Abstract: Methods for fabricating an anode, methods for fabricating a battery, and lithium batteries are disclosed. A method for fabricating an anode includes forming a melt comprising lithium and a surface tension reduction agent, wherein the surface tension reduction agent is selected from the group consisting of silver, tin, gallium, indium, zinc, and combinations thereof; and contacting an anode current collector with the melt, wherein a layer of the melt wets onto the anode current collector to form the anode as a lithium alloy.

Abstract: Lithium ion cells and methods for producing such cells are provided. The lithium ion cells include a lithium metal anode that includes a current collector and a lithium metal layer, a cathode having a lithium intercalation material, and a solid-state electrolyte (SSE) having a lithiophilic layer on a surface of the SSE. The lithiophilic includes a metal oxide. In one example, the lithiophilic layer is formed by depositing a non-aqueous precursor solution on the surface of a solid-state electrolyte (SSE), wherein the precursor solution includes a metallic nitrate, and decomposing the precursor solution to form the lithiophilic layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for pre-forming anode particles for use in lithium ion batteries. The pre-formed anode particles bear a solid electrolyte of a composition that cannot be formed in situ in the battery. The method includes providing a dispersion of anode precursor particles and an additive not found in the battery in a liquid electrolyte solution. Applying a voltage or current across the dispersion forms the solid electrolyte interphase, on the particles. These particles can be used in an electrode of a lithium ion battery.

Abstract: Lithium-ion cells and methods for producing such cells are provided. The lithium-ion cells include a lithium metal anode (LMA), a cathode, and an electrolyte between the LMA and the cathode. The LMA includes a current collector and a deformable layer on a surface of the current collector. The deformable layer is lithium-ion conductive and includes a polymeric material. The cathode has a lithium intercalation material. In some examples, lithium metal is plated on the deformable layer during charge of the lithium-ion cell to define a plated lithium layer between the deformable layer and the electrolyte, and a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer forms on the plated lithium layer separating the plated lithium layer from the electrolyte.

Abstract: A pressing machine includes pressing devices, actuators and a control module. At least one of the pressing devices includes a surface having a fluoropolymer material. At least one of the actuators is configured to adjust pressure of the pressing devices on one or more lithium foils, such that the surface presses against one of the one or more lithium foils to form a protective layer. The control module is configured to control the at least one of the actuators to adjust a parameter to control at least one of thickness of the protective layer and fluoride content of the protective layer.

Abstract: A process for making a ribbon-shaped hollow thermal conductor includes forming a sacrificial material into an insert including a plurality of parallel strands. Plating the sacrificial insert with copper to form a ribbon-shaped structure and removing the sacrificial material from within the ribbon-shaped structure to create a hollow passage through a ribbon-shaped hollow copper thermal conductor.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for the negative electrode in non-aqueous rechargeable alkali-ion batteries in free-standing form. In particular, this invention relates to the use of metal ribbon that is produced by melt spinning directly as a battery electrode. The invention also relates to a method producing a highly dispersed, multiphase composite material in a single step, as well as a way to generate porosity while maintaining the ‘binder-free’ and ‘additive-free’ characterization of the electrode.