Patents by Inventor Donald R. Vissers

Donald R. Vissers 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: 9012096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having electrode stabilizing additives, stabilized electrodes, and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and an electrode stabilizing additive. In certain electrolytes, the alkali metal salt is a bis(chelato)borate and the additives include substituted or unsubstituted linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbons comprising at least one oxygen atom and at least one aryl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. In other electrolytes, the additives include a substituted aryl compound or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl compound wherein the additive comprises at least one oxygen atom. There are also provided methods of making the electrolytes and batteries employing the electrolytes. The invention also provides for electrode materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Jun Liu, Donald R. Vissers, Wenquan Lu
  • Patent number: 8551661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having stabilization additives and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, a first additive that is a substituted or unsubstituted organoamine, substituted or unsubstituted alkane, substituted or unsubstituted alkene, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl compound, and/or a second additive that is a metal (chelato)borate. When used in electrochemical devices with, e.g., lithium manganese oxide spinel electrodes, the new electrolytes provide batteries with improved calendar and cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Uchicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Jaekook Kim, Donald R. Vissers
  • Publication number: 20120115041
    Abstract: One example of the disiloxanes include a backbone with a first silicon and a second silicon. The first silicon is linked to a first substituent selected from a group consisting of: a first side chain that includes a cyclic carbonate moiety; a first side chain that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety; and a first cross link links the disiloxane to a second siloxane and that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety. In some instance, the second silicon is linked to a second substituent selected from a group consisting of: a second side chain that includes a cyclic carbonate moiety, and a second side chain that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Robert C. West, Khalil Amine, Zhengcheng Zhang, Qingzheng Wang, Nicholas Agostino Antonio Rossi, Donald R. Vissers
  • Patent number: 8168325
    Abstract: A lithium based electrochemical cell system includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode; an electrolyte; and a degassing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Yoo-Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers, Khalil Amine
  • Patent number: 8076031
    Abstract: One example of the disiloxanes include a backbone with a first silicon and a second silicon. The first silicon is linked to a first substituent selected from a group consisting of: a first side chain that includes a cyclic carbonate moiety; a first side chain that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety; and a first cross link links the disiloxane to a second siloxane and that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety. In some instance, the second silicon is linked to a second substituent selected from a group consisting of: a second side chain that includes a cyclic carbonate moiety, and a second side chain that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. West, Khalil Amine, Zhengcheng Zhang, Qingzheng Wang, Nicholas Agostino Antonio Rossi, Donald R. Vissers
  • Publication number: 20110287326
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having stabilization additives and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, a first additive that is a substituted or unsubstituted organoamine, substituted or unsubstituted alkane, substituted or unsubstituted alkene, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl compound, and/or a second additive that is a metal (chelato)borate. When used in electrochemical devices with, e.g., lithium manganese oxide spinel electrodes, the new electrolytes provide batteries with improved calendar and cycle life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Jaekook Kim, Donald R. Vissers
  • Patent number: 7968235
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having stabilization additives and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, a first additive that is a substituted or unsubstituted organoamine, substituted or unsubstituted alkane, substituted or unsubstituted alkene, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl compound, and/or a second additive that is a metal(chelato)borate. When used in electrochemical devices with, e.g., lithium manganese oxide spinel electrodes, the new electrolytes provide batteries with improved calendar and cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne LLC
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Jaekook Kim, Donald R. Vissers
  • Patent number: 7695860
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous liquid electrolyte comprising poly(siloxane-g-3 ethylene oxide) and its synthesis. This electrolyte provides significant safety, improved electrochemical stability, improved conductivity, lower impedance, and lower manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Robert C. West, Qingzheng Wang, Bookeun Oh, Donald R. Vissers, Hisashi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7507503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having electrode stabilizing additives, stabilized electrodes, and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and an electrode stabilizing additive. In some embodiments the additives include a substituted or unsubstituted cyclic or spirocyclic hydrocarbon containing at least one oxygen atom and at least one alkenyl or alkynyl group. When used in electrochemical devices with, e.g., lithium manganese oxide spinel electrodes or olivine or carbon-coated olivine electrodes, the new electrolytes provide batteries with improved calendar and cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: U Chicago Argonne LLC
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Jun Liu, Donald R. Vissers, Wenquan Lu
  • Patent number: 7498102
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous and nonvolatile liquid type polymeric electrolyte comprising poly(siloxane-g-ethylene oxide). This electrolyte provides significant safety and stability. The present invention solves the problems of volatility, flammability and chemical reactivity of lithium ion type electrolytes. The disclosed electrolyte exhibits excellent stability, conductivity and low impedance characteristics. The electrolyte comprises a new class of structural siloxane polymers with one or more poly(ethylene oxide) side chains. The inorganic siloxanes comprising the main backbone of the copolymers are thermally very stable and resistant to decomposition by heat. Because the main chain of the disclosed class of electrolytes is an Si—O linkage, initiation of the combustion cycle is inhibited or prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Bookeun Oh, Khalil Amine, Yoo-Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers, Hisashi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7226702
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved solid electrolyte made of an interpenetrating network type solid polymer comprised of two compatible phases: a crosslinked polymer for mechanical strength and chemical stability, and an ionic conducting phase. The highly branched siloxane polymer of the present invention has one or more poly(ethylene oxide) (“PEO”) groups as a side chain. The PEO group is directly grafted to silicon atoms in the siloxane polymer. This kind of branched type siloxane polymer is stably anchored in the network structure and provides continuous conducting paths in all directions throughout the IPN solid polymer electrolyte. Also disclosed is a method of making an electrochemical cell incorporating the electrolyte. A cell made accordingly has an extremely high cycle life and electrochemical stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Bookeun Oh, Khalil Amine, Donald R. Vissers
  • Patent number: 7026074
    Abstract: A lithium battery with improved safety that utilizes one or more additives in the battery electrolyte solution wherein a lithium salt is dissolved in an organic solvent, which may contain propylene, carbonate. For example, a blend of 2 wt % triphenyl phosphate (TPP), 1 wt % diphenyl monobutyl phosphate (DMP) and 2 wt % vinyl ethylene carbonate additives has been found to significantly enhance the safety and performance of Li-ion batteries using a LiPF6 salt in EC/DEC electrolyte solvent. The invention relates to both the use of individual additives and to blends of additives such as that shown in the above example at concentrations of 1 to 4-wt % in the lithium battery electrolyte. This invention relates to additives that suppress gas evolution in the cell, passivate graphite electrode and protect it from exfoliating in the presence of propylene carbonate solvents in the electrolyte, and retard flames in the lithium batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Chun-hua Chen, Yoo Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers, Khalil Amine
  • Publication number: 20040197665
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous liquid electrolyte comprising poly(siloxane-g-3 ethylene oxide) and its synthesis. This electrolyte provides significant safety, improved electrochemical stability, improved conductivity, lower impedance, and lower manufacturing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Robert C West, Qingzheng Wang, Bookeun Oh, Donald R Vissers, Hisashi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20040151951
    Abstract: Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. Suppression of gas generation is achieved in the cell through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of the respective cell, or to the cell whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plastized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are preferably based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Yoo-Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers, Khalil Amine
  • Publication number: 20030180624
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved solid electrolyte made of an interpenetrating network type solid polymer comprised of two compatible phases: a crosslinked polymer for mechanical strength and chemical stability, and an ionic conducting phase. The highly branched siloxane polymer of the present invention has one or more poly(ethylene oxide) (“PEO”) groups as a side chain. The PEO group is directly grafted to silicon atoms in the siloxane polymer. This kind of branched type siloxane polymer is stably anchored in the network structure and provides continuous conducting paths in all directions throughout the IPN solid polymer electrolyte. Also disclosed is a method of making an electrochemical cell incorporating the electrolyte. A cell made accordingly has an extremely high cycle life and electrochemical stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Bookeun Oh, Khalil Amine, Yoo-Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers
  • Publication number: 20030180625
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous and nonvolatile liquid type polymeric electrolyte comprising poly(siloxane-g-ethylene oxide). This electrolyte provides significant safety and stability. The present invention solves the problems of volatility, flammability and chemical reactivity of lithium ion type electrolytes. The disclosed electrolyte exhibits excellent stability, conductivity and low impedance characteristics. The electrolyte comprises a new class of structural siloxane polymers with one or more poly(ethylene oxide) side chains. The inorganic siloxanes comprising the main backbone of the copolymers are thermally very stable and resistant to decomposition by heat. Because the main chain of the disclosed class of electrolytes is an Si—O linkage, initiation of the combustion cycle is inhibited or prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Bookeun Oh, Khalil Amine, Yoo-Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers, Hisashi Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20030157413
    Abstract: A lithium battery with improved safety that utilizes one or more additives in the battery electrolyte solution wherein a lithium salt is dissolved in an organic solvent, which may contain propylene, carbonate. For example, a blend of 2 wt % triphenyl phosphate (TPP), 1 wt % diphenyl monobutyl phosphate (DMP) and 2 wt % vinyl ethylene carbonate additives has been found to significantly enhance the safety and performance of Li-ion batteries using a LiPF6 salt in EC/DEC electrolyte solvent. The invention relates to both the use of individual additives and to blends of additives such as that shown in the above example at concentrations of 1 to 4-wt % in the lithium battery electrolyte. This invention relates to additives that suppress gas evolution in the cell, passivate graphite electrode and protect it from exfoliating in the presence of propylene carbonate solvents in the electrolyte, and retard flames in the lithium batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Chun-Hua Chen, Yoo Eup Hyung, Donald R. Vissers, Khalil Amine
  • Publication number: 20030047717
    Abstract: A cathode material and processes of preparation, including the composition, the steps of mixing and heating to obtain a crystallographically phase pure layered material which is a substituted lithium nickel oxide compositions of LiuNivTiwAlxCoyOz, where u is between about 0.8 and about 1.2, the v is between about 0.5 and about 0.99, w is between about 0.01 and about 0.5, x is between about 0.00 and about 0.5, y is between about 0.00 and about 0.5, and z is between about 1.8 and 2.3. Such a substituted lithium nickel oxide may be used for energy conversion and storage, particularly for high power application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jaekook Kim, Donald R. Vissers, Khalil Amine
  • Patent number: 6322928
    Abstract: Improved lithium vanadium oxide formulations are presented having a nominal formula of LixV3−&dgr;M&dgr;Oy. Herein preferred cation doped vanadium oxide materials, electrodes using such materials, and electrochemical cells including at least one electrode therein comprising such materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael M. Thackeray, Arthur J. Kahaian, Keith D. Kepler, Donald R. Vissers
  • Patent number: 6004697
    Abstract: A method of improving certain vanadium oxide formulations is presented. The method concerns fluorine doping formulations having a nominal formula of LiV.sub.3 O.sub.8. Preferred average formulations are provided wherein the average oxidation state of the vanadium is at least 4.6. Herein preferred fluorine doped vanadium oxide materials, electrodes using such materials, and batteries including at least one electrode therein comprising such materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignees: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co., Hydro-Quebec Corporation
    Inventors: Michael M. Thackeray, Arthur J. Kahaian, Donald R. Visser, Dennis W. Dees, Roy Benedek