Abstract: This invention is directed to photoluminescent compounds based on rhodamine dyes with red-shifted absorption and emission maxima and uses thereof for photoluminescence based devices.

Abstract: Lithium ion devices that include an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte are provided. The anode having an active material including germanium nano-particles, boron carbide nano-particles and tungsten carbide nano-particles, wherein the weight percentage of the germanium is between 5 to 80 weight % of the total weight of the anode material, the weight percentage of boron in the anode material is between 2 to 20 weight % of the total weight of the anode material and the weight percentage of tungsten in the anode material is between 5 to 20 weight % of the total weight of the anode materials.

Abstract: Methods for making anodes for lithium ion devices are provided. The methods include milling germanium powder, carbon, and boron carbide powder to form a nano-particle mixture having a particle size of 20 to 100 nm; adding an emulsion of tungsten carbide nano-particles having a particle size of 20 to 60 nm to the mixture to form an active material; and adding a polymeric binder to the active material to form the anode, wherein the weight percentage of the germanium in the anode is between 5 to 80 weight % of the total weight of the anode, the weight percentage of boron in the anode is between 2 to 20 weight % of the total weight of the anode and the weight percentage of tungsten in the anode is between 5 to 20 weight % of the total weight of the anode.

Abstract: An anode material for a lithium ion device includes an active material including germanium and boron. The weight percentage of the germanium is between about 45 to 80 weight % of the total weight of the anode material and the weight percentage of the boron is between about 2 to 20 weight % of the total weight of the anode material. The active material may include carbon at a weight percentage of between 0.5 to about 5 weight % of the total weight of the anode material. Additional materials, methods of making and devices are taught.

Abstract: A method of preparing an anode for a Li-ion Battery comprises mixing metal particles containing at least one of Ge, Sn and Si particles with carbon particles to form a mixture, and deoxidizing the metal particles by heating the mixture in a vacuum atmosphere in a range of 10?3 to 10?6 mbar for 60-100 hours at a temperature in a range of 150 to 350° C. to form a deoxidized mixture, the deoxidation improves the Li ion absorption performance of the anode.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing multi-functional electrode (MFE) devices for fast-charging of energy-storage devices are provided. The method includes assembling first MFE structure for forming a suitable electrochemical half-couple, the first MFE structure having a first fast-charging component (FCC) and a first MFE assembly and a counter-electrode structure for forming a complementary electrochemical half-couple and supplying an internal voltage controller (IVC) for applying a bias potential to the first MFE structure and/or the counter-electrode structure, the bias potential is set in accordance with the first MFE structure and said counter-electrode structure. The IVC is configured to regulate an intra-electrode potential gradient between the first FCC and the first MFE assembly to control a charge rate from the first FCC to the first MFE assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for fast charging of a lithium-ion battery, including: continuously monitoring a state of charge (SOC) of the lithium-ion battery; during a normal mode of operation and upon detecting that the battery is at the predetermined low charge level, discontinuing the discharge; upon detecting that the battery is connected to a charger, providing charging rate of at least 4 C for at least part of charging; and upon detecting that the battery, while connected to the charger is at the predetermined high charge level, discontinue the charging, wherein the predetermined low charge level and the predetermined high charge level define a consumable capacity of the battery, wherein the consumable capacity is below 50% of the full capacity of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses charging devices for charging energy-storage devices. Charging devices include: an Electro-Magnetic Interference/Radio-Frequency Interference (EMI/RFI) filter for passively suppressing conducted interference present on an alternating-current (AC) power source; optionally, a transformer for transforming power from the AC power source without changing frequency; a rectifier for converting an AC input to a direct-current (DC) output; and a voltage-controlled charger for providing a high-power output having an output voltage and an output current from the AC power source, wherein the output voltage and the output current from the voltage-controlled charger are pulsating DC signals. Preferably, the high-power output has a power-factor value of: greater than about 0.70, greater than about 0.80, greater than about 0.90, greater than about 0.95, or greater than about 0.97.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices, for adaptive fast-charging of mobile devices, including: a charge-delivering device for providing electrical power to a charge-receiving device; and at least one electrical-contact pin for enabling electrical current to be transmitted at an amperage greater than about 5 A to the charge-receiving device. Preferably, the charge-receiving device is selected from the group consisting of: an integral power-source component of a mobile device and a slave battery. Preferably, at least one electrical-contact pin is further configured to transmit the electrical current at an amperage selected from the group consisting of: greater than about 10 A, greater than about 20 A, greater than about 30 A, and greater than about 60 A. Preferably, at least one electrical-contact pin is spring-loaded. Preferably, at least one electrical-contact pin includes protection circuitry for protecting against thermal overloads and short circuits.

Abstract: The present invention discloses multi-functional electrode (MFE) devices for fast-charging of energy-storage devices. MFE devices include: a multi-functional electrode (MFE) device for fast-charging of energy-storage devices, the device including: a first MFE structure for forming a suitable electrochemical half-couple, the first MFE structure having a first fast-charging component (FCC) and a first MFE assembly; a counter-electrode structure for forming a complementary electrochemical half-couple to the first MFE structure; and an internal voltage controller (IVC) for applying a bias potential to the first MFE structure and/or the counter-electrode structure, whereby the bias potential is set in accordance with the chemical nature of the first MFE structure and the counter-electrode structure. Preferably, the IVC is configured to regulate an intra-electrode potential gradient between the first FCC and the first MFE assembly, thereby controlling a charge rate from the first FCC to the first MFE assembly.