Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical cells providing good electronic performance at low temperatures. Electrochemical cells of the present invention include lithium batteries capable of providing useful specific capacities under significant discharge rates for temperatures as low as ?60 degrees Celsius. The present invention also provides methods for making electrochemical cells including a room temperature predischarge step preceding low temperature operation that enhances the performance of batteries having subfluorinated carbonaceous positive electrode active materials at low temperatures.

Abstract: Coating materials for coating the electrodes of a fuel cell are disclosed. In one embodiment, the coating materials comprise perfluoroalkanesulfonic acids having the general formula F3C—(CF2)n—SO3H, wherein n ranges from 8 to 17. In another embodiment, the coating materials comprise perfluoroalkanesulfonimides having the general formula CnF2n+1SO2NHO2SF2m+1Cm, wherein the sum of m and n ranges from 8 to 17. These long chain sulfonic acids and imides impart improved electrode performance and decrease polarization.