Abstract: Electrospun polymers are disclosed for use in lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The disclosed electrospun polymers may be positioned between the cathode and a solid-state electrolyte to enhance the Li-ion cell's performance, safety, and resiliency to mechanical failure.

Abstract: Electrodes are disclosed that include a polymer electron donor, an electron acceptor, a lithium salt, and a solvent. In select embodiments, the components of the electrode may form a charge-transfer complex polymer (CTCP) to achieve high local lithium concentration and endow fast lithium mobility. In another aspect, an improved polymer electrolyte that uses block copolymers composed of monomers is described in which one of the monomers contains electron-rich pi systems and the other of the monomers contains electron-poor pi systems. The block copolymers may be combined with a salt to form the polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electrode active material comprising a lithium metal oxide and an overcharge protection additive having an operating voltage higher than the operating voltage of the lithium metal oxide.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a battery cathode includes forming a mixture having a lithium metal oxide and an overcharge protection additive, the overcharge protection additive having an operating voltage higher than an operating voltage of the lithium metal oxide. The lithium metal oxide is provided in an amount sufficient to provide a desired operating capacity for a lithium ion battery cell, and the overcharge protection additive has a higher operating voltage than the lithium metal oxide such that the overcharge protection additive can undergo reversible lithium removal during overcharging of the lithium ion battery cell. The method also includes contacting the mixture with a current collector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lithium cell is disclosed. The method can include providing a lithium cell having an operating voltage range, where the lithium cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with, and between, the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The negative electrode can include lithium titanate and the electrolyte can include an additive. The method can also include reducing the additive to form a coating on a surface of the negative electrode in contact with the electrolyte. The reducing step can include overcharging the lithium cell to a voltage greater than an upper limit of the operating voltage range and dropping a voltage of the negative electrode to 0.2-1V vs. lithium.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lithium cell is disclosed. The method can include providing a lithium cell having an operating voltage range, where the lithium cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with, and between, the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The negative electrode can include lithium titanate and the electrolyte can include an additive. The method can also include reducing the additive to form a coating on a surface of the negative electrode in contact with the electrolyte. The reducing step can include overcharging the lithium cell to a voltage greater than an upper limit of the operating voltage range and dropping a voltage of the negative electrode to 0.2-1V vs. lithium.