Abstract: Lithium ion batteries, cell stacks, separators and methods of producing thereof are provided. Separators comprise lithium coating on at least a part of a separator sheet, possibly with a protective layer made of a soluble polymer that covers the lithium coating from one or both sides of the separator sheet. Cell stacks are assembled with disclosed separators, in ways that may physically attach the lithium coating to the electrodes (anode(s) and/or cathode(s)) to prelithiate or lithiate them, respectively; and/or electrochemical processes may be used to deliver lithium from the coating to the respective electrodes. Disclosed methods increase the energy capacity and the stability of the formed lithium ion batteries, yielding energy-dense, long-living and fast charging batteries.

Abstract: Color conversion units and inks for horticultural applications as well as corresponding growing facilities and methods are provided. Color conversion units comprise structural element(s) positioned between natural and/or artificial illumination source(s) and horticultural crop(s), and fluorescent dye(s) embedded in and/or painted on the structural element(s) and configured to convert radiation within absorption range(s) in the specified spectrum into emitted radiation within emission range(s) that are at longer wavelengths than the absorption range(s) and are more readily used by the crop plants and/or modify their growing conditions. Illumination control may be achieved by controlling the types and spatial spread of the dyes, to modify the illumination spectra controllably. For example, dyes may be used to convert ultraviolet, blue and/or green radiation into red radiation which is used better by the plants and/or into growth signals, e.g.

Abstract: Prelithiation methods and fast charging lithium ion cell are provided, which combine high energy density and high power density. Several structural and chemical modifications are disclosed to enable combination of features that achieve both goals simultaneously in fast charging cells having long cycling lifetime. The cells have anodes with high content of Si, Ge and/or Sn as principal anode material, and cathodes providing a relatively low C/A ratio, with the anodes being prelithiated to have a high lithium content, provided by a prelithiation algorithm. Disclosed algorithms determine lithium content achieved through prelithiation by optimizing the electrolyte to increase cycling lifetime, adjusting energy density with respect to other cell parameters, and possibly reducing the C/A ratio to maintain the required cycling lifetime.

Abstract: Methods of managing a lithium ion battery and of recovering branches and/or cells in the battery are provided, as well as battery management systems (BMS) and batteries implementing the methods. Branches and/or cells may be recovered by slow and deep discharging, followed by slow charging—to increase capacity, cycling lifetime and/or enhance safety thereof. BMSs may be configured to diagnose defective branches and/or cells and manage the recovery procedure with respect to changing operational loads the battery and the available internal and external charging sources.

Abstract: LCDs (liquid crystal displays) with improved efficiency and performance, as well as corresponding methods are disclosed. Color conversion films and elements with rhodamine-based fluorescent compounds and/or assistant dyes are used to modify the spectrum of the illumination provided by the backlight unit in either or both the backlight unit itself and the LCD panel, in various configurations. Color conversion may be performed above the LC module, possibly by a patterned layer incorporating the color filters, and/or within the backlight unit within a fluorescence-intensifying section in which radiation is recycled to enhance color conversion. Film configuration, positions and optionally supportive structures are provided, to extend the lifetime of the fluorescent compounds. Collimation of backlight illumination may further enhance the optical performance of disclosed LCDs.

Abstract: Methods, stacks and electrochemical cells are provided, in which the cell separator is surface-treated prior to attachment to the electrode(s) to form binding sites on the cell separator and enhance binding thereof to the electrode(s), e.g., electrostatically. The cell separator(s) may be attached to the electrode(s) by cold press lamination, wherein the created binding sites are configured to stabilize the cold press lamination electrostatically—forming flexible and durable electrode stacks. Electrode slurry may be deposited on a sacrificial film and then attached to current collector films, avoiding unwanted interactions between materials and in particular solvents involved in the respective slurries. Dried electrode slurry layers may be pressed or calendared against each other to yield thinner, smother and more controllably porous electrodes, as well as higher throughput. The produced stacks may be used in electrochemical cells and in any other type of energy storage device.

Abstract: Improved anodes and cells are provided, which enable fast charging rates with enhanced safety due to much reduced probability of metallization of lithium on the anode, preventing dendrite growth and related risks of fire or explosion. Anodes and/or electrolytes have buffering zones for partly reducing and gradually introducing lithium ions into the anode for lithiation, to prevent lithium ion accumulation at the anode electrolyte interface and consequent metallization and dendrite growth. Various anode active materials and combinations, modifications through nanoparticles and a range of coatings which implement the improved anodes are provided.

Abstract: Electrolytes, anode material particles and methods are provided for improving performance and enhancing the safety of lithium ion batteries. Electrolytes may comprise ionic liquid(s) as additives which protect the anode material particles and possibly bind thereto; and/or may comprise a large portion of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and/or vinylene carbonate (VC) as the cyclic carbonate component, and possibly ethyl acetate (EA) and/or ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) as the linear component; and/or may comprise composite electrolytes having solid electrolyte particles coated by flexible ionic conductive material. Ionic liquid may be used to pre-lithiate in situ the anode material particles. Disclosed electrolytes improve lithium ion conductivity, prevent electrolyte decomposition and/or prevents lithium metallization on the surface of the anode.

Abstract: Electrolytes, anodes, lithium ion cells and methods are provided for preventing lithium metallization in lithium ion batteries to enhance their safety. Electrolytes comprise up to 20% ionic liquid additives which form a mobile solid electrolyte interface during charging of the cell and prevent lithium metallization and electrolyte decomposition on the anode while maintaining the lithium ion mobility at a level which enables fast charging of the batteries. Anodes are typically metalloid-based, for example include silicon, germanium, tin and/or aluminum. A surface layer on the anode bonds, at least some of the ionic liquid additive to form an immobilized layer that provides further protection at the interface between the anode and the electrolyte, prevents metallization of lithium on the former and decomposition of the latter.

Abstract: Improved anodes and cells are provided, which enable fast charging rates with enhanced safety due to much reduced probability of metallization of lithium on the anode, preventing dendrite growth and related risks of fire or explosion. Anodes and/or electrolytes have buffering zones for partly reducing and gradually introducing lithium ions into the anode for lithiation, to prevent lithium ion accumulation at the anode electrolyte interface and consequent metallization and dendrite growth. Various anode active materials and combinations, modifications through nanoparticles and a range of coatings which implement the improved anodes are provided.

Abstract: Anodes for lithium-ion batteries and methods for their production are provided. Anodes comprise an initial anode made of consolidated anode material particles, and a coating of the initial anode, that comprises a layer of an ionic-conductive polymer which provides an artificial SEI (solid-electrolyte interphase) to facilitate lithium ion transfer through the coating while preventing direct fluid communication with the anode material particles and electrolyte contact thereto. The coating may be configured to keep the anode resistance low while preventing electrolyte decomposition thereupon, enhancing cell stability and cycling lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for adaptive fast-charging of mobile devices. Methods include the steps of: firstly determining whether a first connected component is charged; upon firstly determining the first connected component isn't charged, secondly determining whether the first connected component is adapted for rapid charging; and upon secondly determining the first connected component is adapted for rapid charging, firstly charging the first connected component at a high charging rate via a charging device. Preferably, the charging device is selected from the group consisting of: a rapid charger and a slave battery. Preferably, the first connected component is selected from the group consisting of: a mobile device and a slave battery. Preferably, the high charging rate is selected from the group consisting of: greater than about 4 C, greater than about 5 C, greater than about 10 C, greater than about 20 C, greater than about 30 C, and greater than about 60 C.

Abstract: Methods and supercapacitor-emulating fast-charging batteries are provided. Methods comprise configuring a fast-charging battery to emulate a supercapacitor with given specifications by operating the fast-charging battery only within a partial operation range which is defined according to the given specifications of the supercapacitor and is smaller than 20%, possibly 5% or 1%, of a full operation range of the fast-charging battery. Devices are provided, which comprise control circuitry and a modified fast-charging lithium ion battery having Si, Ge and/or Sn-based anode active material and designed to operate at 5 C at least and within a range of 5% at most around a working point of between 60-80% lithiation of the Si, Ge and/or Sn-based anode active material, wherein the control circuitry is configured to maintain a state of charge (SOC) of the battery within the operation range around the working point.

Abstract: Electrodes, production methods and mono-cell batteries are provided, which comprise active material particles embedded in electrically conductive metallic porous structure, dry-etched anode structures and battery structures with thick anodes and cathodes that have spatially uniform resistance. The metallic porous structure provides electric conductivity, a large volume that supports good ionic conductivity, that in turn reduces directional elongation of the particles during operation, and may enable reduction or removal of binders, conductive additives and/or current collectors to yield electrodes with higher structural stability, lower resistance, possibly higher energy density and longer cycling lifetime. Dry etching treatments may be used to reduce oxidized surfaces of the active material particles, thereby simplifying production methods and enhancing porosity and ionic conductivity of the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods, systems and battery modules are provided, which increase the cycling lifetime of fast charging lithium ion batteries. During the formation process, the charging currents are adjusted to optimize the cell formation, possibly according to the characteristics of the formation process itself, and discharge extents are partial and optimized as well, as is the overall structure of the formation process. During operation, voltage ranges are initially set to be narrow, and are broadened upon battery deterioration to maximize the overall lifetime. Current adjustments are applied in operation as well, with respect to the deteriorating capacity of the battery. Various formation and operation strategies are disclosed, as basis for specific optimizations.

Abstract: Methods, anode material particles, mixtures, anodes and lithium-ion batteries are provided, having passivated silicon-based particles that enable processing in oxidizing environments such as water-based slurries. Methods comprise forming a mixture of silicon particles with nanoparticles (NPs) and a carbon-based binders and/or surfactants, wherein the NPs comprise at least one of: metalloid oxide NPs, metalloid salt NPs and carbon NPs, reducing the mixture to yield a reduced mixture comprising coated silicon particles with a coating providing a passivation layer (possibly amorphous), and consolidating the reduced mixture to form an anode. It is suggested that the NPs provide nucleation sites for the passivation layer on the surface of the silicon particles—enabling significant anode-formation process simplifications such as using water-based slurries—enabled by disclosed methods and anode active material particles.

Abstract: Charging systems and methods are provided, which increase charging currents and reduce charging durations for battery cells with metalloid-based anodes that enable high C-rate (charging rate) charging. Specifically, methods comprise charging battery cells having metalloid-based anodes having Si, Ge and/or Sn-based anode active material, by providing a high-C charging current of at least 4 C (or 5 C, or 10 C or more) over a range of at least 10-70% SoC (state of charge) of the battery cells. Charging systems comprise a booster unit configured to provide a high-C charging current over at least most of the SoC range of battery cells having metalloid-based anodes in the at least one battery unit. Charging systems further comprise a user interface configured to receive user preferences concerning a specified charging duration and/or a specified target SoC—for implementation by the charging system.

Abstract: Improved anodes and cells are provided, which enable fast charging rates with enhanced safety due to much reduced probability of metallization of lithium on the anode, preventing dendrite growth and related risks of fire or explosion. Anodes and/or electrolytes have buffering zones for partly reducing and gradually introducing lithium ions into the anode for lithiation, to prevent lithium ion accumulation at the anode electrolyte interface and consequent metallization and dendrite growth. Various anode active materials and combinations, modifications through nanoparticles and a range of coatings which implement the improved anodes are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating lithium ion devices by setting an operative capacity below a rated capacity value of the lithium ion device, and operating the lithium ion device at the set operative capacity by decreasing a lower voltage cutoff value during discharging and/or by increasing an upper voltage cutoff level during charging—to support operation at the set operative capacity. The systems and methods may utilize residual lithium in device components such as anodes, cathodes, electrolyte etc. or combinations thereof, and/or external lithiation to increase the cycling lifetime of the lithium ion devices, to adapt to user preferences and expected use profiles, and to simplify device status indications to the user. Advantageously, relatively simple circuitry is required to implement the provided methods and systems, and achieve customizable operation of the lithium ion devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for balancing battery modules following fast charging, particularly with respect to fast charging lithium ion batteries with metalloid-based anodes. Charge balancing among multiple battery modules connected in series may be carried out by short-circuiting fully charged modules while adjusting the voltage and/or current level supplied by a charger, to fully charge remaining modules. A balancing module comprising a controller and switching circuitry may be configured to implement the charge balancing in association with the charger and its battery management system, and monitoring the battery modules. Advantageously, disclosed switching balancing is more efficient than prior art passive balancing and simpler in implementation than prior art active balancing.