Abstract: A method for the production of a composite anode material, the method comprising the method steps of: (i) Subjecting a graphitic material to a coating step in which the graphitic material is coated with a carbon matrix; (ii) Passing the product of step (i) to a shaping step to produce shaped composites; and (iii) Thermal treatment of the composites of step (ii), thereby producing a composite anode material comprising a plurality of graphitic particles held within the carbon matrix and about which is provided an amorphous carbon shell. The composite anode material is also described.

Abstract: An anode material comprising graphite particles of predominantly two distinct sizes. Also described are a method for producing an anode material comprising graphite particles of predominantly two distinct sizes and a battery comprising an anode material as described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery-to-battery charging device, method of charging and use of the charging device. The method comprises steps of discharging a battery to a power connector using a charging engine, wherein a receiver battery is separably connectable to the power connector, sending data on the condition of the battery to a controller, and adjusting the discharge rate of the battery to increase the discharge rate, wherein the discharge rate is increased to a rate of 3C or more. The device can be used for providing fast battery-to-battery charging, in particular from a portable battery to a larger receiver battery (for example an electric vehicle or uninterrupted power supply battery).

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery comprising a power conditioning circuit operable to condition power discharged from a plurality of connected cells to provide an output voltage range narrower than the input voltage of the plurality of connect cells. The invention also relates to a method of discharging a high-rate energy storage system comprising discharging, using a power conditioning circuit, a plurality of connected cells in a first voltage range, conditioning power discharged from the plurality of connected cells to provide an output voltage in a second range, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range on a per cell basis. The power conditioning circuit may comprise a dual-stage boost converter coupled to a plurality of connected cells. The battery can be used to discharge cells over a wide cell voltage range and provide a narrower and more usable voltage range to a load, to facilitate fast cell cycling.

Abstract: A solid-state battery anode composition comprising a graphitic material and a solid electrolyte material, wherein the graphitic material is provided in the form of ground primary graphite particles. A method for producing a solid-state battery anode comprising an anode composition is also described.

Abstract: A cathode composition, the cathode comprising a graphitic material additive, wherein the graphitic material additive comprises graphitic particles having a generally non-spheroidal form and a D50 of less than about 15 ?m. A method of producing a graphitic material additive for use in a cathode composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid-state battery anode composition comprising a graphitic material and a solid electrolyte material, wherein the graphitic material is provided in the form of ground primary graphite particles. A method for producing a solid-state battery anode comprising an anode composition is also described.

Abstract: A method for the production of a composite material comprising: Subjecting silicon particles to a size reduction step with graphite particles in a solvent and/or in the presence of a polymer, to produce coated silicon nanoparticles; Processing the product of step (i) with or without a binder to produce composites; Thermal treatment of the composites of step (ii), thereby producing a composite material comprising a plurality of coated silicon nanoparticles, graphite particles and a carbon matrix, wherein the graphite particles are held within the carbon matrix; Coating of the composites of step (iii) with a binder; and Thermal treatment of the composites of step (iv) thereby producing a shell comprising amorphous carbon. A silicon and graphite containing composite material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode having a surface layer of niobium-containing metal oxide disposed on a secondary active electrode material. The niobium-containing metal oxide may be a Nb2O5 polymorph, NbO2 or Nb2O3, or it may be a mixed metal oxides such as niobium tungsten oxide, titanium niobium oxide or niobium molybdenum oxide. Also provide is an electrochemical cell comprising the electrode, and the use of the cell, for example in a lithium ion battery, at elevated or reduced temperatures.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a steel sheet or steel strip for a battery case including the steps of providing a Ni-plated steel sheet or strip, and applying a graphene based coating layer on the Ni-plated steel sheet or strip, wherein the graphene based coating layer is applied by chemical vapour deposition.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a steel sheet or steel strip for a battery case including the steps of providing a Ni-plated steel sheet or strip, and applying a graphene based coating layer on the Ni-plated steel sheet or strip, wherein the graphene based coating layer is applied by chemical vapour deposition.