Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming porous ceramic articles are provided. The method is forming a composition including liquid siloxanes, ceramic particles, a catalyst, and a pore-former; shaping the composition; curing the composition to form a green body; volatilizing the pore-former before or after curing the composition; and firing the green body. The pore-former is a silicon-bearing agent with an average molecular weight under 1300 grams per mole, or a molecule with a molecular weight under 1,000 grams per mole and a freezing point between ?40° C. and 25° C. that is soluble in the liquid. The composition comprises liquid siloxanes, ceramic particles, a catalyst, and a pore-former, which is an agent with an average molecular weight under 1300 grams per mole or a molecule with a molecular mass under 1,000 grams per mole and a freezing point between ?40° C. and 25° C. that is soluble in the liquid.

Abstract: A positive electrode composition is presented. The composition includes granules that comprise an electroactive metal, an alkali metal halide, sulfur and carbon. A molar ratio of the electroactive metal to an amount of sulfur in the composition is between about 1.5:1 and about 10:1. Carbon is present in an amount greater than about 0.1 and less than about 5 weight percent, based on a total weight of the granules. An energy storage device and a related energy storage system are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for forming ceramic articles, such as, for instance, cores and shells for investment casting, are provided. The composition comprises a liquid that comprises a siloxane species; a plurality of particles, comprising a ceramic material, disposed within the liquid; a catalyst material disposed within the liquid; and a pore-forming agent disposed within the liquid. The pore-forming agent comprises a silicon-bearing agent that is substantially inert with respect to the liquid, and has an average molecular weight less than about 1300 grams per mole. The method comprises disposing any of the compositions described above in a desired shape; curing the siloxane species, and volatilizing the pore-forming agent to form a porous green body.

Abstract: A system includes a primary source of power, a main battery, a reserve battery, and a battery management system. A method for operating the system is also disclosed. The main battery of the system is electrically connected to the article, and the reserve battery is configured to back-up the main battery. The battery management system is electrically connected to the main battery. The battery management system maintains the reserve battery in a dormant state when the primary source of power is operational. The reserve battery is also maintained at a dormant state when the primary source of power is not operational; and the main battery is discharging and able to effectively back-up the primary source of power in supplying power to the article.

Abstract: A cathode composition is described that includes a first element selected from nickel or cobalt; a second element M selected from iron or cobalt, wherein said second element M is contained within a sulfide composition MxSy, wherein the ratio of x and y is between 0.5:1 and 1.5:1; at least one first alkali metal halide; and an electrolyte salt comprising a second alkali metal halide and a metal halide, wherein the electrolyte salt has a melting point in a range from about 150° C. to about 300° C. The molar ratio of the first element to the sulfur of the sulfide composition is between 1.5:1 and 50:1. An energy storage device comprising the cathode composition is also disclosed.