Patents Assigned to PolyPlus Battery Company
-
Patent number: 9287573Abstract: Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz
-
Patent number: 9136568Abstract: Alkali (or other active) metal battery and other electrochemical cells incorporating active metal anodes together with aqueous cathode/electrolyte systems. The battery cells have a highly ionically conductive protective membrane adjacent to the alkali metal anode that effectively isolates (de-couples) the alkali metal electrode from solvent, electrolyte processing and/or cathode environments, and at the same time allows ion transport in and out of these environments. Isolation of the anode from other components of a battery cell or other electrochemical cell in this way allows the use of virtually any solvent, electrolyte and/or cathode material in conjunction with the anode. Also, optimization of electrolytes or cathode-side solvent systems may be done without impacting anode stability or performance. In particular, Li/water, Li/air and Li/metal hydride cells, components, configurations and fabrication techniques are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon
-
Patent number: 9130198Abstract: Protected anode architectures have ionically conductive protective membrane architectures that, in conjunction with compliant seal structures and anode backplanes, effectively enclose an active metal anode inside the interior of an anode compartment. This enclosure prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment external to the anode compartment, which may include aqueous, ambient moisture, and/or other materials corrosive to the active metal. The compliant seal structures are substantially impervious to anolytes, catholyes, dissolved species in electrolytes, and moisture and compliant to changes in anode volume such that physical continuity between the anode protective architecture and backplane are maintained. The protected anode architectures can be used in arrays of protected anode architectures and battery cells of various configurations incorporating the protected anode architectures or arrays.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard De Jonghe, Bruce D. Katz, Alexei Petrov
-
Patent number: 9123941Abstract: Active metal and active metal intercalation electrode structures and battery cells having ionically conductive protective architecture including an active metal (e.g., lithium) conductive impervious layer separated from the electrode (anode) by a porous separator impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte). This protective architecture prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment on the other (cathode) side of the impervious layer, which may include aqueous or non-aqueous liquid electrolytes (catholytes) and/or a variety of electrochemically active materials, including liquid, solid and gaseous oxidizers. Safety additives and designs that facilitate manufacture are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Bruce D. Katz, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard C. De Jonghe
-
Patent number: 8932771Abstract: Electrochemical energy storage devices, such as alkali metal-oxygen battery cells (e.g., non-aqueous lithium-air cells), have a cathode architecture with a porous structure and pore composition that is tailored to improve cell performance, especially as it pertains to one or more of the discharge/charge rate, cycle life, and delivered ampere-hour capacity. A porous cathode architecture having a pore volume that is derived from pores of varying radii wherein the pore size distribution is tailored as a function of the architecture thickness is one way to achieve one or more of the aforementioned cell performance improvements.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Vitaliy Nimon, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Yury Volfkovich, Daniil Bograchev
-
Publication number: 20140335392Abstract: Water activated alkali metal battery cells, protected anode bi-polar electrodes and multi-cell stacks are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells, bi-polar electrode and multi-cell stacks include a protected anode and a cathode having a solid phase electro-active component material that is reduced during cell discharge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Bruce D. Katz
-
Publication number: 20140272524Abstract: Disclosed are ionically conductive membranes for protection of active metal anodes and methods for their fabrication. The membranes may be incorporated in active metal negative electrode (anode) structures and battery cells. In accordance with the invention, the membrane has the desired properties of high overall ionic conductivity and chemical stability towards the anode, the cathode and ambient conditions encountered in battery manufacturing. The membrane is capable of protecting an active metal anode from deleterious reaction with other battery components or ambient conditions while providing a high level of ionic conductivity to facilitate manufacture and/or enhance performance of a battery cell in which the membrane is incorporated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz
-
Patent number: 8828580Abstract: Active metal and active metal intercalation electrode structures and battery cells having ionically conductive protective architecture including an active metal (e.g., lithium) conductive impervious layer separated from the electrode (anode) by a porous separator impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte (anolyte). This protective architecture prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment on the other (cathode) side of the impervious layer, which may include aqueous or non-aqueous liquid electrolytes (catholytes) and/or a variety of electrochemically active materials, including liquid, solid and gaseous oxidizers. Safety additives and designs that facilitate manufacture are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Bruce D. Katz, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard C. De Jonghe
-
Patent number: 8828573Abstract: Provided are lithium sulfur battery cells that use water as an electrolyte solvent. In various embodiments the water solvent enhances one or more of the following cell attributes: energy density, power density and cycle life. Significant cost reduction can also be realized by using an aqueous electrolyte in combination with a sulfur cathode. For instance, in applications where cost per Watt-Hour (Wh) is paramount, such as grid storage and traction applications, the use of an aqueous electrolyte in combination with inexpensive sulfur as the cathode active material can be a key enabler for the utility and automotive industries, providing a cost effective and compact solution for load leveling, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Nikolay Goncharenko, Valentina Loginova
-
Patent number: 8828574Abstract: Provided are lithium sulfur battery cells that use water as an electrolyte solvent. In various embodiments the water solvent enhances one or more of the following cell attributes: energy density, power density and cycle life. Significant cost reduction can also be realized by using an aqueous electrolyte in combination with a sulfur cathode. For instance, in applications where cost per Watt-Hour (Wh) is paramount, such as grid storage and traction applications, the use of an aqueous electrolyte in combination with inexpensive sulfur as the cathode active material can be a key enabler for the utility and automotive industries, providing a cost effective and compact solution for load leveling, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Nikolay Goncharenko, Valentina Loginova
-
Patent number: 8778522Abstract: Disclosed are ionically conductive membranes for protection of active metal anodes and methods for their fabrication. The membranes may be incorporated in active metal negative electrode (anode) structures and battery cells. In accordance with the invention, the membrane has the desired properties of high overall ionic conductivity and chemical stability towards the anode, the cathode and ambient conditions encountered in battery manufacturing. The membrane is capable of protecting an active metal anode from deleterious reaction with other battery components or ambient conditions while providing a high level of ionic conductivity to facilitate manufacture and/or enhance performance of a battery cell in which the membrane is incorporated.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz
-
Patent number: 8758914Abstract: Li-Ion/Polysulfide flow battery systems are provided to achieve high energy density and long service life. The system is configured to minimize corrosion of the lithium electrode by providing an electrochemical reactor comprising a first and a second electrode configured in spaced apart relation defining an inter-electrode channel through which the sulfur electrolyte is caused to flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz
-
Publication number: 20140162108Abstract: Protected anode architectures provide a hermetic enclosure for an active metal (e.g., alkali metal, such as lithium) anode inside an anode compartment. The compartment is substantially impervious to ambient moisture and battery components such as catholyte (electrolyte about the cathode, and in some aspects catholyte may also comprise dissolved or suspended redox active species and redox active liquids), and prevents volatile components of the protected anode, such as anolyte (electrolyte about the anode), from escaping, while allowing for active metal ion transport between the anode and cathode into and out of the anode compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard De Jonghe, Bruce D. Katz, Alexei Petrov
-
Patent number: 8709679Abstract: Active metal fuel cells are provided. An active metal fuel cell has a renewable active metal (e.g., lithium) anode and a cathode structure that includes an electronically conductive component (e.g., a porous metal or alloy), an ionically conductive component (e.g., an electrolyte), and a fluid oxidant (e.g., air, water or a peroxide or other aqueous solution). The pairing of an active metal anode with a cathode oxidant in a fuel cell is enabled by an ionically conductive protective membrane on the surface of the anode facing the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz, Lutgard C. De Jonghe
-
Patent number: 8691444Abstract: Protected anode architectures for active metal anodes have a polymer adhesive seal that provides a hermetic enclosure for the active metal of the protected anode inside an anode compartment. The compartment is substantially impervious to ambient moisture and battery components such as catholyte (electrolyte about the cathode), and prevents volatile components of the protected anode, such as anolyte (electrolyte about the anode), from escaping. The architecture is formed by joining the protected anode to an anode container. The polymer adhesive seals provide a hermetic seal at the joint between a surface of the protected anode and the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Bruce D. Katz, Alexei Petrov
-
Patent number: 8673477Abstract: Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Alexei Petrov, Kirill Pridatko, Bruce Katz
-
Publication number: 20140057182Abstract: Active metal oxygen battery cells and active metal oxygen battery flow systems are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells and flow systems include an active metal anode and a cathode in contact with an organic liquid phase oxygen-carrying compound for storing and delivering molecular oxygen to the cathode whereon the molecular oxygen is electro-reduced during cell discharge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: POLYPLUS BATTERY COMPANYInventors: Lutgard C. DeJonghe, Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Vitaliy Nimon
-
Patent number: 8658304Abstract: Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Alexei Petrov, Kirill Pridatko
-
Patent number: 8652692Abstract: Non-aqueous alkali metal (e.g., Li)/oxygen battery cells constructed with a protected anode that minimizes anode degradation and maximizes cathode performance by enabling the use of cathode performance enhancing solvents in the catholyte have negligible self-discharge and high deliverable capacity. In particular, protected lithium-oxygen batteries with non-aqueous catholytes have this improved performance.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce Katz
-
Patent number: 8652686Abstract: A composite solid electrolyte includes a monolithic solid electrolyte base component that is a continuous matrix of an inorganic active metal ion conductor and a filler component used to eliminate through porosity in the solid electrolyte. In this way a solid electrolyte produced by any process that yields residual through porosity can be modified by the incorporation of a filler to form a substantially impervious composite solid electrolyte and eliminate through porosity in the base component. Methods of making the composites are also disclosed. The composites are generally useful in electrochemical cell structures such as battery cells and in particular protected active metal anodes, particularly lithium anodes, that are protected with a protective membrane architecture incorporating the composite solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Yevgeniy S. Nimon