Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of preparing porous silicon films and particles by: (1) etching a silicon material by exposure of the silicon material to a constant current density in a solution (e.g., hydrofluoric acid solution) to produce a porous silicon film over a substrate; and (2) separating the porous silicon film from the substrate by gradually increasing the electric current density in sequential increments. The methods of the present invention may also include a step of associating the porous silicon film with a binding material, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The methods of the present invention may also include a step of splitting the porous silicon film to form porous silicon particles. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of preparing porous silicon particles and anode materials that may be derived from the porous silicon films and porous silicon particles of the present invention.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides novel methods of preparing porous silicon films and particles for lithium ion batteries. In some embodiments, such methods generally include: (1) etching a silicon material by exposure of the silicon material to a constant current density in a solution to produce a porous silicon film over a substrate; and (2) separating the porous silicon film from the substrate by gradually increasing the electric current density in sequential increments. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may also include a step of associating the porous silicon film with a binding material. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may also include a step of splitting the porous silicon film to form porous silicon particles. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to anode materials derived from the porous silicon films and porous silicon particles.

Abstract: A battery having a laminate structure of alternating layers of polymer matrix material and solid-state battery elements is fabricated. Individual solid-state battery elements are created in a deposition apparatus, each battery element having successive solid-state thin films concentrically formed over a conductive wire substrate to define anode, electrolyte and cathode active layers sandwiched between inner and outer current collectors. Inner current collectors are electrically coupled to each other (and likewise the outer current collectors) such that battery elements are connected in a specified series and parallel arrangement. Sets of the individual battery elements are laid upon cloth layers such that outer current collectors of the battery elements physically contact the cloth and the cloth layers are impregnated with selected thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, the impregnated cloth layers and their respective contacting battery elements are stacked to form a composite laminate.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides novel methods of preparing porous silicon films and particles for lithium ion batteries. In some embodiments, such methods generally include: (1) etching a silicon material by exposure of the silicon material to a constant current density in a solution to produce a porous silicon film over a substrate; and (2) separating the porous silicon film from the substrate by gradually increasing the electric current density in sequential increments. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may also include a step of associating the porous silicon film with a binding material. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention may also include a step of splitting the porous silicon film to form porous silicon particles. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to anode materials derived from the porous silicon films and porous silicon particles.

Abstract: A modular vehicle system for a vehicle is provided which includes one or more elongated modular members adapted to be coupled to an interior portion of a vehicle, where one or more removable articles are configured for attachment to one or more of the members and a utility system provides utilities to the articles. One or more holders are positioned to align with the members and are coupled to the articles for attaching the articles to one or more of the members. The articles are interchangeable across multiple different vehicles, including different vehicle models and makes.

Abstract: A method for removing HF from a solid electrolyte using alumina is disclosed. The solid electrolyte contains a polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, and a toughening agent. The toughening agent may include alumina, silica, zeolite, and metal oxides (e.g., calcium oxide and magnesium oxide), and mixtures thereof. The toughening agent acts as a drying agent to remove excess solvent in the electrolyte. The solid electrolytes have improved mechanical strength and adherence to the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte containing a polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, and a toughening agent, is provided. The toughening agent may include alumina, silica, zeolite, and metal oxides (e.g., calcium oxide and magnesium oxide), and mixtures thereof. The toughening agent acts as a drying agent to remove excess solvent in the electrolyte. The solid electrolyte have improved mechanical strength and adherence to the anode and cathode.