Abstract: A composition-of-matter comprising a plurality of particles is disclosed herein, the particles comprising a compound (e.g., an element or a mixture of elements) which forms an alloy with an alkali metal and/or an alloy of an alkali metal with said compound. The alloy is characterized by reversibly releasing the alkali metal and absorbing the alkali metal. Some or all of the particles are encapsulated within a volume enclosed by a shell or matrix which conducts cations of the alkali metal, wherein a volume of the alloy upon maximal absorption of the alkali metal does not exceed the volume enclosed by a shell or matrix. Further disclosed herein is a process of preparing a composition-of-matter, which is effected by coating particles comprising an alloy saturated with the alkali metal with a conductor of cations of the alkali metal, as well as electrochemical half cells and batteries including the composition-of-matter.

Abstract: The present invention provides anodes comprising an electrically conductive substrate, comprising at least one non-uniform surface; and a random network of silicon nanowires (Si NWs) chemically grown on said at least one non-uniform surface of the substrate, wherein the Si NWs have at least about 30% amorphous morphology, and methods of manufacturing of the anodes. Further provided are lithium ion batteries comprising said anodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides anodes comprising an electrically conductive substrate, comprising at least one non-uniform surface; and a random network of silicon nanowires (Si NWs) chemically grown on said at least one non-uniform surface of the substrate, wherein the Si NWs have at least about 30% amorphous morphology, and methods of manufacturing of the anodes. Further provided are lithium ion batteries comprising said anodes.

Abstract: A composition-of-matter comprising a plurality of particles is disclosed herein, the particles comprising a compound (e.g., an element or a mixture of elements) which forms an alloy with an alkali metal and/or an alloy of an alkali metal with said compound. The alloy is characterized by reversibly releasing the alkali metal and absorbing the alkali metal. Some or all of the particles are encapsulated within a volume enclosed by a shell or matrix which conducts cations of the alkali metal, wherein a volume of the alloy upon maximal absorption of the alkali metal does not exceed the volume enclosed by a shell or matrix. Further disclosed herein is a process of preparing a composition-of-matter, which is effected by coating particles comprising an alloy saturated with the alkali metal with a conductor of cations of the alkali metal, as well as electrochemical half cells and batteries including the composition-of-matter.

Abstract: Methods for forming three-layer thin-film battery (TFB) structures by sequential electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on a single conductive substrate. The TFBs may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sequential EPD includes EPD of a first battery electrode followed by EPD of a porous separator on the first electrode and by EPD of a second battery electrode on the porous separator. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes a Li ion conducting solid. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes an inorganic porous solid rendered ionically conductive by impregnation with a liquid or polymer. In some embodiments, the TFBs are coated and sealed with an EPDd PEEK layer.

Abstract: Methods for forming three-layer thin-film battery (TFB) structures by sequential electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on a single conductive substrate. The TFBs may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sequential EPD includes EPD of a first battery electrode followed by EPD of a porous separator on the first electrode and by EPD of a second battery electrode on the porous separator. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes a Li ion conducting solid. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes an inorganic porous solid rendered ionically conductive by impregnation with a liquid or polymer. In some embodiments, the TFBs are coated and sealed with an EPDd PEEK layer.

Abstract: Methods for forming three-layer thin-film battery (TFB) structures by sequential electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on a single conductive substrate. The TFBs may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sequential EPD includes EPD of a first battery electrode followed by EPD of a porous separator on the first electrode and by EPD of a second battery electrode on the porous separator. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes a Li ion conducting solid. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes an inorganic porous solid rendered ionically conductive by impregnation with a liquid or polymer. In some embodiments, the TFBs are coated and sealed with an EPDd PEEK layer.

Abstract: A method, including placing a substrate of a battery in a bath consisting of a metal M chosen from a metal group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, W, V, and Mn, an oxidant selected from an oxidant group consisting of oxygen and sulfur, and a polymer. The method also includes applying an electrical current so as to form on the substrate a metal M compound cathode having a nanoscale grain structure.