Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode that includes an active material including silicon. The electrochemical cell further includes a positive electrode that includes a first lithium metal oxide and a second lithium metal oxide. The first lithium metal oxide includes a material having (i) a nickel content of less than 30 mole %, based on the total moles of non-lithium metals in the first lithium metal oxide; and (ii) a D50 of greater than 2 micrometers. The second lithium metal oxide includes a material having (i) a nickel content of greater than 30 mole %, based on the total moles of non-lithium metals in the first lithium metal oxide; and (ii) a D50 of less than 2 micrometers. The second lithium metal oxide is provided in the positive electrode composition in an amount of less than 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the first lithium metal oxide and second lithium metal oxide in the positive electrode composition.

Abstract: Lithium metal electrodes including a graphite-modified surface and the methods for making the electrodes are provided. Electrochemical device components include a lithium metal electrode having a first major surface, and a surface layer disposed on the first major surface of the lithium metal electrode. The surface layer has a composition including a compound of graphite and lithium. The surface layer is electrically conductive and lithium-ion conductive, and the surface layer is chemically compatible with the lithium metal on a first side in contact with the lithium metal electrode, and chemically compatible with electrolyte environments on a second side of the surface layer.

Abstract: Thin film alloy electrodes are provided that are useful as negative electrodes in lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The alloys include aluminum and at least one additional electrochemically active metal or composite. They can be used as a current collector or as a complete electrode.

Abstract: Irreversible first cycle capacity loss in lithium secondary cells having a cell electrode based on a powdered material and a binder may be significantly decreased or eliminated by using an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyimide binder. Compared to conventional polyimide binders prepared by reacting an aromatic dianhydride and a diamine, the disclosed polyimide binders have decreased aromatic carbonyl content, may be less likely to undergo electrochemical reduction, and may be less likely to consume electrons that might otherwise help lithiate the electrode.

Abstract: Thin film alloy electrodes are provided that are useful as negative electrodes in lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The alloys include aluminum and at least one additional electrochemically active metal or composite. They can be used as a current collector or as a complete electrode.

Abstract: An electrode composition for a lithium ion battery comprises a binder, electrochemically active particles, metallic conductive diluent particles, and non-metallic conductive diluent particles. The electrochemically active particles and the metallic conductive diluent particles do not share a common phase boundary, and are present in a molar ratio less than or equal to 3. Methods of making the electrode composition and lithium ion batteries using the same are also disclosed.