Abstract: A technique of operating a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is proposed for maximizing battery life. In a first instance, this technique calls for charging the battery at a lower temperature than the temperature at which discharge begins. Preferably, the battery is charged at a temperature T.sub.1 in the range between about +5.degree. C. and -20.degree. C.; and discharged at a temperature T.sub.2, in the range of about +5.degree. C. to +30.degree. C., T.sub.2 being higher than T.sub.1. In another instance proposed by the invention, the battery is charged to an elevated state of charge which is above an initial state of charge at a temperature T.sub.1 between about +5.degree. C. and -20.degree. C. which is lower than a temperature T.sub.2, in the range of about +5.degree. C. to +30.degree. C., at which discharge begins.

Abstract: An improved method of charging a rechargeable nickel/hydrogen battery comprises the steps of applying a charging current to the battery resulting in a substantially full state of charge, then for a period up to approximately 60 minutes before the onset of discharging, applying a boost charging current at a rate in the range of approximately C to C/20 for a duration up to approximately 60 minutes. The charging of the battery before applying the boost step may include the application of a taper charging current. Also, at the end of the taper charging step and immediately prior to the boost charge, a trickle charging current may be applied at a rate in the range of approximately C/80 to C/500. In another instance, when the battery has been charged to about 70% to 95% of a full state of charge, the linearly decreasing taper charge may be applied until a final desired recharge ratio is reached.

Abstract: A method for making a battery electrode includes roughening the surface of a substrate (10) that constitutes a precursor to the electrode, using an electrolytic solution (12) with electrical potential perturbations applied thereto. The substrate (10) of porous sintered nickel powder is first formed. The electrolytic solution (12) prefereably contains the pure metal that forms the electrode. Then all gases in and around the substrate (10) are preferably removed. Next, the substrate (10) is placed in the solution (12) for a predetermined amount of time. Potential perturbations are then applied to the substrate (10) and the solution (12). The potential peturbations vary between the voltages necessary for electrodissolution and electrodepositon of the substrate (10), and thus, cause the surface of the substrate (10) to be roughened as portions of the substrate (10) are dissolved into the solution (12) and then redeposited onto the substrate's (10) surface.