Abstract: An anode material for use in lithium based electrical cells is described. The anode material comprises a fine and uniform dispersion of second phase particles in lithium. The particles have an average particle size from about 0.5 .mu.M to about 40 .mu.M and are present at a concentration ranging from about 0.1 At % to about 10 At %. The anode material exhibits a reduction in dentrite and mossy Li formation, while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties of the material for easy working. The new anode demonstrates excellent cell performance and thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte for use in a secondary lithium battery comprising (i) vanadium oxide-based cathode active material having a molar ratio of oxygen to vanadium between two and three, (ii) an anode active material selected from the group consisting of lithium, lithium ion dischargeable alloys, lithium ion dischargeable intercalation or insertion compounds, and (iii) an electrolyte solution of lithium salt(s) dissolved in a mixed organic solvent. The organic solvent is a mixture of three kinds of solvents, namely ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2MeTHF) in the following ratio:EC (x)PC(y)2MeTHF(z)where x, y and z are volumetric mixing percentages of each solvent, and x+y+z=100, x<y, z<y and x+y>50 (or z<50). The resultant secondary lithium battery has a good charge-discharge cycle life and is safe.