Abstract: High energy rechargeable batteries employing catalyzed molten nitrate positive electrodes and alkali metal negative electrodes are disclosed. Novel and advantageous aspects of the present invention are enabled by the provision catalytically active materials that support the reversible formation of NO3? from O2? and NO2? during battery charging. Such catalytically active materials allow highly efficient cycling and selectively eliminate irreversible side reactions that occur when cycling without such catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to batteries and, in particular, to electrodes for use in batteries such as non-aqueous metal-air batteries, for example, lithium-air batteries, as well as in other electrochemical devices. Such devices may exhibit improved performance characteristics (e.g. power, cycle life, capacity, etc.). One aspect of the present invention is generally directed to electrodes for use in such devices containing one or more pores or channels for transport of gas and/or electrolyte therein, e.g., forming an open porous network. In certain embodiments, the electrolyte may be a gel or a polymer. In some embodiments, there may be network of such channels or pores within the electrode such that no active site within the electrode is greater than about 50 micrometers distant from a gas channel.

Abstract: High energy rechargeable batteries employing catalyzed molten nitrate positive electrodes and alkali metal negative electrodes are disclosed. Novel and advantageous aspects of the present invention are enabled by the provision catalytically active materials that support the reversible formation of NO3? from O2? and N02? during battery charging. Such catalytically active materials allow highly efficient cycling and selectively eliminate irreversible side reactions that occur when cycling without such catalysts.