Abstract: In an electrochemical lithium cell having a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte separator there is provided a positive electrode current collector which comprises a redox active conductive polymer.
Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium battery comprising a cathode active material having as its major component amorphous V.sub.2 O.sub.5. The amorphous V.sub.2 O.sub.5 is prepared by electrochemically reacting crystalline vanadium pentoxide (V.sub.2 O.sub.5) with lithium in a cell to a voltage sufficient to transform crystalline vanadium pentoxide to amorphous vanadium pentoxide. Preferably, the electrochemical reaction is conducted in a V.sub.2 O.sub.5 --Li cell of about 1.5 V at a relatively constant current in a range of about 0.05 milliamps per cm.sup.2 to about 0.5 milliamps per cm.sup.2.
Abstract: This invention is directed to lithium and lithium alloy metal substrates, coated with a polymeric layer containing dispersed lithium or lithium alloy metal particles. The coated metal finds use as anode material in solid electrochemical cells. A method of forming the same is disclosed.
Abstract: There is provided a method for measuring and evaluating hardness or toughness of relatively delicate materials such as polymers, semi-solids, colloids or gels to determine the firmness thereof by inserting a stylus a specific depth into the material and then determining how the material itself reacts by measuring a resultant opposing force caused by insertion of the stylus. The device used in the method of the invention comprises a stylus (plunger) to vertically impinge on the sample when the stylus is displaced vertically downward. An actuating means controls downward movement of the stylus. The actuating means comprises a movable shaft and a stationary sleeve. The shaft has one end which is threaded and a second end which is constructed and arranged to carry the stylus. The stationary sleeve has internal threads for cooperative engagement with the external threads of the shaft, whereby adjustment by the threads causes vertical movement of the stylus.
Abstract: A terminal for a battery assembly is adapted to lose electrical conduct with a battery cell in the presence of gases within a battery chamber thereby disabling the battery. The disabling of the battery assembly gives the user an indication that the battery is defective and should not be recharged. Additionally, because the battery is disabled, no more gases will be formed in the battery assembly so the seal or the protective envelope will not burst exposing the battery cell to the environment.
Abstract: Vanadium oxide cathode mixtures which comprise a vanadium oxide cathode material in combination with one or more surface active agents and the incorporation thereof in electrochemical cells as a means for enhancing cumulative capacity and cycling capacity of such cells.
Abstract: Disclosed are methods for mixing lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF.sub.6) salt into a solution suitable for use in preparing a solid electrolyte while inhibiting decomposition of this salt. Such solid electrolytes are useful in preparing solid electrolytic cells.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 19, 1993
Date of Patent:
October 25, 1994
Assignee:
Valence Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Bhuwon Pradhan, Milton N. Golovin, Jose Gonzales
Abstract: This invention is directed to novel solid electrolytes containing a solid polymeric matrix having incorporated therein allylic ester or carbonate. The solid electrolytes are used in electrochemical cells.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 13, 1993
Date of Patent:
October 25, 1994
Assignee:
Valence Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
M. Neal Golovin, Benjamin M. Chaloner-Gill
Abstract: This invention is directed to an enhanced lithium surface particularly suited for use as the anode in solid electrochemical cells, which is coated with a polymer of an acryloyl-derivatized alkoxyhalosilane.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 8, 1993
Date of Patent:
October 11, 1994
Assignee:
Valence Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Benjamin Chaloner-Gill, On K. Chang, Neal Golovin, Eileen Saidi
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of recycling metal containing electrical components to recover one or more metal values therefrom by comminuting the used metal containing electrical component, preferably in an inert environment, separating water soluble and insoluble materials and recovering metal or metal compounds from at least one of these materials.
Abstract: This invention is directed to novel allyl carbonates and to solid electrolytes containing a solid matrix having incorporated therein allyl carbonates. The solid matrix is used in an electrolytic cell.
Abstract: An apparatus for achieving desired surface roughness characteristics on an electrode material that is coated on a substrate such that the electrode material has desired surface roughness characteristics includes a roller. The roller has surface roughness characteristics corresponding to those desired in the electrode material. The apparatus includes a device for rotating the roller. The apparatus presses electrode material coated on a substrate against the surface of the roller so that the electrode material assumes substantially the same roughness characteristics as the surface of the roller. A nip roller is used to press the electrode material against the surface of the roller, the position of the nip roller being movable to adjust the thickness of the electrode material. A refrigeration apparatus is provided to cool the roller to a casting temperature for casting electrode material that has been pressed against the roller.
Abstract: In a preferred battery, a negative electrode contains metallic lithium, a positive electrode contains transition metal chalcogen compound having a reversible lithium insertion ability, a solid electrolyte is disposed between the electrodes, and a protective layer is disposed between the solid electrolyte and the negative electrode. The protective layer contains polyvinyl pyridine (PVP) or derivatives thereof and iodine complexed with the PVP or derivatives thereof for reducing passivation of the lithium-containing negative electrode. Preferably the polyvinyl pyridine is poly-2-vinylpyridine or poly-2-vinylquinoline.
Abstract: This invention is directed to allyl polyalkylene ethers and to a solid matrix having incorporated therein the allyl polyalkylene ethers. The solid matrix is used in an electrolytic cell.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 19, 1993
Date of Patent:
August 23, 1994
Assignee:
Valence Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Benjamin Chaloner-Gill, Neal Golovin, Joseph Lundquist
Abstract: In accordance with a preferred method, a new cathode composition is prepared in situ, in a cell, whereby such in situ formation method results in enhanced contact between the cathode composition and the current collector and between the electrolyte layer and the cathode composition. The new method provides such in situ prepared cathode composition comprising first and second polymeric materials, the first being radiation cured and ionically conductive and the second being electrochemically cured and electrically conductive. In accordance with the preferred method, the first is radiation cured before the second is electrochemically cured and the second polymeric material is cured in an electrochemical cell which comprises a preferred alkali metal-containing anode layer.
Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium battery comprising a cathode active material comprising an oxide of vanadium, which is a compound of the general formula M.sub.(1+y) (V.sub.3 O.sub.8).sub.2. M is a divalent ion having a +2 valency and y is equal to or greater than zero and preferably is less than 2. The vanadium oxide active material of the invention is prepared by a series of steps in which solid precursor compounds are successively finely divided and heat treated.
Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium battery comprising a cathode active material having as its major component an oxide of vanadium, which is a compound of the general formula M.sub.x V.sub.3 O.sub.8. The vanadium oxide active material of the invention is prepared by a series of steps in which a precursor ZV.sub.3 O.sub.8 -based compound undergoes quantitative ionic substitution to provide M.sub.x V.sub.3 O.sub.8, where M is a mono-, di-, tri- or tetravalent metal or semi-metal element.
Abstract: Fine particles of vanadium oxide or compound thereof, respectively represented by the general formulas V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and LiV.sub.3 O.sub.8, are prepared by freeze-drying a wet mixture containing a precursor. Alternatively, such oxide or compound is prepared in fine particle form intimately mixed with fine particles of carbon, also by freeze-drying.
Abstract: A method for making a cathode comprises introduction of polyethylene oxide into a suitable solvent prior to introduction of a compatible cathodic material and an electroconductive agent. The mixture of components forms a cathode paste which is used to form a cathode which can be employed in an electrolytic cell, e.g., a solid battery.
Abstract: Fine particles of vanadium oxide or lithiated vanadium oxide are less than 100 microns in size and on the order of 30 microns in size. Such fine particles are prepared by spray-drying a precursor mixture. Such oxide particles are also intermingled with fine particles of carbon by including carbon particles in the precursor mixture.