Abstract: A method for reducing capacity fading of an LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 spinel electrode active material comprising substituting a minor amount of Z for Mn in the LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 active material, where Z is a metal element having a +4 (IV) valence state and is characterized by an ability to form tetravalent chlorides. The Z substituted LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 active material is further characterized by a lesser rate of capacity loss with cycling as compared to LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 active material.

Abstract: The invention provides a new positive electrode active material having increased capacity and a method for operating an electrochemical lithium cell or battery which has the new positive electrode active material composition. The positive electrode comprises first and second lithium-containing active materials which are different from one another. The invention provides the ability to overcome first cycle inefficiency typically observed when using a single lithium-containing metal chalcogenide by adding a small amount of a second lithium-containing metal chalcogenide, preferably lithium copper oxide.

Abstract: Non-aqueous lithium solid electrochemical cells with improved performance can be fabricated by employing intercalation based carbon anodes and cathodes comprising Li.sub.x Ni.sub.y CO.sub.1-y VO.sub.4 wherein 0.9.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.1.1 and 0.1<y<0.9 as the cathode active material.

Abstract: The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrolyte; a negative electrode having a compatible active material; and a positive electrode comprising a lithium copper oxide intercalation compound. The positive electrode active material is characterized by an ability to deintercalate lithium ions for intercalation into the negative electrode active material. The lithium copper oxide has a proportion of 2 lithium ions per formula unit of the copper oxide and upon electrochemical interaction with a negative electrode deintercalates lithium ions whereupon the proportion of lithium ions per copper oxide formula unit is less than 2. The lithium copper oxide is a compound represented by the nominal general formula Li.sub.2 CuO.sub.2. The lithium copper oxide compound is alternatively represented by the nominal general formula Li.sub.2-x CuO.sub.2, signifying its capability to deintercalate lithium.

Abstract: The lithiated vanadium oxide, Li.sub.x V.sub.5 O.sub.12+y wherein 0.94.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.2 and 0.97.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1) its method of making and its use as a cathode active material in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A solid secondary, lithium electrochemical cell comprises a physical mixture of Li.sub.x Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 (spinel) (O<x.ltoreq.2) and Li.sub.y -.alpha.-MnO.sub.2 (O.ltoreq.y<1). The cell is particularly suitable for use with anodes carbon materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for synthesizing vanadium oxide V.sub.6 O.sub.13 with a filament-like morphology by thermally decomposing ammonium metavanadate NH.sub.4 VO.sub.3 in the presence of a compound which sublimes upon heating. The reaction is carried out in an inert gas flow. The V.sub.6 O.sub.13 synthesized according to this invention can be used as cathode active material in electrochemical batteries.

Abstract: A method of making non-stoichiometric vanadium oxides V.sub.6 O.sub.13+X by treatment with H.sub.2 O.sub.2.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing higher surface area vanadium oxides, having the chemical formula V.sub.2 O.sub.13+x, wherein 0.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.0.5, that are employed in fabricating cathode active materials for solid secondary electrochemical cells, is provided. The method includes forming dense NH.sub.4 VO.sub.3 pellets and heating the pellets to decompose the NH.sub.4 VO.sub.3 into V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and NH.sub.3, whereby the NH.sub.3 reduces the V.sub.2 O.sub.5 into vanadium oxides.

Abstract: A method of making non-stoichiometric vanadium oxides V.sub.6 O.sub.13+x by treatment with H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in an organic medium.