Abstract: A lithium ion battery cell includes an anode, a cathode, and a sacrificial lithium-containing material on the cathode configured to decompose to release lithium ions in response to first application of charge current to the cell to prompt formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase via a reaction of the lithium ions on a surface of the anode adjacent to the cathode.

Abstract: A method of making a solid state battery may include heating a flux sandwiched between a solid ceramic electrolyte and a group one metal. The flux may be heated such that it roughens a surface of the solid ceramic electrolyte and the group one metal melts and adheres to the surface of the solid ceramic electrolyte.

Abstract: A traction battery includes a plurality of cells arranged in an array and each having a pouch with an outer surface. The traction battery also includes a circuit board having terminal receptacles. A thermal couple is disposed on the outer surface of one of the cells, and includes first and second legs each formed of a metal film. Each of the legs has a terminal extending away from the pouch and inserted into one of the terminal receptacles.

Abstract: A battery electrode having improved adhesion is disclosed. The electrode may include a copper current collector, a layer of copper hydroxide contacting the copper current collector, a buffer layer contacting the layer of copper hydroxide, the buffer layer including a flexible material and a conductive material, and an electrode active material layer contacting the buffer layer. The electrode active material may be an anode active material including a carbon-silicon composite. The electrode may be formed by chemically treating the current collector to have an increased surface area and then applying a buffer layer to the chemically treated current collector surface and an electrode active material to the buffer layer. The battery electrode may be included in a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, and may improve electrode active material adhesion and battery capacity.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery including an anode, a cathode, and a liquid electrolyte; and a conduit communicating to the battery an electrolyte liquid having an electrolyte salt density lower than an electrolyte salt density of the liquid electrolyte. The electrolyte may be non-aqueous. The electrolyte may be volatile.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery including an anode, a cathode, and a liquid electrolyte; and a conduit communicating to the battery an electrolyte liquid having an electrolyte salt density lower than an electrolyte salt density of the liquid electrolyte. The electrolyte may be non-aqueous. The electrolyte may be volatile.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a hybrid catalyst system is provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid catalyst system includes a support mixture and a catalyst material supported on the support mixture, wherein the support mixture includes a first support material having a first average surface area and a second support material having a second average surface area different from the first average surface area, the first and second support materials collectively defining regions of differential hydrophobicity. In certain instances, the hybrid catalyst system can be configured as a catalyst layer to be disposed next to a proton exchange membrane of a fuel cell.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a catalyst assembly is provided for use in a fuel cell. In one embodiment, the catalyst assembly includes a first layer containing a first noble metal catalyst supported on a first support material having a first average surface area, and a second layer containing a second noble metal catalyst supported on a second support material having a second average surface area less than the first average surface area. In another embodiment, the catalyst assembly is disposed next to an ionic exchange membrane, wherein the first layer is positioned between the first layer and the ionic exchange membrane. In yet another embodiment, the first and second support materials collectively define channels of differential hydrophobicity.