Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous and nonvolatile liquid type polymeric electrolyte comprising poly(siloxane-g-ethylene oxide). This electrolyte provides significant safety and stability. The present invention solves the problems of volatility, flammability and chemical reactivity of lithium ion type electrolytes. The disclosed electrolyte exhibits excellent stability, conductivity and low impedance characteristics. The electrolyte comprises a new class of structural siloxane polymers with one or more poly(ethylene oxide) side chains. The inorganic siloxanes comprising the main backbone of the copolymers are thermally very stable and resistant to decomposition by heat. Because the main chain of the disclosed class of electrolytes is an Si—O linkage, initiation of the combustion cycle is inhibited or prevented.

Abstract: Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. Suppression of gas generation is achieved in the cell through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of the respective cell, or to the cell whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plastized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are preferably based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A center pin and a lithium ion secondary battery are provided. The center pin has a hollow body and a solid extinguishant is disposed inside the hollow body. The solid extinguishant has a certain shape that can fit into the hollow body, and can be made by compressing a powder extinguishing substance. Top and bottom of the center pin are initially closed by blocking members to reduce a dead volume in a battery. The top and bottom of the center pin open at high temperature so that the solid extinguishant is liquefied and flows out of the center pin. The liquefied extinguishant at the high temperature prevent the battery from igniting.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is easily impregnated with an electrolyte is provided. The lithium ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly wrapped by a sealing tape, an upper insulating plate positioned on the top of the electrode assembly, a lower insulating plate positioned at the bottom of the electrode assembly, a case for accommodating the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly for sealing the case. In one embodiment, the upper insulating plate has holes which may include a form of a mesh. In another embodiment, the lower insulating plate has various shapes of recesses on the surface. The surface of the lower insulating plate may be coated with a material that has an affinity for the electrolyte. An inner surface of the case may have various shapes of recesses or grooves. The sealing tape may be coated with a material that has an affinity for an electrolyte.

Abstract: A lithium battery with improved safety that utilizes one or more additives in the battery electrolyte solution wherein a lithium salt is dissolved in an organic solvent, which may contain propylene, carbonate. For example, a blend of 2 wt % triphenyl phosphate (TPP), 1 wt % diphenyl monobutyl phosphate (DMP) and 2 wt % vinyl ethylene carbonate additives has been found to significantly enhance the safety and performance of Li-ion batteries using a LiPF6 salt in EC/DEC electrolyte solvent. The invention relates to both the use of individual additives and to blends of additives such as that shown in the above example at concentrations of 1 to 4-wt % in the lithium battery electrolyte. This invention relates to additives that suppress gas evolution in the cell, passivate graphite electrode and protect it from exfoliating in the presence of propylene carbonate solvents in the electrolyte, and retard flames in the lithium batteries.

Abstract: Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. Suppression of gas generation is achieved in the cell through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of the respective cell, or to the cell whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plastized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are preferably based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous and nonvolatile liquid type polymeric electrolyte comprising poly(siloxane-g-ethylene oxide). This electrolyte provides significant safety and stability. The present invention solves the problems of volatility, flammability and chemical reactivity of lithium ion type electrolytes. The disclosed electrolyte exhibits excellent stability, conductivity and low impedance characteristics. The electrolyte comprises a new class of structural siloxane polymers with one or more poly(ethylene oxide) side chains. The inorganic siloxanes comprising the main backbone of the copolymers are thermally very stable and resistant to decomposition by heat. Because the main chain of the disclosed class of electrolytes is an Si—O linkage, initiation of the combustion cycle is inhibited or prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved solid electrolyte made of an interpenetrating network type solid polymer comprised of two compatible phases: a crosslinked polymer for mechanical strength and chemical stability, and an ionic conducting phase. The highly branched siloxane polymer of the present invention has one or more poly(ethylene oxide) (“PEO”) groups as a side chain. The PEO group is directly grafted to silicon atoms in the siloxane polymer. This kind of branched type siloxane polymer is stably anchored in the network structure and provides continuous conducting paths in all directions throughout the IPN solid polymer electrolyte. Also disclosed is a method of making an electrochemical cell incorporating the electrolyte. A cell made accordingly has an extremely high cycle life and electrochemical stability.

Abstract: A lithium battery with improved safety that utilizes one or more additives in the battery electrolyte solution wherein a lithium salt is dissolved in an organic solvent, which may contain propylene, carbonate. For example, a blend of 2 wt % triphenyl phosphate (TPP), 1 wt % diphenyl monobutyl phosphate (DMP) and 2 wt % vinyl ethylene carbonate additives has been found to significantly enhance the safety and performance of Li-ion batteries using a LiPF6 salt in EC/DEC electrolyte solvent. The invention relates to both the use of individual additives and to blends of additives such as that shown in the above example at concentrations of 1 to 4-wt % in the lithium battery electrolyte. This invention relates to additives that suppress gas evolution in the cell, passivate graphite electrode and protect it from exfoliating in the presence of propylene carbonate solvents in the electrolyte, and retard flames in the lithium batteries.