Abstract: Method for cutting soft metals, comprising the use of a cutting tool capable of being set in motion by ultrasonic vibration. The method is employed for cutting components used in the manufacture of an electrochemical storage device, for example, a lithium battery. These components include the anodes, the cathodes, the solid electrolytes, the current collectors and the separators. The method is also employed in a system for manufacturing and/or characterizing an electrochemical storage device.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing an anode for lithium batteries. The method comprises: providing a current collector, forming a layer of protective material thereon, depositing a lithiophilic material on the layer of protective material, and depositing a molten lithium material on the layer of lithiophilic material. The lithiophilic material and the molten lithium material subsequently react to form the anode active material. The current collector and/or at least one other layer of the anode may comprise a continuous 3D structure on a surface thereof. The protective material deposited on the current collector constitutes a barrier between the current collector and lithium in the anode active material, therefore formation of cracks in the current collector is avoided.

Abstract: Processes are described for the direct or indirect electrochemical alkaliation of an alkali metal deficient electrochemically active material. The processes include an electrolysis step either during the alkaliation of the alkali metal deficient electrochemically active material on an electrode current collector (direct) or during the regeneration of a reducing agent used for the alkaliation of the electrochemically active material (indirect).

Abstract: The present technology described relates to lithium-based alloy electrode materials used for the production of anode in lithium accumulators and processes for obtaining same. The alloy comprises metallic lithium, a metallic component X1 selected from magnesium and aluminum and a metallic component X2 selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earths, zirconium, copper, silver, bismuth, cobalt, zinc, aluminum, silicon, tin, antimony, cadmium, mercury, lead, manganese, boron, indium, thallium, nickel, germanium, molybdenum and iron. Processes for preparing electrode materials thus obtained and their uses are also described.

Abstract: Here is described an electrode material comprising an electrochemically active metallic film and an organic compound, e.g. an indigoid compound (indigo blue or a derivative or precursor thereof). Processes for the preparation of the electrode material and electrodes containing the material, as well as to the electrochemical cells and their use are also contemplated.

Abstract: Method for cutting soft metals, comprising the use of a cutting tool capable of being set in motion by ultrasonic vibration. The method is employed for cutting components used in the manufacture of an electrochemical storage device, for example, a lithium battery. These components include the anodes, the cathodes, the solid electrolytes, the current collectors and the separators. The method is also employed in a system for manufacturing and/or characterizing an electrochemical storage device.

Abstract: A process for the recycling of an electrochemically active material is described. The process comprises the steps of reacting the electrochemically active material with an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent in a solvent without addition of a strong acid, to produce a lithium salt and a delithiated electrochemically active material precipitate. This precipitate is separated from the lithium salt and used in the regeneration of the electrochemically active material.

Abstract: The present technology described relates to lithium-based alloy electrode materials used for the production of anode in lithium accumulators and processes for obtaining same. The alloy comprises metallic lithium, a metallic component X1 selected from magnesium and aluminum and a metallic component X2 selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earths, zirconium, copper, silver, bismuth, cobalt, zinc, aluminum, silicon, tin, antimony, cadmium, mercury, lead, manganese, boron, indium, thallium, nickel, germanium, molybdenum and iron. Processes for preparing electrode materials thus obtained and their uses are also described.

Abstract: A process for the recycling of an electrochemically active material is described. The process comprises the steps of reacting the electrochemically active material with an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent in a solvent without addition of a strong acid, to produce a lithium salt and a delithiated electrochemically active material precipitate. This precipitate is separated from the lithium salt and used in the regeneration of the electrochemically active material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the production of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and its bisulfite adducts, comprising the following steps: a) oxidizing 2-methyl-naphthalene (2-MNA) to achieve an organic phase containing 2-methyl-naphthoquinone (2-MNQ) and 6-methyl-naphthoquinone (6-MNQ); b) subjecting said organic phase to treatment with an aqueous solution of a bisulfite salt to extract preferentially the 6-MNQ isomer from the organic phase; c) separating said organic phase from the aqueous phase; d) subjecting the organic phase of process step c) to a second bisulfitation step with an aqueous solution of a bisulfite salt, resulting in an organic phase containing 2-MNA and trace amounts of 2-MNQ and an aqueous phase containing 2-MSB and trace amounts of 6-MSB; e) optionally removing interfering bisulfite ions from the aqueous phase of process step c); f) raising the pH of the aqueous phase from step c) or e) to higher than 8.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the production of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and its bisulfite adducts, comprising the following steps: a) oxidizing 2-methyl-naphthalene (2-MNA) to achieve an organic phase containing 2-methyl-naphthoquinone (2-MNQ) and 6-methyl-naphthoquinone (6-MNQ); b) subjecting said organic phase to treatment with an aqueous solution of a bisulfite salt to extract preferentially the 6-MNQ isomer from the organic phase; c) separating said organic phase from the aqueous phase; d) subjecting the organic phase of process step c) to a second bisulfidation step with an aqueous solution of a bisulfite salt, resulting in an organic phase containing 2-MNA and trace amounts of 2-MNQ and an aqueous phase containing 2-MSB and trace amounts of 6-MSB; e) optionally removing interfering bisulfite ions from the aqueous phase of process step c); f) raising the pH of the aqueous phase from step c) or e) to higher than 8.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the production of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and its bisulfite adducts, comprising the following steps: a) oxidizing 2-methyl-naphthalene (2-MNA) to achieve an organic phase containing 2-methyl-naphthoquinone (2-MNQ) and 6-methyl-naphthoquinone (6-MNQ); b) subjecting said organic phase to treatment with an aqueous solution of a bisulfite salt to extract preferentially the 6-MNQ isomer from the organic phase; c) separating said organic phase from the aqueous phase; d) subjecting the organic phase of process step c) to a second bisulfidation step with an aqueous solution of a bisulfite salt, resulting in an organic phase containing 2-MNA and trace amounts of 2-MNQ and an aqueous phase containing 2-MSB and trace amounts of 6-MSB; e) optionally removing interfering bisulfite ions from the aqueous phase of process step c); f) raising the pH of the aqueous phase from step c) or e) to higher than 8.

Abstract: The present invention discloses highly stabilized nicotinamide (NA) formulated vitamin K3 derivative particles, whereby the NA forms a physical protective layer (both continuous and discontinuous) leading to highly stabilized vitamin K3 derivative particles, as well as a process for their production.

Abstract: A method for purifying a Redox mediator used in a chemical process of oxidation of organic compounds. The desired purification is obtained by recovering the mediator in the form of a solution and heating this solution to evaporate the volatile impurities contained in it and to oxidize the non volatile impurities into compounds which precipitate and are extracted by filtration. The purification takes place before the mediator is regenerated in the electrolysis cell. This prevents the impurities contained in the mediator solution to negatively affect the operation of this cell.

Abstract: A method for purifying a Redox mediator used in a chemical process of oxidation of organic compounds. The desired purification is obtained by recovering the mediator in the form of a solution and heating this solution to evaporate the volatile impurities contained in it and to oxidize the non volatile impurities into compounds which precipitate and are extracted by filtration. The purification takes place before the mediator is regenerated in the electrolysis cell. This prevents the impurities contained in the mediator solution to negatively affect the operation of this cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing high purity lithium carbonate which can be used for pharmaceutical applications, electronic grade crystals of lithium or to prepare battery-grade lithium metal. Lithium carbonate as commercially produced from mineral extraction, lithium-containing brines or sea water, in aqueous solution is used as a feedstock and reacted with carbon dioxide under pressure to form dissolved lithium bicarbonate. Impurities in the lithium carbonate feedstock are either solubilized or precipitated out. Dissolved impurities are physically separated from the lithium bicarbonate using an ion selective means, such as an ion exchange material, or by liquid-liquid extraction. Purified lithium carbonate is then precipitated.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing high purity lithium carbonate which can be used for pharmaceutical applications, electronic grade crystals of lithium or to prepare battery-grade lithium metal. Lithium carbonate as commercially produced from mineral extraction, lithium-containing brines or sea water, in aqueous solution is used as a feedstock and reacted with carbon dioxide under pressure to form dissolved lithium bicarbonate. Impurities in the lithium carbonate feedstock are either solubilized or precipitated out. Dissolved impurities are physically separated from the lithium bicarbonate using an ion selective means, such as an ion exchange material, or by liquid--liquid extraction. Purified lithium carbonate is then precipitated.