Abstract: A lithium-ion rechargeable cell is described which contains an electrolyte comprising a pyrazolium cation, an imidazolium cation, or a combination thereof, as well as lithium ion, and at least one non-Lewis acid derived counter-ion and which has a ratio of cathode capacity to anode capacity of 1 or less, 1 or greater, and preferably about 1.3 or greater. Electrochemical cells containing an anode, a cathode, and the ionic liquid electrolytes preferably have effective charge/discharge capacity and charging efficiency at low temperatures and at high temperatures.

Abstract: A lithium-ion rechargeable cell is described which contains an electrolyte comprising a pyrazolium cation, an imidazolium cation, or a combination thereof, as well as lithium ion, and at least one non-Lewis acid derived counter-ion. Electrochemical cells containing an anode, a cathode, and the ionic liquid electrolytes preferably have effective charge/discharge capacity and charging efficiency at low temperatures and at high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas detector and method for using the gas detector for detecting and identifying volatile organic and/or volatile inorganic substances present in unknown vapors in an environment. The gas detector comprises a sensing means and a detecting means for detecting electrical capacitance variance of the sensing means and for further identifying the volatile organic and volatile inorganic substances. The sensing means comprises at least one sensing unit and a sensing material allocated therein the sensing unit. The sensing material is an ionic liquid which is exposed to the environment and is capable of dissolving a quantity of said volatile substance upon exposure thereto. The sensing means constitutes an electrochemical capacitor and the detecting means is in electrical communication with the sensing means.

Abstract: Construction and operation of an oilfield molten salt battery. A battery includes an outer case, an elongated mandrel positioned within the outer case, and the mandrel being an electrical component of the battery. Another battery includes an electrical pickup, and a polymer insulator providing insulation between the outer case and the pickup. A method of charging a battery for use in a subterranean well includes the steps of: providing the battery including an electrolyte, and anode and cathode electrodes, the electrolyte being a molten salt comprising lithium salt, and at least one of the electrodes comprising lithium atoms; positioning the battery within a wellbore; and then charging the battery. Another method includes the steps of: heating the lithium ion molten salt battery; then charging the battery; and then positioning the battery within a wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas detector and method for using the gas detector for detecting and identifying volatile organic and/or volatile inorganic substances present in unknown vapors in an environment. The gas detector comprises a sensing means and a detecting means for detecting electrical capacitance variance of the sensing means and for further identifying the volatile organic and volatile inorganic substances. The sensing means comprises at least one sensing unit and a sensing material allocated therein the sensing unit. The sensing material is an ionic liquid which is exposed to the environment and is capable of dissolving a quantity of said volatile substance upon exposure thereto. The sensing means constitutes an electrochemical capacitor and the detecting means is in electrical communication with the sensing means.

Abstract: An electrolyte, such as for a lithium rechargeable cell, is described which contains a pyrazolium cation and may also contain a lithium salt. The lithium salt may be at least one of LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiPF6, and LiTF. The electrolyte, when used in an electrochemical cell, has a charge/discharge capacity and charging efficiency that is superior to the same properties of ionic liquid electrolytes without a pyrazolium cation. Electrochemical cells are also described and contain an anode, a cathode, and the pyrazolium cation electrolyte.

Abstract: Low temperature molten salt compositions comprised of a mixture of a metal halide, such as but not limited to aluminum trichloride, and a fluoropyrazolium salt, such as but not limited to 1,2-dimethyl-4-fluoropyrazolium chloride, which are resistant towards oxidation over a wide temperature gradient and are useful as electrolytes in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A thin layer electrolytic cell is disclosed in which the solution being studied is retained around the working electrode and separated from the electrolyte by an annular piece of a current conducting membrane. The membrane is preferably an ion selective membrane, preferably Nafion, a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a vinylsulfonyl fluoride.