Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems. Enhanced sensitivity provided by the present methods and systems combined with measurement conditions that reflect thermodynamically stabilized electrode conditions allow very accurate measurement of thermodynamic parameters, including state functions such as the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of electrode/electrochemical cell reactions, that enable prediction of important performance attributes of electrode materials and electrochemical systems, such as the energy, power density, current rate, the cycle life and the state of health of an electrochemical cell. Also provided are systems and methods for charging electrochemical cells; for example, systems and methods for charging an electrochemical according to its state of health.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and battery systems and for characterizing the state of health of electrodes and battery systems. Measurement of physical attributes of electrodes and batteries corresponding to thermodynamically stabilized electrode conditions permit determination of thermodynamic parameters, including state functions such as the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of electrode/electrochemical cell reactions, that enable prediction of important performance attributes of electrode materials and battery systems, such as energy, power density, current rate, cycle life and state of health. Also provided are systems and methods for charging a battery according to its state of health.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells of the present invention are versatile and include primary and secondary cells useful for a range of important applications including use in portable electronic devices. Electrochemical cells of the present invention also exhibit enhanced safety and stability relative to conventional state of the art primary lithium batteries and lithium ion secondary batteries. For example, electrochemical cells of the present invention include secondary electrochemical cells using anion charge carriers capable of accommodation by positive and negative electrodes comprising anion host materials, which entirely eliminate the need for metallic lithium or dissolved lithium ion in these systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical cells capable of good electronic performance, particularly high specific energies, useful discharge rate capabilities and good cycle life. Electrochemical cells of the present invention are versatile and include primary and secondary cells useful for a range of important applications including use in portable electronic devices. Electrochemical cells of the present invention also exhibit enhanced safety and stability relative to conventional state of the art primary lithium batteries and lithium ion secondary batteries. For example, electrochemical cells of the present invention include secondary electrochemical cells using anion charge carriers capable of accommodation by positive and negative electrodes comprising anion host materials, which entirely eliminate the need for metallic lithium or dissolved lithium ion in these systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical cells capable of good electronic performance, particularly high specific energies, useful discharge rate capabilities and good cycle life. Electrochemical cells of the present invention are versatile and include primary and secondary cells useful for a range of important applications including use in portable electronic devices. Electrochemical cells of the present invention also exhibit enhanced safety and stability relative to conventional state of the art primary lithium batteries and lithium ion secondary batteries. For example, electrochemical cells of the present invention include secondary electrochemical cells using anion charge carriers capable of accommodation by positive and negative electrodes comprising anion host materials, which entirely eliminate the need for metallic lithium or dissolved lithium ion in these systems.

Abstract: Subfluorinated carbonaceous materials obtained through direct fluorination of graphite or coke particles are provided. One set of subfluorinated carbonaceous materials has an average chemical composition CFx in which 0.63<x?0.95, 0.66<x?0.95 or 0.7<x?0.95. The subfluorinated carbonaceous materials are capable of electrochemical performance superior to commercial CF at relatively high rates of discharge.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for charging an electrochemical device, such as a secondary electrochemical cell. Charging systems and methods of some embodiments provide charging parameters, such as charging voltage and charging current, that vary in a preselected manner as a function of time so as to enhance the overall device performance (e.g., specific capacity, discharge rate, etc.) cycling properties and useful lifetime of a secondary electrochemical cell. Charging systems and methods of some embodiments provide charging parameters, such as time varying charging voltages and charging currents, that take into consideration important electrochemical cell properties that impact device performance, cycling and lifetime, such as the state of health of an electrochemical cell, and/or the health and/or composition of specific system components such as anode, cathode, and electrolyte and/or the cycle history of the electrochemical cell (e.g., cycle number, etc.).

Abstract: Ion storage electrodes formed by coating an underlying substrate with a nanofibrillar film of structured conjugate polymer nanofibers and methods of forming such electrodes are described herein. The electrical properties of the electrodes may be customized by modifying the structure of the polymer nanofibers, the thickness of the nanofiber film, and the pore size of the nanofiber films.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage and/or generation arrangements and compositions comprising an electron donor and an electron acceptor in a suitable solvent and related methods and systems to store and/or generate hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of subfluorinated carbons as a solid lubricant. Said subfluorinated carbons simultaneously contain fluorinated carbon domains with a (CF)n structure and non-fluorinated graphitic carbon domains, in powder form, as a solid lubricant. The invention can be used in the field of solid lubricants.

Abstract: The invention provides fluorinated multi-layered carbon nanomaterials and methods for their production. In one aspect of the invention, the carbon nanomaterials are partially fluorinated and retain some unreacted carbon. The invention also provides electrodes and electrochemical devices incorporating the fluorinated carbon nanomaterials of the invention.

Abstract: Described herein are electrodes comprising a fluorinated or metalloprotein oxygen dissolution enhancer provided in a solvent for enhancing dissolution of oxygen in the solvent. In related embodiments, a metal oxide dissolution enhancer is provided in the solvent for enhancing dissolution of metal oxide formed via reaction of oxygen with metal ions in the solvent. The oxygen and metal oxide dissolution enhancers of electrodes and electrochemical generators described herein enable an increased oxidation and/or reduction rate and enhance the stability and efficiency of the electrochemical generators described herein. Positive electrodes described herein, for example, are highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of solid state and liquid anode and electrolyte systems, including anodes comprising readily available and inexpensive materials such as solvated electron solutions as well as a range of solid state anodes.

Abstract: The invention provides fluorinated multi-layered carbon nanomaterials and methods for their production. In one aspect of the invention, the carbon nanomaterials are partially fluorinated and retain some unreacted carbon. The invention also provides electrodes and electrochemical devices incorporating the fluorinated carbon nanomaterials of the invention. In one aspect of the invention, the electrochemical has a first electrode including the at least partially fluorinated carbon materials of the invention and a second electrode including a source of lithium ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical cells capable of good electronic performance, particularly high specific energies, useful discharge rate capabilities and good cycle life. The invention includes primary and secondary batteries having positive and negative electrodes that exchange fluoride ions with an electrolyte comprising a fluoride salt and solvent.

Abstract: Electrodes comprising an alkali metal, for example, lithium, alloyed with nanostructured materials of formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z?1; formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z<1; and/or germanium exhibit a combination of improved capacities, cycle lives, and/or cycling rates compared with similar electrodes made from graphite. These electrodes are useful as anodes for secondary electrochemical cells, for example, batteries and electrochemical supercapacitors.

Abstract: Electrodes comprising an alkali metal, for example, lithium, alloyed with nanostructured materials of formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z?1; formula SizGe(z-1), where 0<z<1; and/or germanium exhibit a combination of improved capacities, cycle lives, and/or cycling rates compared with similar electrodes made from graphite. These electrodes are useful as anodes for secondary electrochemical cells, for example, batteries and electrochemical supercapacitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to soluble electrodes, including soluble anodes, for use in electrochemical systems, such as electrochemical generators including primary and secondary batteries and fuel cells. Soluble electrodes of the invention are capable of effective replenishing and/or regeneration, and thereby enable an innovative class of electrochemical systems capable of efficient recharging and/or electrochemical cycling. In addition, soluble electrodes of the invention provide electrochemical generators combining high energy density and enhanced safety with respect to conventional lithium ion battery technology. In some embodiments, for example, the invention provides a soluble electrode comprising an electron donor metal and electron acceptor provided in a solvent so as to generate a solvated electron solution capable of participating in oxidation and reduction reactions useful for the storage and generation of electrical current.

Abstract: Electrodes for use in electrochemical cells are provided. The electrode may include a plurality of fluoride-based nanomaterials including calcium or magnesium, wherein a carbon-based film is deposited onto at least some of the nanomaterials. Electrochemical cells comprising the electrodes of the invention are also provided; the electrodes of the invention may act as the negative electrode of the cell.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems. Enhanced sensitivity provided by the present methods and systems combined with measurement conditions that reflect thermodynamically stabilized electrode conditions allow very accurate measurement of thermodynamic parameters, including state functions such as the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of electrode/electrochemical cell reactions, that enable prediction of important performance attributes of electrode materials and electrochemical systems, such as the energy, power density, current rate, the cycle life and the state of health of an electrochemical cell. Also provided are systems and methods for charging electrochemical cells; for example, systems and methods for charging an electrochemical according to its state of health.

Abstract: Methods of purifying samples are provided that are capable of removing carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous impurities from a sample containing a carbon material having a selected structure. Purification methods are provided for removing residual metal catalyst particles enclosed in multilayer carbonaceous impurities in samples generate by catalytic synthesis methods. Purification methods are provided wherein carbonaceous impurities in a sample are at least partially exfoliated, thereby facilitating subsequent removal of carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous impurities from the sample. Methods of purifying carbon nanotube-containing samples are provided wherein an intercalant is added to the sample and subsequently reacted with an exfoliation initiator to achieve exfoliation of carbonaceous impurities.