Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy active material for the anode of Ovonic instant startup/regenerative fuel cells. The active material includes a hydrogen storage alloy material with a water reactive chemical hydride additive, which, upon utilization of the active material in an anode of an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell, gives the anode added benefits, not attainable by using hydrogen storage alloy material alone. These added benefits include 1) precharge of the hydrogen storage material with hydrogen; 2) higher porosity/increased surface area/reduced electrode polarization at high currents; 3) simplified, faster activation of the hydrogen storage alloy; and 4) optionally, enhanced corrosion protection for the hydrogen storage alloy.

Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries and modules. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power.

Abstract: Fuel cell cathodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the cathode. The cathodes operate through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such cathodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the cathode at all times.

Abstract: An active composition for the electrode of an alkaline electrochemical cell. The active composition comprises an active electrode material and an additive material selected from the group consisting of a Raney alloy, and a Raney catalyst. The active composition may be used to form metal hydride electrodes.

Abstract: An active material mixture for use in a paste for fabricating positive electrodes, comprising a nickel hydroxide material, and an additive material comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of a rare earth mineral, and a rare earth concentrate. A nickel positive electrode and an alkaline electrochemical cell using this active material mixture.

Abstract: A method for producing a structurally modified nickel hydroxide active material for the positive electrode of an alkaline electrochemical cell. The method comprises the steps of combining a nickel ion solution, an ammonium hydroxide solution, and an alkali metal hydroxide solution to form a reaction mixture; and cycling the supersaturation of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material mixture comprising: a nickel hydroxide material, and an additive material comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of calcium cobalt oxide, calcium titanium oxide, calcium molybdenum oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, and mixtures thereof. A nickel positive electrode comprising this active material mixture. A nickel-based, alkaline electrochemical cell comprising this positive electrode.

Abstract: A positive electrode for use in alkaline rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising: a material comprising a compositionally and structurally disordered multiphase nickel hydroxide host matrix which includes at least one modifier chosen from the group consisting of F, Li, Na, K, Mg, Ba, La, Se, Nd, Pr, Y, Co, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sc, Sn, Sb, Te, Bi, Ru, and Pb.

Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries, modules and fluid-cooled battery pack systems. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power.

Abstract: Nickel-metal hydride batteries and electrodes are capable of increased power output and recharge rates. The electrodes and batteries produced therefrom exhibit increased internal conductance. The positive and negative electrodes may be formed by pressing powdered metal-hydride active materials into porous metal substrates. The porous metal substrates are formed from copper, copper-plated nickel, or a copper-nickel alloy, and may be additionally plated with a material which is electrically conductive and resistant to corrosion in the battery environment, such as nickel.

Abstract: Nickel-metal hydride batteries and electrodes capable of increased power output and recharge rates. The positive and negative electrodes may be formed by pressing powdered metal-hydride active materials into porous metal substrates. The porous metal substrates are formed from copper, copper-plated nickel, or a copper-nickel alloy. The electrode tab are directly attached to the porous metal substrate via a low electrical-resistance connection which includes welding, brazing, or soldering.

Abstract: A modular metal hydride hydrogen storage system which can provide a robust and reliable source of hydrogen that can quickly and easily be modified for a variety of applications and environments. The hydrogen storage system comprises at least one storage module. Each storage module comprises a container having at least one open end, a metal hydride hydrogen storage means, means for introducing gaseous hydrogen into and withdrawing gaseous hydrogen from the container, and means for connecting storage modules together end-to-end to form a plurality of storage modules.

Abstract: A robust terminal for a prismatic battery comprising a terminal post, and a connector strap mechanically joined to the terminal post. Electrode tabs are mechanically joined to the connector strap. Connection points between the tabs and the connector strap have two or more degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A modular metal hydride hydrogen storage system which can provide a robust and reliable source of hydrogen that can quickly and easily be modified for a variety of applications and environments. The hydrogen storage system comprises at least one storage module. Each storage module comprises a container for storing metal hydride and gaseous hydrogen, and an adapter for connecting storage modules together end-to-end to form a connected sequence of storage modules.

Abstract: A positive electrode for use in alkaline rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising: a material comprising a compositionally and structurally disordered multiphase nickel hydroxide host matrix which includes at least one modifier.

Abstract: A positive electrode for use in alkaline rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising: a material comprising a compositionally and structurally disordered multiphase nickel hydroxide host matrix which includes at least one modifier chosen from the group consisting of F, Li, Na, K, Mg, Ba, Ln, Se, Nd, Pr, Y, Co, Zn, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sc, Sn, Sb, Te, Bi, Ru, and Pb.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately measuring pressure within a rechargeable cell, the apparatus comprising: a frame, the frame including at least one cavity adapted to releasably seat a rechargeable cell; a fixed brace defining a first end of the at least one cavity; a movable brace defining the end of the at least one cavity opposite from the fixed brace, the movable brace including a hollow needle, the hollow needle having a pointed end which is operatively directed toward one end of a rechargeable cell disposed in the cavity, and means for sealing a point where the hollow needle is inserted into a rechargeable cell; a pressure transducer operatively connected with the hollow needle; and means for controllably moving the movable brace relative to the fixed brace, whereby the hollow needle is adapted for insertion into and removal from a rechargeable cell disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A resealable, ventable hydrogen impermeable cover assembly for sealing a rechargeable, metal hydride hydrogen storage alloy electrochemical cell. The cover assembly includes, inter alia, a multilayered vent septum comprising at least one layer of a substantially hydrogen impermeable, highly compressible material and at least one layer of a high durometer hardness material exhibiting low pressure hysteresis.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel active materials which reversibly store hydrogen under conditions which make them exceptionally well-suited for elecrochemical applications. These active materials have both novel compositions and structures. A first group of active material compositions incorporate the elements of titanium, vanadium, and nickel. A second group adds zirconium to the first group of active materials. A preferred third composition group adds chromium to the first group of active materials. These materials may be single or multiphase combinations of amorphous, microcrystalline, or polycrystalline structures. Preferably, these materials have a multiphase polycrystalline structure. Methods of reducing the size or of sizing these materials, as well as other hydride-forming alloys, also are provided. Methods of preparing the inventive hydrogen storage materials and fabricating electrodes from these active materials are contemplated.

Abstract: A catalytic material for electrochemically oxidizing hydrogen sulfide or another sulfur containing gas is provided to accomplish decomposition of the gas. The catalytic materials can be incorporated in an anode for use in a electrolytic cell for removing sulfur from a contaminated useful gas to produce useful sulfur products. The catalytic materials also can be incorporated in an anode for a fuel cell wherein hydrogen sulfide or other sulfur containing gas is utilized as the fuel which is oxidized at the anode to produce electrical energy. The catalytic materials of the present invention are of a disordered multicomponent material which includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of transition elements and at least one modifying element selected from the group consisting of sulfur and oxygen. The host matrix and substrate can also include a carbon containing composition.