Abstract: Described is a lithium ion battery 10 comprising: A housing having a front side 13 and a backside 15 and an anode cell terminal 60 and a cathode cell 44 terminal separated therefrom; Positioned within the housing a plurality of bipolar lithium ion cells 40 having an lithium ion permeable plastic separator 32 there between; the cell electrodes being comprised of a thin film plastic substrate 34 and being electrically connected appropriately to the anode and the cathode cell terminals; wherein the cells are longitudinally placed in the housing parallel to the sides of the housing; and wherein the housing is enclosed by the cathode cell terminal at one end and the anode cell terminal at the opposite end of the cell sleeve; and the enclosed housing is capable of receiving an electrolyte placed between the cells and the electrolyte is capable of carrying ions between the anode and the cathode. Also described is a method of manufacturing the lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a non-electroactive particulate material having a strong adsorption of soluble polysulfides. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: A Li-ion and/or Li-ion polymer cell, comprised of: a first cathode section and a second cathode section, each cathode section having a cathode current collector in contact therewith, the cathode current collector comprised of a sheet of metal mesh having a tab portion extending outwardly from the sheet beyond the cathode section to form a cathode section lead, the cathode section lead from the first cathode section being disposed adjacent to the cathode section lead from the second cathode section; an anode section disposed between the cathode sections, the anode section having an anode current collector having a tab portion extending therefrom beyond the anode section to form an anode section lead; a separator layer disposed between the anode section and each of the cathode sections; and an adhesive protective layer applied to the tab portion of each cathode current collector where the tab portion extends from the sheet, the protective layers disposed between the tab portions to prevent shorts when the tab

Abstract: A cathode material featuring PVM for use in rechargeable electrochemical cells. It has been discovered that the polymer backbone of PVM, which consists solely of carbon atoms, is not subject to scission during repeated charge-discharge cycles, such that the cathode material remains substantially insoluble in standard liquid electrolytes. As a result, cells containing PVM as the cathode material and liquid electrolyte are genuinely electrochemically reversible. The use of PVM overcomes the problems associated with organosulfides of the background art, with which dissolution of anions in the liquid electrolyte during discharging results in migration from the cathode and contamination of the anode/electrolyte surface and ultimately leads to degradation of the electrolyte and/or deterioration of the anode-electrolyte interface.

Abstract: Fabrication process for manufacture of microcell structures and assemblies, in which a microcell precursor is contacted with one or more of electrolytes, electrocatalysts, electrocatalyst reducing agents, and hydrophicity-imparting materials. The process may derive the precursor from a high rate extrusion process in which the electrocatalyst is impregnated, coated or extruded on a fibrous substrate to form an electrode. The process of the invention permits the high volume production of fibrous microcell elements for correlative high volume production of highly compact, small footprint electrochemical cells useful for a variety of vehicular, consumer and industrial applications.

Abstract: A microcell assembly wherein water is generated by electrochemical reaction and sorptive channeling elements are provided in the assembly to remove excess water from the locus of electrochemical reaction. The water management techniques of the invention enhance electrochemical generation/conversion of energy, and facilitate high voltage, high power density outputs for applications such as fuel cell and battery systems.

Abstract: Provided are cathode current collectors for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the current collector comprises a conductive primer layer applied upon a conductive support, and the primer layer comprises from about 25 to 70% by weight of a crosslinked polymeric material formed from a reaction of a polyvinyl acetal and a crosslinking agent, and about 30 to 75% by weight of a conductive filler. The present invention also pertains to methods of forming such cathode current collectors for use in electrochemical cells comprising (i) an anode comprising lithium, and (ii) a cathode comprising an electroactive sulfur-containing material.

Abstract: A method of producing a battery (10) having a cathode current collector (18), a cathode (12), an electrolyte (13), an anode (14), and an anode current collector (16) is disclosed. The method commences with a substrate (11) upon which the layers of battery components are built upon. The substrate is then removed, as by sputtering, and replaced with a cathode current collector.

Abstract: Enhancement of the storage property at a high temperature and discharge characteristics at a low temperature of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell is intended. A negative electrode material which is prepared by covering the surface of a nucleus made of a graphite powder with a carbonaceous matter, the graphite powder having a specified plane interval, spectrum value, mean particle size, specific surface area, tapping density, and (110)/(004) X-ray peak intensity ratio, is used in the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for humidifying a fuel cell flows moisture-containing fuel cell exhaust against a first side of a humidification membrane. A second side of the humidification membrane is in physical contact with the inlet air flow. Moisture from the exhaust air is transferred across the humidification membrane to the inlet air flow. The humidified inlet air flow conveys moisture to the power section of the fuel cell. In this manner, fuel cell components requiring humidification, for example a proton exchange membrane, are prevented from becoming dehydrated and inoperable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium-rich carbonaceous substance which can be used as a negative electrode in a lithium accumulator. This substance has the following formula: LiNaxCyOz  (I) in which x, y and z are such that 0.4≦x≦0.6 2.5≦y≦3.5 0.2≦z≦1 It can be prepared by the insertion of lithium electrochemically in a graphite-sodium-oxygen compound.

Abstract: A racetrack air recovery battery having a cathode, an anode, and a separator. The battery can include a can having a racetrack cross section; a cathode assembly disposed in the can; a bottom cup disposed on an end of the cathode assembly; and anode material disposed in the can. The battery can also include a seal assembly disposed in the can. The seal assembly can include a current collector having a shape that maximizes uniform discharge of the battery.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film battery cell (10) is disclosed wherein a cathode current collector (11) is passed through a cathode chamber wherein two oppositely disposed cathode layers (12) are deposited upon opposite faces of the cathode current collector (11). Two oppositely disposed electrolyte layers (13) are then deposited upon opposite faces of the combination of the cathode current collector (11) and cathode layers (12). Two oppositely disposed anode layers (14) are then deposited upon opposite faces of the combination of the cathode current collector (11), cathode layers (12) and electrolyte layers (13). An anode current collector (16) may then be coupled to the two anode layers (14).

Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode assembly comprising: a gas diffusion electrode; and a metallic or resinous edging material bonded to a peripheral part of the electrode. The invention also relates to a gas diffusion electrode assembly comprising: a gas diffusion electrode; and a metallic terminal bonded to the electrode. The invention further relates to a gas diffusion electrode assembly comprising: a gas diffusion electrode; and a structure for connection, which comprises a combination of a thin silver sheet and a reinforcing material comprising a tough metal as a base, the structure for connection being bonded to a peripheral part of the gas diffusion electrode. Also disclosed are processes for producing these gas diffusion electrode assemblies.

Abstract: It is an object to quickly disperse heat generated when short circuit occurs between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A nonaqueous-electrolyte battery is disclosed which incorporates: an encapsulating medium constituted by a laminated film in which a unit cell is accommodated, wherein the laminated film of the encapsulating medium contains a metal material having a heat conductivity k at room temperatures which is 230 Wm−1K−1 or higher. Moreover, ratio R of the volume of the metal material portion of the encapsulating medium with respect to a capacity of 1 mAh of the unit cell is 0.0002 cm3/mAh≦R≦0.003 cm3/mAh.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery with a pair of terminals extending from one side of the battery case, and a tray-like battery holder. The terminals have hollow sockets inserted therein which are engaged by posts extending from conductive plugs that extend through an end wall of the holder. A threaded connection is formed in the plug and opens to the outside of the holder. Alignment posts are formed in the holder to be disposed within cylindrical wells in the bottom of the battery case and ensure proper alignment of the battery in the holder. A hinged latch is formed in the holder and engages a projection on the battery case. When in place in the holder, the battery case rests on resilient pads located on a floor of the holder.

Abstract: Series-connected microcell structures and assemblies are efficiently utilized for electrochemical generation/conversion of energy. The microcell structures of the invention are readily constructed from discrete fibrous microcell elements that are fabricated in sheet form and assembled into layered, sub-bundled and bundled conformations that produce high voltage, high power density outputs in applications such as fuel cell and battery systems.

Abstract: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery having the high content of boron is provided. A mixed solution including a pitch, a boron compound and a solvent is prepared and the solvent is removed from the mixed solution to prepare mesophase pitch. The mesophase pitch is then carbonized and the carbonized material is graphitized to obtain the negative active material.

Abstract: A cylindrical high-capacity sealed storage cell having a terminal at one end which is made of aluminum, wherein: the one end includes an aluminum cover adapted to be brought into contact with an external electrical connecting part by a clamping structure which is at least in part under the cover and co-operates with an external assembly mechanism, the clamping structure being made from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, nickel-plated steel, copper, and brass; and the cover of the cell is sealed by a metal sealing cap under the cover.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of a component or component feature for an electrochemical apparatus including providing a printing medium comprising a rapid curable polymer containing carrier and a powder of a component material precursor, printing one of a uniform layer or a pattern of such printing medium on a substrate, and rapidly curing the curable polymer to form a cured part; and the parts made by this process. A process for the fabrication or a multi-layer cell of an SOFC including providing a printing medium comprising a radiation curable polymer containing carrier and a powder of a component material precursor, printing one of a uniform layer or a pattern of such printing medium on a substrate, and radiation curing the curable polymer to form a cured part; and the parts made by this process. The process can use an ultraviolet light curable polymer binder and electrode material powder in an industrial printer to form a solid fuel cell electrode component.