consistency of the pellets, which is un-desirable for continuous automated production is compensated for by the addition of up to 0.5% of a hydrophobic binder. This small amount leaves the cell performance substantially unimpaired, but provides the desired consistency for large-scale production. Further disclosed is an improved charge methodology for a rechargeable alkaline manganese cell wherein the charge current is pulsed at a voltage in excess of 1.65 V and the no-load cell voltage response is monitored at predetermined intervals. No charge current pulse is permitted to pass through the cell if the no-load voltage exceeds a threshold value. This results in increased utilization of the capacity of the cell while reducing the likelihood of damage to the cell due to overcharging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.

Abstract: A method of reusing a rechargeable battery includes collecting from users assembled batteries formed by rechargeable batteries, each holding initial individual information including at least a manufacturing date and an initial weight of the rechargeable battery. The collected assembled batteries are dismantled into rechargeable batteries, each holding the individual information. The rechargeable batteries of the dismantled assembled batteries are classified into groups based on the initial individual information of the rechargeable batteries and individual information of the plurality of rechargeable batteries obtained after the dismantling. A regenerated assembled battery is rebuilt reusing rechargeable batteries that have been classified into the same group.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of recycling lead from lead containing waste, the method comprising the steps of mixing the battery paste with aqueous citric acid solution so as to generate lead citrate; isolating lead citrate from the aqueous solution; and converting the lead citrate to lead and/or lead oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and related device for improving energy performance and substantially preventing degradation of a chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process of an energy storage device (10), comprising the steps of: mechanically exciting chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels proximate which covalent bonds with a matrix (51) of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation, thereby substantially maintaining ionic bonding between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and substantially preventing the chemical reaction products from covalently bonding with the matrix (51); and introducing the mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals, in response to an electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming a contaminated electrolyte in an electrolytic cell used in the production of gaseous fluorine. The contaminated electrolyte is a mixture of potassium bifluoride and hydrofluoric acid having metal ions therein. The process has the following steps: a) removing the contaminated electrolyte from the cell to a treatment tank; b) adding a lithium compound to the contaminated electrolyte in the treatment tank to induce settlement of at least part of the metal ions; c) allowing the metal ions to settle to the bottom of the treatment tank; d) removing the settled metal ions from the bottom of the treatment tank to form a reclaimed electrolyte; and e) returning the reclaimed electrolyte to the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and related device for improving energy performance and substantially preventing degradation of a chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process of an energy storage device (10), comprising the steps of: mechanically exciting chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels proximate which covalent bonds with a matrix (51) of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation, thereby substantially maintaining ionic bonding between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and substantially preventing the chemical reaction products from covalently bonding with the matrix (51); and introducing the mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals, in response to an electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A method for severing a solid-oxide fuel cell bi-layer element including a structural anode and an electrolyte layer, comprising the steps of orienting the bi-layer element such that the surface thereof is accessible to laser treatment; impinging a laser beam on the electrolyte surface; moving the impinged laser beam past the surface along a path in a plane corresponding to the desired severed edge to form a groove in the element extending partially through the element to a predetermined depth; and applying a bending moment across the groove to cause the element to break into first and second portions. The groove depth is preferably about 15% of the total thickness of the element.

Abstract: Methods for making a recycled or refurbished electrode material for an energy-storage device are provided. One example method comprises harvesting a lithium-deficient electrode material from a recycling or waste stream, and replenishing at least some lithium in the lithium-deficient electrode material. A second example method comprises breeching an enclosure of a cell of an energy storage device, replenishing at least some lithium in a lithium-deficient electrode material of the cell, and sealing the enclosure of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention includes three-dimensional secondary battery cells comprising an electrolyte, a cathode, an anode, and an auxiliary electrode. The cathode, the anode, and the auxiliary electrode have a surface in contact with the electrolyte. The anode and the cathode are electrolytically coupled. The auxiliary electrode is electrolytically coupled and electrically coupled to at least one of the anode or the cathode. Electrically coupled means directly or indirectly connected in series by wires, traces or other connecting elements. The average distance between the surface of the auxiliary electrode and the surface of the coupled cathode or the coupled anode is between about 1 micron and about 10,000 microns. The average distance means the average of the shortest path for ion transfer from every point on the coupled cathode or anode to the auxiliary electrode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a simple, low-cost and high-efficiency method and an apparatus for reducing a lead sulfate compound used in a lead-acid battery. The method mainly generates high-frequency multi-band harmonic waves and non-thermal equilibrium ions by passing a high-frequency power source through a dielectric barrier discharge receptor to reduce a lead sulfate compound on an electrode plate inside the battery, so as to maintain normal electrochemical reactions including the oxidation and reduction of the battery. The apparatus mainly uses a porous conducting material for the dielectric barrier discharge receptor, such that the high-frequency multi-band harmonic waves and non-thermal equilibrium ions produced by the high-frequency voltage can maintain the normal electrochemical reactions including the oxidation and reduction of the battery to extend the life of the battery.

Abstract: A process for recovering lead oxides from the spent paste of exhausted lead acid batteries. The process provides heating the spent paste with an alkali hydroxide solution at elevated temperatures prior to calcinations. Calcination is at various temperatures so that either lead mono-oxide, lead dioxide or red lead is obtained as the principal product. There is also provided the use of the lead oxide to prepare the paste for positive and negative electrodes or other lead compounds.

Abstract: The battery system of this invention continuously regenerates the electrodes of the battery in-situ and on-time as the electrodes are consumed during discharge, which concurrently generate electric current. The continuous in-situ and on-time regeneration of the anode is achieved by a supply of reducing materials in the battery compartment that is in contact with the anode. With the use of high energy density reducing materials, the energy density of the battery system is increased significantly. When the reducing materials are consumed, the reducing materials can be replaced with a supplying device. With the use of specially designed supplying devices for reducing materials, recharging battery system is more convenient, safe, fast, and can be operated repeatedly.

Abstract: A method is described for a dissolving crystals formed in a side reaction to an oxidation-reduction reaction. A low frequency substantially square wave signal less than 10 kilohertz is applied across the battery terminals to dissolve unwanted crystals.

Abstract: A method for recovering ruthenium oxide or gold and titanium or titanium oxide from a bipolar plate at the end of the life of a fuel cell stack so as to use these materials in other fuel cell stacks thereafter. The bipolar plate is immersed in a solution including a suitable acid that dissolves the titanium or titanium oxide. The ruthenium oxide or gold will be released from the plate and will float on the solution from which it can be removed. The solution is then heated to evaporate the acid solution leaving a powder of the titanium oxide. The stainless steel of the bipolar plate is thus cleaned of the titanium or titanium oxide, and can be reused.

Abstract: The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a PEM fuel cell can be recycled by contacting the MEA with a lower alkyl alcohol solvent which separates the membrane from the anode and cathode layers of the assembly. The resulting solution containing both the polymer membrane and supported noble metal catalysts can be heated under mild conditions to disperse the polymer membrane as particles and the supported noble metal catalysts and polymer membrane particles separated by known filtration means.

Abstract: The method for reusing current collectors/distributors is employed in an electrochemical generator (1, 20) comprising a multiplicity of elementary cells (2, 21) assembled in a filter-press configuration and comprising an array of conductive sheets (3) and of current collectors/distributors (7, 22). The method of the invention provides dissembling the electrochemical generator (1) once the presence of a damaged elementary cell (2, 21) is detected. Subsequently, the method of the invention provides repairing/replacing the damaged cell for later reassembling the electrochemical generator (1, 20) reusing the original current collectors/distributors (7, 22). to achieve this, while reassembling the electrochemical generator (1, 20), a mechanical means for adapting (8, 12, 13, 14, 15) is inserted between each conducting sheet (3) and the respective current collector/distributor (7, 21).

Abstract: A method and apparatus exercise a battery of an implantable medical device by determining whether a film is disposed on a portion of an electrode of a battery, discharging the battery a sufficient amount to reduce the film, and optimizing energy used during exercising the battery. The apparatus includes a battery having an electrode that develops a resistive film and a low deformation rate capacitor capable of storing a charge from the battery, the capacitor requiring few or no periodic discharges of the battery for reformation. The energy from the battery is periodically discharged into the low deformation-rate capacitor to reduce film buildup on the electrode.

Abstract: The reducing treatment of the negative electrode of which the battery capacity decreases slightly and the internal resistance increases slightly, does not affect the battery performance. Accordingly, by merely supplementing the electrolyte, the battery performance can be recovered. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, the negative electrode is detached from the battery and is subjected to the reducing treatment so that the negative electrode can be reduced sufficiently without reducing the positive electrode. Consequently, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered, whereby the battery performance is recovered.

Abstract: A system and method of removing an electrolyte from energy storage and conversion devices using a supercritical fluid are provided. The method includes placing a selected device in a container, adding a fluid to the container, adjusting at least one of a temperature and a pressure of the fluid in the container to form the supercritical fluid from the fluid in the container, exposing the supercritical fluid to the electrolyte, and removing the supercritical fluid from the container, wherein removal of the supercritical fluid causes removal of the electrolyte from the container.

Abstract: The method relates to a pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical process for the recovery and recycling of lithium and vanadium compounds from a material comprising spent rechargeable lithium batteries, particularly lithium metal gel and solid polymer electrolyte rechargeable batteries. The method involves providing a mass of the material, hardening it by cooling at a temperature below room temperature, comminuting the mass of cooled and hardened material, digesting with an acid its ashes obtained by incineration, or its solidified salts obtained by molten salt oxidation, or the comminuted mass itself, to give a mother liquor, extracting vanadium compounds from the mother liquor, separating heavy metals and aluminium therefrom, and precipitating lithium carbonate from the remaining solution.