Abstract: Materials with improved electron conductivity for use in rechargeable lithium ion electrochemical cells include, but are not limited to, lithium titanate spinels of the formula Li4Ti5O12 wherein a portion of Ti is replaced with one or more substitution ions of transition metals. The substitution ions are not in their highest oxidation states and have free valence electrons thereby increasing electron conductivity. The lithium titanate spinels with substitution ions have an unchanged crystal lattice structure and the substitution ions occupy the same crystal lattice sites as Ti. Solid state and polymerized complex methods of synthesizing spinels in addition to rechargeable lithium ion batteries utilizing the improved materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a third electrode for use in a metal-air tricell comprising a support structure coated with a layer of a lanthanum nickel compound and at least one metal mixture, wherein the mixture is adhered to the support structure without the use of an adhesive. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a metal-air tricell comprising: an air electrode; a metal electrode; and a third electrode, wherein the third electrode comprises a support structure coated with a mixture of a lanthanum nickel compound and at least one metal, wherein the mixture is adhered to the support structure without the use of an adhesive.