Abstract: A positive electrode active material for a secondary battery contains a spinel lithium manganese composite oxide expressed by a general formula of Lia(MxMn2−x−yAy)O4 where x, y and z are positive values which satisfy 0.4<x, 0<y, x+y<2, and 0<a<1.2. “M” denotes Ni and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Cr and Cu. “A” denotes at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Si and Ti. The ratio y of A has a value of 0.1<y in case where A includes only Ti. Accordingly, it is possible to acquire a material for the positive electrode of a lithium ion secondary battery, which has a high capacity and a high energy density with a high voltage of 4.5 V or higher with respect to Li.

Abstract: Improved stabilized spinel battery cathode material and methods of treating particles of spinel battery cathode material to produce a protective coating of battery-inactive lithium metal oxide on the particles are provided. The methods basically comprise mixing the spinel particles with a particulate reactant selected from a lithium salt, a lithium metal oxide or a mixture of a lithium salt and a metal oxide and then heating the resultant particulate mixture for a time and temperature to react the particulate reactant with the spinel particles whereby a protective coating of lithium metal oxide is formed on the spinel particles and the lithium content of the spinel adjacent to the coating is increased a limited amount.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing LiMn2O4 powders for use in a lithium secondary battery positive electrode, is provided, in which oxide or carbonate is used as a positive electrode material, a solution is dried at a temperature higher than 150° C., and the resulting matter is put into a reaction furnace in order to be calcinated for a short time, after treating by spontaneous combustion. A certain degree of crystallization of the positive electrode powders can be obtained in the spontaneous combustion process. Thus, a battery having a large charging and discharging capacity and a long life cycle can be manufactured even under a high current condition.

Abstract: A cathode active material for alkaline electrochemical cells comprising an Ag—Bi—M-containing oxidation product produced by oxidizing with an oxidizing agent an Ag—Bi—M-containing neutralized precipitate obtained by reacting inorganic acid salts of silver, bismuth and, optionally, M (M representing at least one metal selected from the group comprised of manganese, nickel and cobalt) with an alkali hydroxide in an aqueous medium; or comprising an Ag—Bi—M-containing oxidation product obtained by reacting inorganic acid salts of silver, bismuth and, optionally, M with an alkali hydroxide in an aqueous medium and in the presence of an oxidizer.

Abstract: Because of the composition represented by General Formula: Li1+x+&agr;Ni(1−x−y+&dgr;)/2Mn(1−x−y−&dgr;)/2MyO2 (where 0≦x≦0.05, −0.05≦x+&agr;≦0.05, 0≦y≦0.4; −0.1≦&dgr;≦0.1 (when 0≦y≦0.2) or −0.24≦&dgr;≦0.24 (when 0.2≦y≦0.4); and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Ge and Sn), a high-density lithium-containing complex oxide with high stability of a layered crystal structure and excellent reversibility of charging/discharging can be provided, and a high-capacity non-aqueous secondary battery excellent in durability is realized by using such an oxide for a positive electrode.

Abstract: A process method for producing a lithium based mixed oxide of the formula LiM′x . . . Oy through the steps of combining a lithium oxide with a second oxide having the base metal element (M′) at room temperature; and applying to the combination, a high energy milling process, wherein the high energy milling process obtains, without the addition of substantial external heat being added to the synthesis, a chemical synthesis of a composite oxide of the above formula, having crystallites of nanometer dimension.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a novel composition which is stabilized against decomposition when used as an active material for an electrochemical cell. The active material of the present invention comprises particles of spinel lithium manganese oxide (LMO) enriched with lithium by a decomposition product of lithium hydroxide forming a part of each of the LMO particles. The spinel LMO product formed by the decomposition of lithium hydroxide in the presence of the LMO is characterized by a reduced surface area and increased capacity retention (reduced capacity fading) as compared to the initial, non-treated, non-enriched spinel. In another aspect, the treated spinel LMO product is combined with lithium carbonate in a cathode mixture.

Abstract: A cobalt-coated lithium manganese complex oxide is disclosed. This provides a particularly high discharge capacity which is useful for the improvement of cycle characteristics of a secondary battery as an active material of a positive electrode for a secondary battery with a nonaqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical active material contains a lithiated zirconium, titanium, or mixed titanium/zirconium oxide. The oxide can be represented by the formula LiM′M″XO4, where M′ is a transition metal, M″ is an optional three valent non-transition metal, and X is zirconium, titanium, or a combination of the two. Preferably, M′ is nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, vanadium, copper, chromium, molybdenum, niobium, or combinations thereof. The active material provides a useful composite electrode when combined with a polymeric binder and electrically conductive material. The active material can be made into a cathode for use in a secondary electrochemical cell. Rechargeable batteries may be made by connecting a number of such electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Rare earth manganese oxides are used as pigments. The pigments are preferably of the formula (RexMn)Oy, where Re is at least one element selected from Y, La and Lanthanide elements, x is from 0.01 to 99, and y is the number required to maintain electroneutrality. Preferred rare earth elements include Y, La, Pr and Nd. The pigments are useful as colorants, and may possess improved reflectance characteristics in the infrared region, thereby reducing IR-induced heat buildup.

Abstract: An active material for a battery has a surface treatment layer that includes a conductive agent and at least one coating-element-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a coating-element-containing hydroxide, a coating-element-containing oxyhydroxide, a coating-element-containing oxycarbonate, a coating-element-containing hydroxycarbonate, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A cathode electroactive material for use in lithium ion secondary cells, process for producing the material, and lithium ion secondary cells using the cathode electroactive material, wherein the electroactive material predominantly comprises an Li—Mn composite oxide particles with the spinel structure and particles of the electroactive material have an average porosity of 15% or less, the porosity being calculated by employing the following equation:

Abstract: Collections of particles comprising multiple a metal oxide can be formed with average particle sizes less than about 500 nm. In some embodiments, the particle collections have particle size distributions such that at least about 95 percent of the particles have a diameter greater than about 40 percent of the average diameter and less than about 160 percent of the average diameter. Also, in further embodiments, the particle collections have particle size distribution such that effectively no particles have a diameter greater than about four times the average diameter of the collection of particles.

Abstract: The present invention can provide the nonaqueous electrolytic secondary battery excellent in cycle life characteristics and characteristics in discharge at a high rate as well as in safety in overcharge without reducing the discharge capacity by using the positive active material, which is obtained from starting materials containing Na and S by a simple production step such as water-washing treatment after synthesis and which contains less than 0.1% by weight of the sulfate group (SO42−), less than 0.024% by weight of Na and/or less than 0.13% by weight of lithium sodium sulfate (LiNaSO4).

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: The present invention is a positive electrode active material that can be used in secondary lithium and lithium-ion batteries to provide the power capability, i.e., the ability to deliver or retake energy in short periods of time, desired for large power applications such as power tools, electric bikes and hybrid electric vehicles. The positive electrode active material of the invention includes at least one electron conducting compound of the formula LiM1x-y{A}yOz and at least one electron insulating and lithium ion conducting lithium metal oxide, wherein M1 is a transition metal, {A} is represented by the formula &Sgr;wiBi wherein Bi is an element other than M1 used to replace the transition metal M1 and wi is the fractional amount of element Bi in the total dopant combination such that &Sgr;wi=1; Bi is a cation in LiM1x-y{A}yOz; 0.95≦x≦2.10; 0≦y≦x/2; and 1.90≦z≦4.20.

Abstract: The process for preparing spinel-type lithium manganate according to the present invention is constituted by a process to admix the electrolyzed manganese dioxide, which is obtained by neutralizing manganese dioxide precipitated by means of electrolysis with any of potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, and a lithium material and a process to subject the resulting mixture to a sintering process.

Abstract: An oxygen ion conducting ceramic oxide that has applications in industry including fuel cells, oxygen pumps, oxygen sensors, and separation membranes. The material is based on the idea that substituting a dopant into the host perovskite lattice of (La,Sr)MnO3 that prefers a coordination number lower than 6 will induce oxygen ion vacancies to form in the lattice. Because the oxygen ion conductivity of (La,Sr)MnO3 is low over a very large temperature range, the material exhibits a high overpotential when used. The inclusion of oxygen vacancies into the lattice by doping the material has been found to maintain the desirable properties of (La,Sr)MnO3, while significantly decreasing the experimentally observed overpotential.

Abstract: A process for producing high-purity hydrotalcites by reacting alcohols or alcohol mixtures with at least one or more divalent metal(s) and at least one or more trivalent metal(s) and hydrolyzing the resultant alcoholate mixture with water. The corresponding metal oxides can be produced by calcination.

Abstract: The present invention includes lithium manganese oxide spinel compounds having a low porosity, a high tap density and a high pellet density, and methods of preparing these compounds. In particular, the method comprises preparing a lithium manganese oxide with a spinel structure and having the formula: wherein: Li1+XMn2−YMm11Mm22 . . . MmkkO4+Z M1, M2, . . . Mk are cations different than lithium or manganese selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals, transition metals, B, Al, Si, Ga and Ge; X, Y, m1, m2, . . . , mk, each have a value between 0 and 0.2; Z has a value between −0.1 and 0.2; and X, Y, m1, m2, . . . mk are selected to satisfy the equation: Y=X+m1+m2+ . . . +mk.

Abstract: According to the process of this invention, first a manganese oxide seed is prepared, which is then grown to obtain manganese oxide having large particle diameters. The manganese oxide thus obtained is reacted with a lithium compound, whereby lithium manganate having large particle diameters can be obtained. Since the lithium manganate has large particle diameters and gives a high packing density, lithium batteries with a high energy density can be provided by using the lithium manganate.

Abstract: from Groups 2, 3, 12, 13, or 14 of the Periodic Table. Preferred embodiments include those having where c=1, those where c=2, and those where c=3. Preferred embodiments include those where a ≦1 and c=1, those where a=2 and c=1, and those where a≧3 and c=3. This invention also provides electrodes comprising an electrode active material of this invention, and batteries that comprise a first electrode having an electrode active material of this invention; a second electrode having a compatible active material; and an electrolyte.

Abstract: A process for producing high-purity hydrotalcites by reacting alcohols or alcohol mixtures with at least one or more divalent metal(s) and at least one or more trivalent metal(s) and hydrolysing the resultant alcoholate mixture with water. The corresponding metal oxides can be produced by calcination.

Abstract: A single phase cathodic material for use in an electrochemical cell represented by the formula:

Abstract: An oxide LiMnO2 which has a layered monoclinic structure, and in which a minor part of the manganese may be replaced by another transition metal, is made by a two-stage process. Firstly NaXo2 with a layered structure of the &agr;-NaFeO2-type is made by reacting stoichiometric amounts of a sodium salt and a salt of the metal X in solution so as to form a precipitate, drying and heat treating the precipitate at a temperature between 650 and 720° C. in air, and then rapidly cooling the precipitate to room temperature in air. Then the NaXO2 is subjected to ion exchange with a lithium salt in solution in a non-alcoholic solvent at a temperature between about 140 and 210° C. The resulting lithium manganese oxide can be used as the cathode material in a rechargeable lithium cell.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of mixed-valence manganese oxide compositions with quaternary ammonium ions are described. The compositions self-assemble into helices, rings, and strands without any imposed concentration gradient. These helices, rings, and strands, as well as films having the same composition, undergo rapid ion exchange to replace the quaternary ammonium ions with various metal ions. And the metal-ion-containing manganese oxide compositions so formed can be heat treated to form semi-conducting materials with high surface areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to additive, pigment or colorant materials which may be used for laser marking. The materials comprise oxides of bismuth and at least one additional metal. Preferred laser-markable bismuth-containing oxide compounds are of the formula BixMyOz, where M is at least one metal selected from Zn, Ti, Fe, Cu, Al, Zr, P, Sn, Sr, Si, Y, Nb, La, Ta, Pr, Ca, Mg, Mo, W, Sb, Cr, Ba and Ce, x is from about 0.3 to about 70, y is from about 0.05 to about 8, and z is from about 1 to about 100. The bismuth-containing material may be dispersed in a substrate which is subsequently irradiated by a laser to provide a contrasting mark in the irradiated region.

Abstract: A manganese oxide which has a calcium or/and magnesium content of 0.01 to 2.50 mol % based on the moles of manganese, a lithuim manganese complex oxide using the manganese oxide, and a cobalt-coated lithuim manganese complex oxide are disclosed. These provide a particularly high discharge capacity and are useful for the improvement of cycle characteristics of a secondary battery as an active material of a positive electrode for a secondary battery with a nonaqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal oxides containing multiple dopants.

Abstract: A crystal which can be employed as the active material of a lithium-based battery has an empirical formula of Lix1A2Ni1−y−zCoyBzOa, wherein “x1” is greater than about 0.1 and equal to or less than about 1.3, “x2,” “y” and “z” each is greater than about 0.0 and equal to or less than about 0.2, “a” is greater than about 1.5 and less than about 2.1, “A” is at least one element selected from the group consisting of barium, magnesium, calcium and strontium and “B” is at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron, aluminum, gallium, manganese, titanium, vanadium and zirconium.

Abstract: A method for preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery is provided. In this method, a lithium source, a metal source, and a doping liquid including a doping element are mixed and the mixture is heat-treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lithium manganese complex oxide with a spinel structure used as an active material of a lithium or lithium ion secondary battery. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for preparing lithium manganese complex oxide having improved cyclic performance at a high temperature above room temperature, and a lithium or lithium ion secondary battery using the oxide prepared according to said process as a cathode active material.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage device includes a pair of electrodes, a separator present between the pair of electrodes, and an electrolyte solution with which the electrodes and the separator are impregnated. The electrodes are obtained by allowing at least one selected from a transition metal nitrate compound and a solution of the transition metal nitrate compound to be adsorbed on a carbon-based material and performing an additional treatment so that at least one of a transition metal oxide and a transition metal hydroxide is supported on the carbon-based material. Thus, an electrode material containing a reduced amount of halogenated ions mixed on which a transition metal oxide or a transition metal hydroxide is supported efficiently can be produced, and an electrochemical storage device having a high capacitance and a long life and a method for producing the same can be provided.

Abstract: A manganese oxide which has a calcium or/and magnesium content of 0.01 to 2.50 mol % based on the moles of manganese, a lithuim manganese complex oxide using the manganese oxide, and a cobalt-coated lithuim manganese complex oxide are disclosed. These provide a particularly high discharge capacity and are useful for the improvement of cycle characteristics of a secondary battery as an active material of a positive electrode for a secondary battery with a nonaqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: Lithium manganese oxide particles have been produced with an average diameter less than about 250 nm. The particles have a high degree of uniformity. The particles can be formed by the heat treatment of nanoparticles of manganese oxide. Alternatively, crystalline lithium manganese oxide particles can be formed directly by laser pyrolysis. The lithium manganese oxide particles are useful as active materials in the positive electrodes of lithium based batteries. Improved batteries result from the use of uniform nanoscale lithium manganese oxide particles.

Abstract: Described are preferred polymerized organic-inorganic processes for producing mixed metal oxide powders suitable for use in the ceramics and related industries. The preferred processes employ a non-chelating polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyalkylene glycol as a carrier and can provide single-phase, mixed oxide powders in high yields at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A lithium manganese oxide having a cubic crystal spinel structure, which has a composition represented by {Li}[LixMn2−x]O4 wherein { } represents 8a site, [ ] represents 16d site, and 0.08<x≦0.15, wherein the lattice constant (a) (unit: angstrom) of the cubic crystal is represented by the following formula: a≦8.2476−0.25×x.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of spinel type manganese oxide for a lithium ion secondary cell, includes pre-firing a mixture of lithium salt including lithium carbonate, manganese oxide, and heterogeneous metal, firing the mixture at 900 to 1200° C. to form a raw material, adding in the raw material at least one of crystal growth accelerators selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, lithium sulfide and a mixture thereof, and firing the resulting compound at 750 to 850° C. to form an excess lithium heterogeneous metal-doped spinel compound having a BET specific surface area of 0.5 m2/g or less.

Abstract: The method for producing a positive electrode active material for an alkaline storage battery is disclosed. The method includes a first oxidation treatment of a raw material powder comprising a nickel hydroxide solid solution and cobalt hydroxide to oxidize the cobalt hydroxide to a cobalt oxyhydroxide; and a second oxidation treatment of the powder obtained in the first oxidation treatment to oxidize the nickel hydroxide solid solution to a nickel oxyhydroxide solid solution.

Abstract: Amorphous manganese dioxide cathodes for lithium batteries with lithium metal or other lithium-containing anodes, the cathode being synthesized by a sol-gel approach involving reduction of sodium permanganate with fumaric acid disodium salt carried out at room temperature to ensure an amorphous structure. The resulting amorphous manganese dioxide has a nanoporous structure and a high internal surface area of 350 m2/g. The amorphous manganese dioxide can electrochemically intercalate more than 1.6 moles of lithium per mole of manganese, and its theoretical capacity is 2 moles of lithium per mole of manganese. The host structure remains amorphous in the entire intercalation range and the intercalation process is reversible. Lithium battery cathodes comprising the amorphous manganese dioxide, a carbon powder and a binder provide a charge capacity in the level of 436 mAh/g and store energy at the level of 1056 mWh/g. Copper doped amorphous manganese oxides showed significant improvement in cycling performance.

Abstract: A positive active material composition for a rechargeable lithium battery includes at least one lithiated compound, and at least one additive compound selected from the group consisting of a thermal-absorbent element-included hydroxide, a thermal-absorbent element-included oxyhydroxide, a thermal-absorbent element-included oxycarbonate, and a thermal-absorbent element-included hydroxycarbonate.

Abstract: Improved stabilized spinel battery cathode material and methods of treating particles of spinel battery cathode material to produce a protective coating of battery-inactive lithium metal oxide on the particles are provided. The methods basically comprise mixing the spinel particles with a particulate reactant selected from a lithium salt, a lithium metal oxide or a mixture of a lithium salt and a metal oxide and then heating the resultant particulate mixture for a time and temperature to react the particulate reactant with the spinel particles whereby a protective coating of lithium metal oxide is formed on the spinel particles and the lithium content of the spinel adjacent to the coating is increased a limited amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium manganese complex oxide Li1+xMn2−xO4 (0×0.12) used as a cathode active material of a lithium or lithium ion secondary battery. The present invention provides a method for preparing a manganese compound comprising the step of simultaneously applying a mechanical force and heat energy to a manganese compound to remove defects present in particles of the manganese compound and to control the aggregation of particles and the shape of the aggregated particles, a method for preparing a lithium manganese complex oxide with a spinel structure using the manganese compound prepared by the above method as a raw material, and a lithium or lithium ion secondary battery using the lithium manganese complex oxide with a spinel structure prepared by the above method as a cathode active material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lithium transition metalates of the general formula (I): Lix(M1yM21−y)nOnz, where M1 represents lithium, cobalt or manganese; M2 represents cobalt, iron, manganese or aluminium and is not equal to M1; n is equal to 2 if M1=M, and 1 in all other cases; x is a number between 0.9 and 1.2; y is a number between 0.5 and 1.0; and z is a number between 1.9 and 2.1. According to the method, an intimate solid mixture is produced of oxygen-containing compounds of the transition metals and oxygen-containing lithium compounds and this mixture calcinated in a reactor, whereby calcination takes place at least partly at an absolute pressure of less than 0.5 bar.

Abstract: A method for producing a cathode active material which produces a spinel type lithium manganese oxide expressed by a general formula: Li1+xMn2−x−yMeyPO4, as the cathode active material, (here, x is expressed by a relation of 0≦x≦0.15 and y is expressed by a relation of 0<y<0.3, and Me is at least one kind of element selected from between Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Mg and Al). The method comprises a mixing step of mixing raw materials of the spinel type lithium manganese oxide to obtain a precursor; and a sintering step of sintering the precursor obtained in the mixing step to obtain the spinel type lithium manganese oxide. The sintering temperature in the sintering step is located within a range of 800° C. or higher and 900° C. or lower. Accordingly. even when manganese which is inexpensive and abundant in resources is employed as a main material, an excellent cathode performance can be maintained under the environment.

Abstract: This patent describes economical and environment-friendly processes for the synthesis of Mg-containing non-Al anionic clays. It involves (hydro)thermally reacting a slurry comprising a Mg metals source with a trivalent metals source to directly obtain Mg-containing non-Al anionic clay, the Mg sources being an oxide, hydroxide or a carbonate. There is no necessity to wash or filter the product. It can be spray dried directly to form microspheres or can be extruded to form shaped bodies. The product can be combined with other ingredients in the manufacture of catalysts, absorbents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, and other commodity products that contain anionic clays.

Abstract: To present a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery using iron compound which is inexpensive and abundant in resource, as the active material for the positive electrode. An iron compound with particle size of 1 to 300 nm or less, being composed of substantially spherical primary particles of pore-free matter, is used as the active material for a positive electrode, which is used together with a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte for composing the battery. By forming the primary particles for composing particles of the iron compound as a pore-free matter, being controlled in a range of 1 to 300 nm, nano effects are brought about, and it is also effective to suppress excessive increase of surface area which may lead to promotion of decomposition of electrolyte, and an excellent discharge capacity is realized stably for a long period.

Abstract: A lithium metal oxide positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell is disclosed. The cell is prepared in its initial discharged state and has a general formula xLiMO2.(1−x)Li2M′O3 in which 0<x<1, and where M is one or more ion with an average trivalent oxidation state and with at least one ion being Mn or Ni, and where M′ is one or more ion with an average tetravalent oxidation state. Complete cells or batteries are disclosed with anode, cathode and electrolyte as are batteries of several cells connected in parallel or series or both.

Abstract: Provided are a positive active material and a method of preparing for the same. The positive active material comprises a core and a surface-treatment layer on the core. The core includes at least one lithiated compound, and the surface-treatment layer includes at least one coating element-included oxide. The lithiated compound includes a secondary particle of which average particle size is larger than or equal to 1 &mgr;m and less than 10 &mgr;m. The secondary particle is formed of an agglomeration of small primary particles of an average size of 1 to 3 &mgr;m in diameter. The positive active material is prepared by coating the lithiated compound with an organic solution or an aqueous solution including a coating-element source and heat-treating the coated compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single step process for the synthesis of nanoparticles of phase pure ceramic oxides of a single or a multi-component system comprising one or more metal ions. The process comprises preparing a solution containing all the required metal ions in stoichiometric ratio by dissolving their respective soluble salts in an organic solvent or in water, preparing a precursor, adjusting the nitrate/ammonia content in the system, and heating the system.