Abstract: A method of making a secondary, lithium-ion cell having a carbon anode including the step of deactivating the carbon anode by heating the carbon in the presence of oxygen for a time sufficient and at a temperature sufficient to selectively oxidize undesirable, highly reactive carbon atoms therefrom prior to assembling the cell, and a stochiometrically balanced cell made from such deactivated carbon.

Abstract: An electrochemical concentration cell adapted for immersion in a melt of aluminum-magnesium alloy for determining the concentration of the Mg on an ongoing basis (e.g., during demagging). The cell includes a first probe comprising a housing having a cavity therein containing a Mg-ion-rich molten salt electrolyte. An opening in the housing exposes the electrolyte to the melt via a porous ceramic frit wetted by the electrolyte. A hollow capsule containing a Mg-rich reference material is immersed in the electrolyte and the reference material electrically coupled to the melt via second probe immersed therein. Containment of the reference material within the capsule beneath the melt prevents attack of the housing by the reference material and evaporative loss thereof.