Patents by Inventor Christopher T.S. Campbell

Christopher T.S. Campbell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9077041
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising electrode active materials, which can be used as electrodes in electrochemical cells. In certain embodiments, the electrodes described herein can comprise a first porous support structure (e.g., a plurality of particles, which can be porous in certain cases) in which electrode active material is at least partially contained. The first porous support structure can be, in some embodiments, at least partially contained within the pores of a second porous support structure (e.g., an agglomeration of elongated fibers, a porous web formed by sintered particles, etc.) containing pores that are larger than the components of the first porous support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Savannah V. Burnside, Christopher T. S. Campbell, Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley, William F. Wilkening
  • Publication number: 20150180084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of a force to enhance the performance of an electrochemical cell. The force may comprise, in some instances, an anisotropic force with a component normal to an active surface of the anode of the electrochemical cell. In the embodiments described herein, electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge/discharge cycle involving deposition of metal (e.g., lithium metal) on a surface of the anode upon charging and reaction of the metal on the anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. The uniformity with which the metal is deposited on the anode may affect cell performance. For example, when lithium metal is redeposited on an anode, it may, in some cases, deposit unevenly forming a rough surface. The roughened surface may increase the amount of lithium metal available for undesired chemical reactions which may result in decreased cycling lifetime and/or poor cell performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley, John D. Affinito, Lowell D. Jones, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Igor P. Kovalev, William F. Wilkening, Christopher T. S. Campbell, John A. Martens
  • Publication number: 20150155550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Wilkening, Christopher T. S. Campbell, Savannah V. Burnside-Joubert
  • Patent number: 9034421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells, electrodes, and related methods. In some embodiments, a removable filler material may be employed during fabrication of an electrochemical cell, or component thereof, to produce electrochemical devices having improved cell performance and rate capability. Electrochemical cells may exhibit enhanced utilization of electroactive species and/or increased accessibility of electroactive species within the electrochemical cell during operation. In some cases, the invention may provide electrodes which advantageously possess both high loading of an electroactive species (e.g., greater than 1.5 mg/cm2), while also maintaining the stability and good mechanical properties of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, William F. Wilkening, Christopher T. S. Campbell, Savannah V. Burnside
  • Patent number: 9005809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Wilkening, Christopher T. S. Campbell, Savannah V. Burnside
  • Patent number: 8945737
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of a force to enhance the performance of an electrochemical cell. The force may comprise, in some instances, an anisotropic force with a component normal to an active surface of the anode of the electrochemical cell. In the embodiments described herein, electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge/discharge cycle involving deposition of metal (e.g., lithium metal) on a surface of the anode upon charging and reaction of the metal on the anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. The uniformity with which the metal is deposited on the anode may affect cell performance. For example, when lithium metal is redeposited on an anode, it may, in some cases, deposit unevenly forming a rough surface. The roughened surface may increase the amount of lithium metal available for undesired chemical reactions which may result in decreased cycling lifetime and/or poor cell performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley, John D. Affinito, Lowell D. Jones, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Igor Kovalev, William F. Wilkening, Christopher T. S. Campbell, John A. Martens
  • Publication number: 20140193713
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells having desirable electronic and ionic conductivities, and associated systems and methods, are generally described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Kumaresan, Christopher T.S. Campbell, Bala Sankaran
  • Publication number: 20140079994
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells, and more specifically, release systems for the fabrication of electrochemical cells are described. In particular, release layer arrangements, assemblies, methods and compositions that facilitate the fabrication of electrochemical cell components, such as electrodes, are presented. In some embodiments, methods of fabricating an electrode involve the use of a release layer to separate portions of the electrode from a carrier substrate on which the electrode was fabricated. For example, an intermediate electrode assembly may include, in sequence, an electroactive material layer, a current collector layer, a release layer, and a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate can facilitate handling of the electrode during fabrication and/or assembly, but may be released from the electrode prior to commercial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Affinito, John A. Martens, Ang Xiao, Christopher T. S. Campbell, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Igor P. Kovalev, Ashley H. Bulldis, Zhesheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20110256450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. S. Campbell, Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley
  • Publication number: 20110206992
    Abstract: The present invention relates to porous structures for energy storage devices. In some embodiments, the porous structure can comprise sulfur and be used in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T.S. Campbell, John D. Affinito, Tracy Earl Kelley
  • Publication number: 20110076560
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Igor Kovalev, Vladimir Oleshko, Christopher T.S. Campbell, John D. Affinito
  • Publication number: 20110070491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: SION POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher T.S. Campbell, Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley
  • Publication number: 20110070494
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. S. Campbell, Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley
  • Publication number: 20110068001
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells, and more specifically, release systems for the fabrication of electrochemical cells are described. In particular, release layer arrangements, assemblies, methods and compositions that facilitate the fabrication of electrochemical cell components, such as electrodes, are presented. In some embodiments, methods of fabricating an electrode involve the use of a release layer to separate portions of the electrode from a carrier substrate on which the electrode was fabricated. For example, an intermediate electrode assembly may include, in sequence, an electroactive material layer, a current collector layer, a release layer, and a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate can facilitate handling of the electrode during fabrication and/or assembly, but may be released from the electrode prior to commercial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Affinito, John A. Martens, Ang Xiao, Christopher T.S. Campbell, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Igor Kovalev, Ashley H. Bulldis, Zhesheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20110059361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Wilkening, Christopher T. S. Campbell, Savannah V. Burnside
  • Publication number: 20110008531
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells, electrodes, and related methods. In some embodiments, a removable filler material may be employed during fabrication of an electrochemical cell, or component thereof, to produce electrochemical devices having improved cell performance and rate capability. Electrochemical cells may exhibit enhanced utilization of electroactive species and/or increased accessibility of electroactive species within the electrochemical cell during operation. In some cases, the invention may provide electrodes which advantageously possess both high loading of an electroactive species (e.g., greater than 1.5 mg/cm2), while also maintaining the stability and good mechanical properties of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, William F. Wilkening, Christopher T.S. Campbell, Savannah V. Burnside
  • Publication number: 20100035128
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of a force to enhance the performance of an electrochemical cell. The force may comprise, in some instances, an anisotropic force with a component normal to an active surface of the anode of the electrochemical cell. In the embodiments described herein, electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge/discharge cycle involving deposition of metal (e.g., lithium metal) on a surface of the anode upon charging and reaction of the metal on the anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. The uniformity with which the metal is deposited on the anode may affect cell performance. For example, when lithium metal is redeposited on an anode, it may, in some cases, deposit unevenly forming a rough surface. The roughened surface may increase the amount of lithium metal available for undesired chemical reactions which may result in decreased cycling lifetime and/or poor cell performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley, John D. Affinito, Lowell D. Jones, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Igor Kovalev, William F. Wilkening, Christopher T.S. Campbell, John A. Martens