Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte solution for lithium or a lithium ion cell, which improves lithium ion cell capacity retention and enhances storage life thereof. The non-aqueous solution can be implemented in the context of an electrolyte system that includes a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent formed from a mixture of one or more cyclic esters, and/or one or more chain esters, and at least one lactam based solvent. Such a system is suited for use with electrochemical energy storage devices, which are based on non-aqueous electrolytes, such as high energy density batteries and/or high power electrochemical capacitors. Such an electrochemical storage devices is generally based on non-aqueous electrolytes that include lithium salt dissolved in a solvent system.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite cathode active material having superior cell characteristics includes mixing and milling starting material, carbon and an organic complexing agent. The mixture is heated at a first temperature in an inert atmosphere to form a composite precursor, and then the precursor is ground and heated at a second temperature in an inert atmosphere to produce a carbon-containing composite cathode material having high electronic conductivity The said composite cathode has a general formula of LiFe1-xMxPO4—C, within 0?x<1, M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, V, Cr, Mn and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A lithium battery includes an electrolyte comprised of a non-aqueous solvent, and a salt mixture. The salt mixture includes an alkali metal electrolyte salt and an additive salt having an anion of a mixed anhydride of oxalic acid and boric acid. Specific additive salts include lithium bis(oxalato) borate and lithium oxalyldifluoroborate. Particular electrolyte salts comprise LiPF6 and LiBF4. The additive salt is present in an amount of 0.1–60 mole percent of the total of the additive salt and electrolyte salt content of the electrolyte. Also disclosed is a method for enhancing the performance characteristics of a lithium battery through the use of the electrolyte composition. Also disclosed is the compound lithium oxalyldifluoroborate.

Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolyte solutions capable of protecting lithium metal and lithium-inserted carbonaceous electrodes include an electrolyte salt, preferably LiPF6, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solvent mixture comprising at least one of trialkyl phosphites, one or more cyclic or/and linear carbonates, and optionally other additives, such as, gelling agents, ionically conductive solid polymers, and other additives. The trialkyl phosphites have the following general formula: wherein the oxidation number of the phosphorus atom is III (three), R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different, independently selected from linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally but not limited to, with one or more of the alkyl substituents being substituted by one or more halogen atoms, preferably fluorine atoms.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte to be used in a Li-ion battery includes a lithium salt, a cyclic carbonate, a linear carbonate and an alkyl fluorinated phosphate, of the following general formula wherein R1, R2 and R3, independently, are selected from the group consisting of straight and branched alkyl groups having 1-5 carbon atoms, and at least one of said alkyl groups is fluorinated, with the locations of said fluorination being at least ?-positioned away from the phosphorous of said phosphate, such that said alkyl phosphate has a F/H ratio of at least 0.25, and said electrolyte solution is non-flammable.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte to be used in a Li-ion battery includes a lithium salt, a cyclic carbonate, a linear carbonate and an isocyanate-based additive, with the following general formula R1—N?C?O wherein R1 represents linear or branched alkyl groups which have 1 to 7 carbon atoms, or aromatic groups having the following general formula wherein R2 and R3, which may be the same or different and located at any positions of carbons 2, 2?, 3, 3? and 4 in the benzyl ring, represent hydrogen atoms or halogen atoms, isocyanate groups, either groups, ester groups or alkyl groups, having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and are optionally substituted with halogen atoms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, —Sm—, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a cationic polymer comprising quaternary ammonium salt groups. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to solid composite cathodes which comprise (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing cathode material which, in its oxidized state, comprises a polysulfide moiety of the formula, --S.sub.m --, wherein m is an integer from 3 to 10; and (b) a cationic polymer comprising quaternary ammonium salt groups. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells comprising such solid composite cathodes, and methods of making such solid composite cathodes and electric current producing cells.