Abstract: A system and method for fabricating lithium-ion batteries using thin-film deposition processes that form three-dimensional structures is provided. In one embodiment, an anodic structure used to form an energy storage device is provided. The anodic structure comprises a conductive substrate, a plurality of conductive microstructures formed on the substrate, a passivation film formed over the conductive microstructures, and an insulative separator layer formed over the conductive microstructures, wherein the conductive microstructures comprise columnar projections.

Abstract: An electrode laminate unit of an electric storage device is composed of positive electrodes and negative electrodes, which are alternately laminated, and a lithium electrode arranged at the outermost part of the electrode laminate unit so as to oppose the negative electrode. A charging/discharging unit having first and second energization control units connected to a positive-electrode terminal, negative-electrode terminal, and a lithium-electrode terminal. Electrons are moved from the lithium electrode to the positive electrode through the first energization control unit, and lithium ions are doped into the positive electrode from the lithium electrode. Electrons are moved from the lithium electrode to the negative electrode through the second energization control unit, and lithium ions are doped into the negative electrode from the lithium electrode. The lithium ions are doped into both of the positive and negative electrodes, whereby the doping time can be dramatically shortened.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically producing a tin/lithium oxide composite thin film includes forming the tin/lithium oxide composite thin film on a conductive substrate in a solution under suitable conditions. The solution includes about 10?3 M to about 10?2 M lithium nitrate and about 10?4 M to about 10?3 M stannic chloride or stannous chloride.

Abstract: Lithium cobaltate forming the positive electrode of a lithium secondary battery is subjected together with lithium metal to reducing reaction in molten lithium chloride to produce lithium oxide and to precipitate and separate cobalt or cobalt oxide. The lithium oxide is subjected to electro-deposition in molten lithium chloride contained in a lithium electro-deposition tank provided with an anode and a cathode to recover lithium metal deposited on the cathode.

Abstract: A negative electrode 10 for nonaqueous secondary batteries has an active material layer 12 containing active material particles 12a and having a metallic material 13 having low capability of forming a lithium compound deposited between the particles 12a by electroplating. The surface of the active material layer 12 is coated continuously or discontinuously with a surface layer 14 having an average thickness of 0.25 ?m or less and made of a metallic material that is the same as or different from the metallic material 13. The particles 12a inside the active material layer 12 are preferably coated with the metallic material 13 while leaving voids between the particles 12a coated with the metallic material 13. The average thickness of the metallic material 13 coating the particles 12a is preferably 0.05 to 2 ?m.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for recharging a fuel used to produce hydrogen for a hydrogen consuming device. The fuel can be NaBH4 which forms NaBO2 upon reacting with H2O to produce hydrogen. The NaBO2 is converted to NaBH4 through a series of coupled chemical reactions which include reacting NaBO2 with a metal and hydrogen to produce NaBH4 and oxidized metal. The oxidized metal can then be recycled using an electrolytic process which converts the oxidized metal to metal and oxygen. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for removing the spent fuel such as NaBO2 from the hydrogen consuming device to the charger and delivering the recharged fuel, such as NaBH4, back to the hydrogen consuming device.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a reaction tank (1) for immersing an electrode material of a lithium secondary battery into a molten salt of lithium chloride containing metal lithium, so as to perform a reducing reaction of the electrode material with the metal lithium; a movable perforated processing vessel (10) configured to be immersed into the molten salt in the reaction tank (1) together with the electrode material contained therein; and vessel carrying means for immersing the perforated processing vessel (10) containing the electrode material therein into the molten salt of lithium chloride in the reaction tank (1) and pulling up the vessel (10) from the reaction tank (1) after a process has been performed.

Abstract: A negative electrode 10 for a nonaqueous secondary battery has an active material layer 12 containing active material particles 12a. The particles 12a are coated at least partially with a coat of a metallic material 13 having low capability of lithium compound formation. The active material layer 12 has voids formed between the metallic material-coated particles 12a. When the active material layer 12 is imaginarily divided into equal halves in its thickness direction, the amount of the metallic material 13 is smaller in the half closer to the negative electrode surface than in the other half farther from the negative electrode surface. The weight ratio of [the particles/the metallic material] in the half closer to the negative electrode surface is preferably higher than that in the other half farther from the negative electrode surface.

Abstract: An electrode for a lithium secondary battery including a sheet-like current collector and an active material layer carried on the current collector. The active material layer is capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, and the active material layer includes a plurality of columnar particles having at least one bend. An angle ?1 formed by a growth direction of the columnar particles from a bottom to a first bend of the columnar particles, and a direction normal to the current collector is preferably 10° or more and less than 90°. When ?n+1 is an angle formed by a growth direction of the columnar particles from an n-th bend counted from a bottom of the columnar particles to an (n+1)-th bend, and the direction normal to the current collector, and n is an integer of 1 or more, ?n+1 is preferably 0° or more and less than 90°.

Abstract: A reverse configuration, lithium thin film battery (300) having a buried lithium anode layer (305) and process for making the same. The present invention is formed from a precursor composite structure (200) made by depositing electrolyte layer (204) onto substrate (201), followed by sequential depositions of cathode layer (203) and current collector (202) on the electrolyte layer. The precursor is subjected to an activation step, wherein a buried lithium anode layer (305) is formed via electroplating a lithium anode layer at the interface of substrate (201) and electrolyte film (204). The electroplating is accomplished by applying a current between anode current collector (201) and cathode current collector (202).

Abstract: To electrolydeposited manganese dioxide of which pH being adjusted to a range higher than 2 with either a sodium compound or a potassium compound, a raw lithium material and a compound containing any element selected from a group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, calcium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc to substitute a part of the manganese contained in the electrodeposited manganese dioxide with at least one element selected from the group described above, admixed and then burned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery having great capacity density per volume and weight. The lithium secondary battery contains a positive electrode having Li—Bi alloy or Li—Sb alloy as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing electrodes using microscale and nanoscale metal materials formed from hydrogen driven metallurgical processes; such a the HD (hydriding, dehydriding) process, the HDDR (hydriding, dehydriding, disproportionation, and recombination) process, and variants thereof.

Abstract: A reverse configuration, lithium thin film battery (300) having a buried lithium anode layer (305) and process for making the same. The present invention is formed from a precursor composite structure (200) made by depositing electrolyte layer (204) onto substrate (201), followed by sequential depositions of cathode layer (203) and current collector (202) on the electrolyte layer. The precursor is subjected to an activation step, wherein a buried lithium anode layer (305) is formed via electroplating a lithium anode layer at the interface of substrate (201) and electrolyte film (204). The electroplating is accomplished by applying a current between anode current collector (201) and cathode current collector (202).

Abstract: A method to reduce the initial irreversible capacity in an alkali metal-based electrochemical cell, and thus the necessity for the presence of additional alkali metal source material in the cell comprising one or more preliminary reactions performed by either electrochemical or chemical means.

Abstract: A reactive solution with an amount of 250 mL is made of distilled water and LiOH·H2O (4M) melted in the distilled water. Then, the reactive solution is put in a flow-type reactor, and is flown in between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode set in the flow-type reactor at a given temperature and a given flow rate. Then, a given voltage is applied between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode with dropping an oxidizer of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the reactive solution to form a lithium-cobalt oxide thin film on the anode electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery having great capacity density per volume and weight. The lithium secondary battery contains a positive electrode having Li—Bi alloy or Li—Sb alloy as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a battery employing a high-temperature formation method, a room-temperature formation method after storage at a high temperature or a compressive formation method with application of external pressure. The problem of swelling often occurring at a high temperature and at room temperature can be notably improved while minimizing a recovery ratio of the standard capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A rechargeable, thin film lithium battery cell (10) is provided having an aluminum cathode current collector (11) having a transition metal sandwiched between two crystallized cathodes (12). Each cathode has an electrolyte (13) deposited thereon which is overlaid with a lithium anode (14). An anode current collector (16) contacts the anode and substantially encases the cathode collector, cathode, electrolyte and anode. An insulator (18) occupies the spaces between the components and the anode current collector.

Abstract: Conditioning secondary lithium ion cells at elevated temperatures above ambient reduces the time required to complete this process and produces cells and batteries which demonstrate improved electrochemical performance. Conditioning includes subjecting an electrochemical cell to at least one full charge/discharge cycle whereby gases generated and removed before the cell is sealed and ready for use. The cell is placed in an environment that is maintained at a temperature of at least 30° C., charged and discharged, and sealed.

Abstract: A metallic porous body comprises a metallic framework having a three-dimensional network with a continuous-pore structure formed by linking sub-stantially polyhedral cells. The substantially polyhedral cells have an average cell diameter of about 200 to about 300 &mgr;m and an average window diameter of about 100 to about 200 &mgr;m. The metallic porous body can be obtained by the following method, for instance: First, a plastic porous body is provided that has an average cell diameter of about 200 to about 300 &mgr;m and an average window diameter of about 100 to about 200 &mgr;m. Second, a conductive layer is formed on a surface of the framework of the plastic porous body to produce a conductive porous body having a resistivity of about 1 k&OHgr;·cm or less. Finally, a continuous metal-plated layer is formed on a surface of the conductive layer by electroplating, with the conductive porous body serving as the cathode.

Abstract: Lithium ion cells in which the cathode contains a particulate insertion material and a binder are cut open in a dry, inert atmosphere (10). The cell components are treated with a first organic solvent (12) to dissolve the electrolyte, so that this can be reused. They are then treated with a second organic solvent (16) to dissolve the binder, and the particulate material separated (18) from the solution of binder. The insertion material is then reduced (22) so that it does not contain intercalated lithium. The reduction process may be performed electrolytically.

Abstract: A method to reduce the initial irreversible capacity in an alkali metal-based electrochemical cell, and thus the necessity for the presence of an additional alkali metal source material in the cell comprising a pre-charging step performed by either electrochemical or chemical means.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cathode and an anode in contact with an electrolyte. Both electrodes or one of them has an electrically conducting non-metal receptacle defining a chamber with a first metal having a melting point in the range of from about room temperature to about 800° C. inside said receptacle chamber. A second metal with a melting point greater than about 800° C. is in contact with the first metal inside the receptacle chamber and extends outside of the receptacle chamber to form a terminal for the anode. The electrolyte may include the oxides, halides or mixtures thereof of one or more of Li, V, U, Al and the lanthanides. Metal may be produced at the cathode during operation of the cell and oxygen or chlorine at the anode.

Abstract: In accordance with the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the invention and the process for the preparation thereof, charging is carried out with a combination of a positive electrode provided with excess lithium and a negative electrode in order to cause lithium to be deposited on the negative electrode. Accordingly, no oxidized surface film is interposed between lithium and the current collector of negative electrode or the negative active material layer as in the case where a metallic lithium foil is laminated on the negative electrode. In this arrangement, a battery having a small internal resistance can be provided. Since the deposition of lithium is conducted in the assembled battery, lithium does not come in contact with air, preventing the formation of a thick ununiform oxidized film on the surface thereof. Thus, the deposition of dendrite can be inhibited, making it possible to inhibit the drop of battery capacity and hence provide a battery having an excellent cycle life performance.

Abstract: A blended solution is made by melting LiOH•H2O into distilled water, and then, Co metallic powders are added into the blended solution to make a reactive solution. The reactive solution is charged into an autoclave, and held at a predetermined temperature. Then, a pair of platinum electrodes are set into the reactive solution, and a given voltage is applied between the pair of platinum electrode. As a result, a compound thin film, made of crystal LiCoO2 including Li element of the blended solution and Co element of the Co metallic powders, is synthesized on the platinum electrode constituting the anode electrode.

Abstract: A reactive solution with an amount of 250 mL is made of distilled water and LiOH·H2O (4M) melted in the distilled water. Then, the reactive solution is put in a flow-type reactor, and is flown in between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode set in the flow-type reactor at a given temperature and a given flow rate. Then, a given voltage is applied between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode with dropping an oxidizer of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the reactive solution to form a lithium-cobalt oxide thin film on the anode electrode.

Abstract: A method for forming lithium electrodes having protective layers involves plating lithium between a lithium ion conductive protective layer and a current collector of an “electrode precursor.” The electrode precursor is formed by depositing the protective layer on a very smooth surface of a current collector. The protective layer is a glass such as lithium phosphorus oxynitride and the current collector is a conductive sheet such as a copper sheet. During plating, lithium ions move through the protective layer and a lithium metal layer plates onto the surface of the current collector. The resulting structure is a protected lithium electrode. To facilitate uniform lithium plating, the electrode precursor may include a “wetting layer” which coats the current collector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithium ion cell, comprising a positive electrode which contains a chalkogen compound, containing lithium, of a transition metal, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode which is separator-isolated and contains carbon, which is characterized in that the cell contains lithium metal or a lithium alloy in a form physically separated from the electrodes, the lithium metal or the lithium alloy having a connection for the main lead of an electrode and, via the electrolyte, an ionic connection for the electrodes.

Abstract: A non-oxide, transition metal based ceramic material has the general formula A.sub.y M.sub.2 Z.sub.x, wherein A is a group IA element, M is a transition metal and Z is selected from the group consisting of N, C, B, Si, and combinations thereof, and wherein x.ltoreq.2 and y.ltoreq.6-x. In these materials, the group IA element occupies interstitial sites in the metallic lattice, and may be readily inserted into or released therefrom. The materials may be used as catalysts and as electrodes. Also disclosed herein are methods for the fabrication of the materials.

Abstract: In a lithium ion secondary battery having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a container sealing the electrodes and electrolyte therein, the positive electrode is formed of a positive electrode active material which is produced by electrochemically intercalating a lithium ion into a lithium manganese-metal complex oxide in the container to give a positive electrode active material precursor comprising a lithium manganese-metal complex oxide of which lithium ion content is increased, and then releasing a lithium ion from the positive electrode active material precursor in the container, and the negative electrode is formed of a negative electrode active material which is produced by intercalating the released lithium ion into a negative electrode active material precursor of a metal oxide in the container.

Abstract: To provide a method for treating nonaqueous solvent type cells, in particular, a method by which lithium cells can be treated and resources can be recovered in safe and in a good efficiency, a method for recovering resources of lithium cells comprises the steps of cutting or boring a lithium cell comprised of at least a negative electrode active material, a separator, a positive electrode active material, an electrolyte solution (electrolytic solution), a collector and a cell casing, in an ignition preventing means; washing the lithium cell thus opened, with an organic solvent to recover the electrolytic solution; reacting lithium with a reacting agent to recover lithium in the form of lithium hydroxide or a lithium salt; carrying out filtration to recover the separator, the collector and a positive electrode material comprising the positive electrode active material; and carrying out distillation to recover the organic solvent.

Abstract: Conditioning secondary lithium ion cells at elevated temperatures above ambient reduces the time required to complete this process and produces cells and batteries which demonstrate improved electrochemical performance. Conditioning includes subjecting an electrochemical cell to at least one full charge/discharge cycle whereby gases generated and removed before the cell is sealed and ready for use.

Abstract: A method for producing stable pre-charged Li.sub.x CoO.sub.2 as the cathode active metal in primary or secondary active metal non-aqueous cells and cells using such material are disclosed.

Abstract: Insertion compounds that are not stable in pure water can be prepared by an aqueous electrochemical method. The pH of the electrolyte and/or the concentration of ions of the inserted species must be sufficiently high to provide stability for the product compound. The method is useful for further lithiation of conventional lithium ion battery cathode materials.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of alkali metal that is available during charge/discharge of an electrochemical cell that employs carbon based intercalation anodes is provided. The method comprises of prealkaliation of the carbon anode. By subjecting the anode carbon to the prealkaliation process prior to packaging the electrochemical cell, substantially all the alkali metal (e.g., lithium) which is originally present in the cathode will be available for migration between the anode and cathode during charge/discharge.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises at least a negative electrode, a positive electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode has an active material comprised of silicon or a silicon alloy containing lithium represented by composition formula Li.sub.x Si where x satisfies 0.ltoreq..times..ltoreq.5. The positive electrode has an active material comprised of a transition metal oxide. The non-aqueous electrolyte is a lithium ion-conductive non-aqueous electrolyte having at least one lithium compound comprised of one of an organic solvent and a solid polymer. The negative electrode active material is formed by absorption of lithium ions into the silicon resulting from an electrochemical reaction between the negative electrode and a lithium metal and/or a material containing lithium. A secondary battery having high voltage, high energy density, high reliability, improved current charge and discharge characteristics and a long cycle life is obtained.

Abstract: Method is provided for preparing a stabilized rechargeable cell having a negative electrode and a molten salt electrolyte (MSE) while avoiding problems of chloroaluminate cell system which are not air stable. The cell of the present invention thus employs an LiBF.sub.4 /EMI.sub.BF4 MSE and a negative electrode of an inert substrate. On charging such cell, Li metal plates out on the electrode, which metal would immediately be attacked by such MSE. However a small amount of water is added to the MSE which, forms a lithium salt on the surface of such metal and protects it from attack by the MSE. However such protective film is permeable to Li.sup.+ ions. This means that on continuing to charge such cell, the Li.sup.+ ions flow from the MSE through the protective film and build up as more Li metal on the negative electrode, under the protective film. On discharge of such cell, the Li metal becomes Li.sup.+ ions which can pass through the protective lithium salt film.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, such as a rechargeable lithium battery, having cavitands associated with a metal ion source-electrode and an electrolyte. The cavitands, which are anchored to the electrode by a polymer leash, are capable of releasably attracting particular ions, such as lithium ions, which are migrating from the electrolyte, toward the surface of the electrode during electrodeposition. The polymer leash serves to continuously maintain the cavitands at a predetermined distance away from the surface of the electrode, regardless of surface area fluctuations, typically caused during deposition and dissolution of the particular ions. Accordingly, the cavitands facilitate substantially uniform electrodeposition of the particular ions, which, in turn, substantially suppresses and/or controls the formation and growth of a passive film or layer, on the electrode surface, which may otherwise promote the formation of dendrites.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and electrolytic process wherein the cell includes a metal anode, such as a lithium anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. The surface of the anode is treated with a substantially non-continuous electronically conductive particulate coating, wherein the particulate may consist of carbon. This non-continuously applied particulate coating not only provokes the formation of a stable passivating layer (toward suppression of dendritic growth), but it also serves to lower and substantially sustain interfacial resistance at the surface of the anode during the life of the cell.

Abstract: To provide a method for treating nonaqueous solvent type cells, in particular, a method by which lithium cells can be treated and resources can be recovered in safe and in a good efficiency, a method for recovering resources of lithium cells comprises the steps of cutting or boring a lithium cell comprised of at least a negative electrode active material, a separator, a positive electrode active material, an electrolyte solution (electrolytic solution), a collector and a cell casing, in an ignition preventing means; washing the lithium cell thus opened, with an organic solvent to recover the electrolytic solution; reacting lithium with a reacting agent to recover lithium in the form of lithium hydroxide or a lithium salt; carrying out filtration to recover the separator, the collector and a positive electrode material comprising the positive electrode active material; and carrying out distillation to recover the organic solvent.

Abstract: Electrochemical insertion of lithium into titanium dioxide initially in its rutile form, the insertion being performed at an elevated temperature (for example 120.degree. C.), produces a material Li.sub.x TiO.sub.2 with x between 0.5 and 1.0. This material is suitable as an active cathode material in a secondary cell as it can be repeatedly recycled. The material has a crystal struture, different from that of the initial rutile titania, which is believed to be hexagonal.

Abstract: The method includes steps for forming a carbon electrode composed of graphitic carbon particles adhered by an ethylene propylene diene monomer binder. An effective binder composition is disclosed for achieving a carbon electrode capable of subsequent intercalation by lithium ions. The method also includes steps for reacting the carbon electrode with lithium ions to incorporate lithium ions into graphitic carbon particles of the electrode. An electrical current is repeatedly applied to the carbon electrode to initially cause a surface reaction between the lithium ions and to the carbon and subsequently cause intercalation of the lithium ions into crystalline layers of the graphitic carbon particles. With repeated application of the electrical current, intercalation is achieved to near a theoretical maximum. Two differing multi-stage intercalation processes are disclosed. In the first, a fixed current is reapplied.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell provided with (a) a negative electrode consisting essentially of a carrier for a negative electrode active material , said carrier being capable of being doped and dedoped with lithium, (b) a positive electrode comprising, as an essential positive electrode active material, Li.sub.1+x Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4, wherein x>0, obtained by doping a lithium-manganese complex oxide with lithium and (c) a nonaqueous electrolyte. The secondary cell has an increased cell capacity as well as a high energy density and an excellent charge-discharge characteristics .

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an electrode in which ultra fine particles of active material formed in gas by an evaporation method are carried in a gas flow and blown onto a surface of a substrate, so that an electrode comprising a thin film of active material is formed on the surface of the substrate. A manufacturing method for an electrode-electrolyte composite in which ultra fine particles of active material formed in gas by the evaporation method are carried in a gas flow and blown onto a surface of a film comprising a solid electrolyte, so that an electrode comprising a thin film of active material is formed on the surface of the film. The above manufacturing method for an electrode can provide an anode or a cathode comprising an ultra thin film having an uniform thickness of under 10 microns inclusive, for example.

Abstract: A secondary electrochemical cell including a first electrode and a counteectrode each capable of reversibly incorporating an alkali metal, an alkali metal incorporated in at least one of the electrodes and an electrolyte solution containing an organic solvent, a salt of the alkali metal and at least one sequestering agent capable of complexing with the alkali moiety of the electrolyte salt, wherein the first electrode includes a carbon composition having a degree of graphitization greater than about 0.40.