Abstract: This invention is directed to a solid electrolyte containing a polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent and a viscosifying agent containing a reactive group as well as electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of alkali metal that is available during charge/discharge of an electrochemical cell that employs carbon based intercalation anodes is provided. The method comprises of prealkaliation of the carbon anode. By subjecting the anode carbon to the prealkaliation process prior to packaging the electrochemical cell, substantially all the alkali metal (e.g., lithium) which is originally present in the cathode will be available for migration between the anode and cathode during charge/discharge.

Abstract: A method of preparing an electrochemical cell wherein the electrode material adheres to the current collector to create good electrical contact is provided. A critical aspect in the process of preparing the polymer mixture for both the anode and cathode slurries is that the polymer (or copolymer) not be subject to high shear so as to be degraded. Polymer degradation contributes to the creation of the polymer concentration gradient in the electrode film.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte that includes (1) a first catalyst that is capable of initiating the polymerization of solvent components at elevated temperatures in order to increase the resistance (or impedance) of the solid electrolyte and thereby prevent thermal runaway and/or (2) a second catalyst that is capable of initiating the polymerization of flammable substances (e.g., olefins) in the solvent and batteries make therefrom are provided. To assure that the catalysts do not prematurely initiate polymerization below a certain temperature, the catalysts may be microencapsulated within a heat sensitive material that disintegrates or dissolve at a predetermined elevated temperature to release the catalysts. Microencapsulation permits the controlled release of the catalysts into the electrolyte under the appropriate conditions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to solid electrolytes containing a solvent and, in particular, a solvent containing an oxyalkylene group and another functional group such as a carbonate, urethane or (di)thiocarbonate. The invention is also directed to the use of solid matrix forming prepolymers which include an oxyalkylene group and another functional group such as a carbonate, urethane or thio carbonate. The electrolytes are useful in electrolytic cells.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical device comprising (i) an anode, (ii) a cathode, (iii) interposed between the anode and cathode, a polymeric electrolyte, and (iv) adjacent to either the anode or the cathode, on a side opposite to the polymeric electrolyte, a current collector comprising (a) an aluminum or copper foil and (b) on a side of the aluminum foil facing the cathode or the anode, a layer of a cured polymer, in an amount effective to prevent corrosion between the cathode or anode and the aluminum foil, which (1) is conductive, (2) is pin-hole free and (3) adheres to said aluminum foil. The layer of cured polymer provides corrosion resistance to the current collector.

Abstract: The lithiated vanadium oxide, Li.sub.x V.sub.5 O.sub.12+y wherein 0.94.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.2 and 0.97.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1) its method of making and its use as a cathode active material in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Solid electrolytes containing a novel electrolyte salt which has the combined functions of both inorganic salt and electrolytic solvent are provided. The novel electrolyte has the structure: ##STR1## where A is either ##STR2## where Z is oxygen, --O--, sulfide --SH.sub.2 --, or amine ##STR3## is 1 to about 10; where R' is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group having 1 to about 5 carbon atoms, and an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic group having from 6 to about carbon atoms, and wherein n is independently an integer from 1 to about 5 and R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to about 5 carbon atoms, and an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic group having from 6 to about 11 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention is directed to solid electrolytes containing a solvent and, in particular, a solvent comprising a mixture of an organic carbonate and glyme as well as electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a solid electrolyte containing a polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, a viscosifying agent, and a flame retardant, as well as electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.

Abstract: An optical absorbance method for the quantitative determination of Lewis acid decomposition products in nonaqueous electrolytes.