Abstract: A supported catalyst composition comprising a metal catalyst nanodispersed in a support that is a hard disordered carbon or carbon glass; or a partially graphitized or disordered carbon intercalation complex; or “house-of-cards” transition metal dichalcogenide such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Also disclosed are embodiments based on the above supported catalyst compositions, wherein the metal catalyst is Pt or Pt alloy, and wherein the “pores” comprised in the support are engineered to provide selective access to H2, but not to larger molecules, such as CO or H2O. Disclosed are methods for improving catalyst utilization, resistance to poisoning, and resistance of catalyst supports to corrosion—as well as products related thereto. Also disclosed is an MEA that comprises the supported, nanodispersed Pt and Pt alloy catalyst compositions of this invention, and a fuel cell that contains such an MEA.

Abstract: A novel battery construction which incorporates a disconnect safety device which is hydraulically activated by an increase in solid volume upon abusive overcharge of the battery to disconnect the cathode or anode. A rechargeable battery which comprises: (a) a Li.sub.x MO.sub.2 cathode wherein x, is equal to or less than 1.1, and M is Ni, Co, Mn or combinations thereof; (b) a carbonaceous anode; (c) an electrolyte of one or more lithium salts dissolved in one or more non-aqueous organic solvents; and (d) an internal disconnect device which activates by hydraulic means on overcharge.

Abstract: Nonaqueous electrolyte rechargeable cells may contain an excess of negative electrode material to improve the rechargeability. This excess of negative electrode material can form brittle alloys with noncorrosive current collector metals in positive electrodes at low cell voltages. The invention discloses that an excess of current collector material in the positive electrode directly opposite to the negative electrode improves the safety characteristics of the rechargeable cells during overdischarge and multiple voltage reversal abuses.

Abstract: An electrode precursor for lithium batteries includes a layer of an electrochemically active particulate material and a binder. The binder is soluble in the cell electrolyte so that the electrolyte extracts the binder from the particulate material after assembly, leaving a particulate layer substantially devoid of binder. Thus, the binder does not significantly decrease electrical conductivity of the layer in the cell and does not impede the ionic access to the layer. The soluble binder may be present in the electrode precursor in an amount sufficient to protect particulate which would otherwise react with the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrode precursor for lithium batteries includes a layer of an electrochemically active particulate material and a binder. The binder is soluble in the cell electrolyte so that the electrolyte extracts the binder from the particulate material after assembly, leaving a particulate layer substantially devoid of binder. Thus, the binder does not significantly decrease electrical conductivity of the layer in the cell and does not impede the ionic access to the layer. The soluble binder may be present in the electrode precursor in an amount sufficient to protect particulate which would otherwise react with the atmosphere.