Abstract: The present invention provides a Li-ion pouch cell wherein the Li-ion pouch cells comprise a sealed enclosure, electrode stack and thermally conductive elements, wherein the electrode stack and the thermally conductive elements are in the sealed enclosure, the thermally conductive elements include extensions which extend beyond the electrode stack, the sealed enclosure has thermal conductivity, the thermally conductive elements provide a thermally conductive pathway connecting the electrode stack and the sealed enclosure by way of the extension. The present invention also provides a cell module comprising the Li-ion pouch cells. The Li-ion pouch cell and the cell module according to the present application could minimize differences in cell temperature, monitor internal cell temperature, cool the cell rapidly, increase cell and module safety, allowing for minimal impact on cell energy density, performance or life and difficulty of manufacturing.

Abstract: Li-ion cathode materials with improved performance characteristics and precursors to prepare such materials are disclosed. The precursors consist of complex, mixed alkali transition metal oxides of the formula LixAy(MnaNibMc)O2+d, where M represents one or more selected from transition metal elements beside Ni and Mn, and the groups IIA and IIIA elements of the periodic table, x is between 1 and 1.4, y is between 0.1 and 0.5, and x+y is between 1.1 and 1.5, a+b+c=1, the value of d depends on the proportions and average oxidation states of the cation elements Li, A, Mn, Ni and M such that the combined positive charge of the cation elements is balanced by the number of oxygen anions, A represents one or more elements selected from Na, K and Cs. The Li-ion cathode materials are produced by exchange of element(s) A for Li under mild conditions to limit the degree of structural reorganization that occurs during the reaction.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a process for recycling electrode material from lithium-ion batteries, comprising harvesting a mixture of anode and cathode electrode materials from waste lithium-ion batteries, and separating the anode electrode material from the cathode electrode material by means of dense liquid separation. The mixed anode and cathode material is suspended in a liquid that has a density between those of the anode material and cathode material, such that the anode material rises to the top of the dense liquid and the cathode material sinks to the bottom of the dense liquid. The thus separated materials can easily be collected and further purified and regenerated for reuse in new lithium-ion batteries, providing an efficient and low-cost method for recycling electrode active materials from waste lithium-ion batteries.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a process for recycling electrode material from lithium-ion batteries, comprising harvesting a mixture of anode and cathode electrode materials from waste lithium-ion batteries, and separating the anode electrode material from the cathode electrode material by means of dense liquid separation. The mixed anode and cathode material is suspended in a liquid that has a density between those of the anode material and cathode material, such that the anode material rises to the top of the dense liquid and the cathode material sinks to the bottom of the dense liquid. The thus separated materials can easily be collected and further purified and regenerated for reuse in new lithium-ion batteries, providing an efficient and low-cost method for recycling electrode active materials from waste lithium-ion batteries.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a process for preparing a cathode active material for lithium-ion batteries, comprising preparing a slurry by mixing a lithium-deficient cathode active material for lithium-ion batteries with a solution containing lithium-ions; and applying a direct current in the slurry using a working electrode and a counter electrode. A method for recycling the cathode active material from lithium-ion batteries is also provided. The process of the invention can be used to recycle the cathode active material from used or waste lithium-ion batteries efficiently and at low cost, and the recycled cathode active material can be used to prepare new lithium-ion batteries.

Abstract: Li-ion cathode materials with improved performance characteristics and precursors to prepare such materials are disclosed. The precursors consist of complex, mixed alkali transition metal oxides of the formula LixAy(MnaNibMc)O2+d, where M represents one or more selected from transition metal elements beside Ni and Mn, and the groups IIA and IIIA elements of the periodic table, x is between 1 and 1.4, y is between 0.1 and 0.5, and x+y is between 1.1 and 1.5, a+b+c=1, the value of d depends on the proportions and average oxidation states of the cation elements Li, A, Mn, Ni and M such that the combined positive charge of the cation elements is balanced by the number of oxygen anions, A represents one or more elements selected from Na, K and Cs. The Li-ion cathode materials are produced by exchange of element(s) A for Li under mild conditions to limit the degree of structural reorganization that occurs during the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Li-ion pouch cell wherein the Li-ion pouch cells comprise a sealed enclosure, electrode stack and thermally conductive elements, wherein the electrode stack and the thermally conductive elements are in the sealed enclosure, the thermally conductive elements include extensions which extend beyond the electrode stack, the sealed enclosure has thermal conductivity, the thermally conductive elements provide a thermally conductive pathway connecting the electrode stack and the sealed enclosure by way of the extension. The present invention also provides a cell module comprising the Li-ion pouch cells. The Li-ion pouch cell and the cell module according to the present application could minimize differences in cell temperature, monitor internal cell temperature, cool the cell rapidly, increase cell and module safety, allowing for minimal impact on cell energy density, performance or life and difficulty of manufacturing.

Abstract: An abatement system is provided which includes 1) an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent; and 2) an ambient air supply system. The ambient air supply system includes an air moving device, wherein the ambient air supply system is adapted to supply ambient air to the abatement unit for use as an oxidant. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlled combustion and decomposition of gaseous pollutants while reducing deposition of unwanted reaction products from within the treatment systems. The systems include a novel thermal reaction chamber design having stacked reticulated ceramic rings through which fluid, e.g., gases, may be directed to form a boundary layer along the interior wall of the thermal reaction chamber, thereby reducing particulate matter buildup thereon. The systems further include the introduction of fluids from the center pilot jet to alter the aerodynamics of the interior of the thermal reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlled combustion and decomposition of gaseous pollutants while reducing deposition of unwanted reaction products from within the treatment systems. The systems include a novel thermal reaction chamber design having stacked reticulated ceramic rings through which fluid, e.g., gases, may be directed to form a boundary layer along the interior wall of the thermal reaction chamber, thereby reducing particulate matter buildup thereon. The systems further include the introduction of fluids from the center pilot jet to alter the aerodynamics of the interior of the thermal reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal reactor apparatus used to treat industrial effluent fluids, for example waste effluent produced in semiconductor and liquid crystal display manufacturing processes. Specifically, the present invention relates to improved monitoring and control features for the thermal reactor apparatus, including a flame sensing device, an intrinsically safe flammable gas sensing device, and a sequential mode of operation having built-in safety redundancy. The improved monitoring and control features ensure the safe and efficient abatement of waste effluent within the thermal reactor apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlled combustion of gaseous pollutants while reducing and removing deposition of unwanted reaction products from within the treatment systems. The systems employ a two-stage thermal reactor having an upper thermal reactor including at least one inlet for mixing a gaseous waste stream with oxidants and combustible fuels for thermal combustion within the upper thermal reactor. The upper thermal reactor further includes a double wall structure having an outer exterior wall and an interior porous wall that defines an interior space for holding a fluid and ejecting same, in a pulsating mode, through the interior porous wall into the upper thermal reactor to reduce deposition of the reaction products on the interior of the upper reactor chamber.

Abstract: An abatement system is provided which includes 1) an abatement unit adapted to abate effluent; and 2) an ambient air supply system comprising an air moving device, wherein the ambient air supply system is adapted to supply ambient air to the abatement unit for use as an oxidant. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlled combustion of gaseous pollutants while reducing and removing deposition of unwanted reaction products from within the treatment systems. The systems employ a two-stage thermal reactor having an upper thermal reactor including at least one inlet for mixing a gaseous waste stream with oxidants and combustible fuels for thermal combustion within the upper thermal reactor. The upper thermal reactor further includes a double wall structure having an outer exterior wall and an interior porous wall that defines an interior space for holding a fluid and ejecting same, in a pulsating mode, through the interior porous wall into the upper thermal reactor to reduce deposition of the reaction products on the interior of the upper reactor chamber.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a gaseous waste abatement system having a pre-installed controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The method that includes (1) providing a catalyst bed within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (2) introducing a gaseous waste stream into the CDO thermal reaction chamber so as to expose the gaseous waste stream to the catalyst bed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In certain aspects, a system is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) from a gaseous waste stream that includes (1) a wet scrubber adapted to scrub a gaseous waste stream and having an outlet adapted to discharge a scrubbed gaseous waste stream; and (2) a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a CDO thermal reaction chamber that includes (a) an inlet coupled to the outlet of the wet scrubber; (b) a catalyst bed adapted to abate PFCs within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (c) an outlet. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a gaseous waste abatement system having a pre-installed controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The method that includes (1) providing a catalyst bed within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (2) introducing a gaseous waste stream into the CDO thermal reaction chamber so as to expose the gaseous waste stream to the catalyst bed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, an apparatus is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The apparatus includes (1) a cartridge insertable into the thermal reaction chamber having gas-permeable first and second ends and including a catalyst material; and (2) thermally-conductive fixtures positioned within the cartridge. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) system is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) that includes (1) an upstream portion including a first conduit adapted to convey a gaseous waste stream; (2) a thermal reaction chamber having an inlet coupled to the first conduit, a catalyst bed adapted to abate PFCs, and an outlet; and (3) a downstream portion including a second conduit having a first end coupled to the outlet of the thermal reaction chamber and having a portion, downstream from the first end, positioned proximate to the first conduit. The second conduit is adapted to convey a gaseous waste stream heated within the thermal reaction chamber to enable a transfer of heat energy from the second conduit to the first conduit so as to pre-heat the gaseous waste stream in the first conduit. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlled combustion and decomposition of gaseous pollutants while reducing deposition of unwanted reaction products from within the treatment systems. The systems include a novel thermal reaction chamber design having stacked reticulated ceramic rings through which fluid, e.g., gases, may be directed to form a boundary layer along the interior wall of the thermal reaction chamber, thereby reducing particulate matter buildup thereon. The systems further include the introduction of fluids from the center pilot jet to alter the aerodynamics of the interior of the thermal reaction chamber.