Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to materials used in secondary batteries and the method for manufacturing the same. To address the problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a negative electrode material for a non-aqueous Li-ion cell comprising active component particles capable of reversibly intercalating or alloying with lithium ions with a carbon coating layer containing an electronically conductive, elastic, carbon material capable of reversibly expanding and contracting to maintain electrical contact between the particles within an electrode matrix as the material is cycled electrochemically. Accordingly, several objects and advantages of embodiments of the invention include improved cycle life of high capacity active materials suitable for use in secondary batteries and the high capacity, long life cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite material for use as an anode for Li-ion batteries and its preparation method and use. The composite material comprises the components represented by the following formula: Ma1-Xa2—Sed1—Yd2—Cc in which, M represents one or more selected from Sn, Al, Pb, Sb, Si and Bi; X represents one or more selected from Cu, V, Co, Ti, Mo, Mg, W and Zn; Y represents Si and/or Ge; and a1, a2, d1, d2 and c represent the weight ratio of M, X, Se, Y and C to the total amount of M, X, Se, Y and C, respectively, wherein a1+a2 is equal to 0.4-0.7, d1+d2 is equal to 0.05-0.6, c is equal to 0.01-0.25, d2/d1 ranges from 0 to 1/1.4, and a2/a1 ranges from 0 to 1/1.5.

Abstract: A negative electrode (12) for a non-aqueous electrochemical cell (10) with an intermetallic host structure containing two or more elements selected from the metal elements and silicon, capable of accommodating lithium within its crystallographic host structure such that when the host structure is lithiated it transforms to a lithiated zinc-blende-type structure. Both active elements (alloying with lithium) and inactive elements (non-alloying with lithium) are disclosed. Electrochemical cells and batteries as well as methods of making the negative electrode are disclosed.

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.