Abstract: Non-aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries can be equipped with internal electrical disconnect devices to protect against overcharge abuse. At the abnormally high voltages of overcharge, the devices can be activated by gasses generated as a result of the electrochemical polymerization of suitable monomer additives incorporated in the electrolyte. Aromatic compounds such as biphenyl are particularly suitable aromatic additives for LiCoO.sub.2 based lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: An electrode apparatus is disclosed including an electrode which forms a porous, exterior, amalgamated deposit thereon; and means for applying a compressive load to the electrode such that the deposit, when formed, is compressed so as to enhance stripping from the outer surface of said amalgamated deposit. Also a battery, a method of making a battery and a method of operating a battery including such an electrode apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery of alkali metal, organic electrolyte tape has a low surface area particulate carbonaceous electrode intercalable with the alkali metal and experiences little capacity loss upon intercalation of the carbonaceous electrode with the alkali metal. The carbonaceous electrode may include a multi-phase composition including both highly graphitized and less graphitized phases or may include a single phase, highly graphitized composition which has been subjected to interlation of lithium at above about 50.degree. C. Incorporation of an electrically conductive filamentary material such as carbon black intimately interspersed with the carbonaceous composition minimizing capacity loss upon repeated cycling.

Abstract: Methods of making Chevrel-phase materials suitable for use as battery cathodes by heating a precursor composition comprising one or more heat labile compounds of one or more non-molybdenum metals capale of forming a Chevrel-phase material, forming a reaction mixture with molybdenum and a chalcogen or compounds thereof, and further heating said reaction mixture. Chevrel-phase materials having two non-molybdenum metals in which one serves as a filler metal resistant to intercalation. Electrochemical cells incorporating the Chevrel-phase materials disclosed.

Abstract: A rechargeble battery of alkali metal, organic electrolyte type has a low surface area particulate carbonaceous electrode intercalable with the alkali metal and experiences little capacity loss upon intercalation of the carbonaceous electrode with the alkali metal. The carbonaeous electrode may include a multi-phase composition including both highly graphitized and less graphitized phases or may include a single phase, highly graphitized composition which has been subjected to interlation of lithium at above about 50.degree. C. Incorporation of an electrically conductive filamentary material such as carbon black intimately interspersed with the carbonaceous composition minimizing capacity loss upon repeated cycling.

Abstract: An electrode precursor for lithium batteries includes a layer of an electrochemically active particulate material and a binder. The binder is soluble in the cell electrolyte so that the electrolyte extracts the binder from the particulate material after assembly, leaving a particulate layer substantially devoid of binder. Thus, the binder does not significantly decrease electrical conductivity of the layer in the cell and does not impede the ionic access to the layer. The soluble binder may be present in the electrode precursor in an amount sufficient to protect particulate which would otherwise react with the atmosphere.

Abstract: VO.sub.2 (B) is prepared by heating NH.sub.4 VO.sub.3 to a decomposition temperature between about 200.degree. C. and about 537.degree. C. in an atmosphere comprising excess ammonia, whereby ammonia and water vapor are liberated, leaving a residue of VO.sub.2 (B), the liberated water vapor is removed and the VO.sub.2 (B) recovered. Non-aqueous secondary cells having a cathode including the resulting VO.sub.2 (B) resist loss of energy capacity upon cycling.

Abstract: Cathode-active material for electrochemial cells is prepared by reacting gamma phase MnO.sub.2 with Li. The molar ratio of Li to MnO.sub.2 is about 0.33 to about 0.43.

Abstract: Methods of making Chevrel-phase materials suitable for use as battery cathodes by heating a precursor composition comprising one or more heat labile compounds of one or more non-molybdenum metals capable of forming a Chevrel-phase material, forming a reaction mixture with molybdenum and a chalcogen or compounds thereof, and further heating said reaction mixture. Chevrel-phase materials having two non-molybdenum metals in which one serves as a filler metal resistant to intecalation. Electrochemical cells incorporating the Chevrel-phase materials disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode precursor for lithium batteries includes a layer of an electrochemically active particulate material and a binder. The binder is soluble in the cell electrolyte so that the electrolyte extracts the binder from the particulate material after assembly, leaving a particulate layer substantially devoid of binder. Thus, the binder does not significantly decrease electrical conductivity of the layer in the cell and does not impede the ionic access to the layer. The soluble binder may be present in the electrode precursor in an amount sufficient to protect particulate which would otherwise react with the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell container having pressure relief means. An end wall of the cell has a central portion aligned with the central axis of the cell, and pressure relief tabs remote from the central axis. The pressure relief tabs are partially bounded by score lines, and bridge portions are provided for retaining the central portion when the score lines rupture to relieve excess pressure within the cell. The retained central portion holds solid internal components within the cell. Upon rupture of the score lines, the tabs serve as vanes for directing the discharged fluids so as to minimize translational acceleration of the cell caused by the discharged fluids.

Abstract: A battery cell and a method for preparing a battery cell are disclosed in which a substantially fixed volume container includes the cell components therein in voltaic relationship, with the cell components including an anode comprising lithium metal, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a cathode in a spatial relationship to the anode within the fixed volume container, wherein the cathode comprises cathode active material which upon discharge intercalates lithium and undergoes a phase transition to a distinct structural phase in which phase the cathode active material can reversibly operate and which phase provides a cathode expansion greater than the anode volume decrease upon discharge, and wherein the spatial relationship and the cathode expansion within the substantially fixed volume are sufficient to produce a compressive load on the anode which inhibits the formation of a porous deposit of exterior, irregularly oriented, amalgamated lithium grains on the anode when the cell is reversibly operated with the cath