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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The electrochemical device has an electrolyte that includes one or more tetrasiloxanes. The tetrasiloxanes have a backbone with two central silicons and two terminal silicons. A first one of the silicons is linked to a side chain that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety. A second one of the silicons is linked to a side chain that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety or to a side chain that includes a cyclic carbonate moiety. When each of the central silicons is linked to a side chain that includes a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety, each of the central silicons is directly linked to the poly(alkylene oxide) moiety.

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.

Abstract: A housing for a battery comprising a laminate made of a plurality of layers is provided. The battery housing has at least a barrier layer, typically two metal foils, and a sealing layer, which is intended to be in contact with the contents of a battery. Additionally, the battery housing can further include a protective layer over the barrier layer. Suitable materials for the sealant layer and barrier layers include polymers. Preferably, the laminate battery housing is flexible, although this is not required. The sealant layer, barrier layer and protective layer may also be adhesively attached. The battery housing of the present invention can also provide moisture and acid absorbers in various configurations.

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.

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.

Abstract: A housing for a battery comprising a laminate made of a plurality of layers is provided. The battery housing has at least a barrier layer, typically two metal foils, and a sealing layer, which is intended to be in contact with the contents of a battery. Additionally, the battery housing can further include a protective layer over the barrier layer. Suitable materials for the sealant layer and barrier layers include polymers. Preferably, the laminate battery housing is flexible, although this is not required. The sealant layer, barrier layer and protective layer may also be adhesively attached. The battery housing of the present invention can also provide moisture and acid absorbers in various configurations.

Abstract: Flexible polymer laminates for use in battery housings, battery housings made from the laminates, and batteries made from battery cells enclosed within the housings. In one embodiment the laminate is comprised of a barrier polymer sheet with a heat-sealable polymer frame. In other embodiments the laminate is a film of a barrier polymer in contact with a heat-sealable polymer. In various embodiments the barrier polymer is a polyester and the heat-sealable polymer is a polyolefin.