Abstract: The present invention pertains to organic reflective layers comprising an organic radical cation compound, wherein the layer reflects in the infrared region. Preferably, the organic radical cation compound is a salt of an aminium radical cation. Also provided are marking systems comprising such reflective layers and methods of marking an article utilizing such reflective layers.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-optic reflective modulator comprising a reflective active material, preferably comprising a reflective organic free radical compound, that reflects a wavelength in a highly reflective state and is reversibly switched to a transparent and low reflectivity state at the wavelength by the application of an electric current. Preferably, the electro-reflective optical modulator is solid state with no moving parts such that the active material does not move when reversibly switched between the high and low reflective states. Also provided are methods of modulating an optical signal utilizing such electro-optic reflective modulators.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical shutter comprising an organic free radical compound, wherein the optical shutter is reversibly imageable to switch between a non-reflective and transparent state and a reflective state. This switching may be induced by the absorption of photons, the application of an electric current, or thermally. Preferably, the organic free radical compound is a salt of an aminium radical cation. Also provided are optical switch devices and optical buffers comprising such optical shutters, methods of switching an optical signal utilizing such optical shutters and switch devices, and methods of storing an optical signal utilizing such optical buffers.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing a cathode/separator assembly for use in electrochemical cells in which a microporous separator layer is coated on a temporary carrier substrate and a cathode active layer is then coated or laminated on the separator layer prior to removing the temporary carrier substrate from the separator layer. The microporous separator layer may comprise one or more microporous xerogel layers. Optionally, the cathode/separator assembly may comprise one or more protective coating layers which are in contact with at least one of the microporous xerogel layers, and one of the protective coating layers may be coated on the temporary carrier substrate prior to coating the separator layer. Also, provided are methods of preparing electrochemical cells utilizing cathode/separator assemblies prepared by such methods, and cathode/separator assemblies and electrochemical cells prepared by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to non-aqueous electrolytes which comprise (a) one or more solvents; (b) one or more ionic salts; and, (c) a multifunctional monomer comprising two or more unsaturated aliphatic reactive moieties per molecule, which multifuntional monomer is soluble in said one or more solvents, which multifuctional monomer rapidly polymerizes when said electrolyte is heated to an initiation temperature greater than 100° C., thereby increasing said viscosity and internal resistivity of said electrolyte. When incorporated into a nonaqueous electrolyte, the multifunctional reactive monomer improves the safety of electric current producing cells by rapidly polymerizing at elevated temperatures to increase the viscosity and internal resistivity of the electrolyte.

Abstract: Provided is an electrochemical cell in which the cathode comprises an electroactive sulfur-containing material, the anode comprises lithium, and the electrolyte comprises a lithium salt, a non-aqueous solvent, and a self-discharge inhibiting amount of one or more organic sulfites. Suitable organic sulfites include alkyl sulfite esters. Also are provided methods for increasing the storage life of electrochemical cells.

Abstract: This invention pertains to separators for electrochemical cells which comprise (i) a microporous pseudo-boehmite layer and (ii) a protective coating layer comprising a polymer; electrolyte elements comprising such separators; electrical current producing cells comprising such separators; and methods of making such separators, electrolyte elements and cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a non-electroactive particulate material having a strong adsorption of soluble polysulfides. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: Provided are cathode current collectors for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the current collector comprises a conductive primer layer applied upon a conductive support, and the primer layer comprises from about 25 to 70% by weight of a crosslinked polymeric material formed from a reaction of a polyvinyl acetal and a crosslinking agent, and about 30 to 75% by weight of a conductive filler. The present invention also pertains to methods of forming such cathode current collectors for use in electrochemical cells comprising (i) an anode comprising lithium, and (ii) a cathode comprising an electroactive sulfur-containing material.

Abstract: A secondary lithium-sulfur electrochemical cell is provided comprising: (a) an anode comprising lithium; (b) a cathode comprising an electroactive sulfur-containing material; and (c) a non-aqueous electrolyte interposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte comprises: (i) one or more lithium salts; (ii) one or more non-aqueous solvents; and (iii) a cycle life enhancing amount of water; wherein the cycle life enhancing amount of water is greater than 3000 ppm by weight of the electrolyte. Such cells have a long cycle life.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a cationic polymer comprising quaternary ammonium salt groups. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: This invention pertains to separators for electrochemical cells which comprise a microporous pseudo-boehmite layer; electrolyte elements comprising such separators; electrical current producing cells comprising such separators; and methods of making such separators, electrolyte elements and cells.