Abstract: The present disclosure provides an energy storage device comprising at least one electrochemical cell comprising a negative current collector, a negative electrode in electrical communication with the negative current collector, an electrolyte in electrical communication with the negative electrode, a positive electrode in electrical communication with the electrolyte and a positive current collector in electrical communication with the positive electrode. The negative electrode comprises an alkali metal. Upon discharge, the electrolyte provides charged species of the alkali metal. The positive electrode can include a Group IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA of the periodic table of the elements, or a transition metal (e.g., Group 12 element).

Abstract: Pressure relief mechanisms can provide an outlet for cathode pressure buildup during battery operation. Mechanical cathode modifications can control cathode interfaces during battery operation. Pressure relief mechanisms and mechanical modifications can be utilized to improve performance, longevity and/or to prevent failure of batteries, such as during cycling of liquid metal batteries.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and/or maintaining a column height of an electrolyte relative to a separator surface within an energy storage device. Embodiments of the invention provide a wicking component, a current collector, and a bias component. The current collector is positioned to force the bias component to press the wicking component tight to an inner surface of a separator. The bias component maintains contact between the wicking component and the surface of separator and creates a capillary gap in which sodium wicks.

Abstract: An intermediate temperature molten sodium-metal halide rechargeable battery utilizes a molten eutectic mixture of sodium haloaluminate salts having a relatively low melting point that enables the battery to operate at substantially lower temperature compared to the traditional ZEBRA battery system and utilize a highly conductive NaSICON solid electrolyte membrane. The positive electrode comprises a mixture of NaX and MX, where X is a halogen selected from Cl, Br and I and M is a metal selected Ni, Fe, and Zn. The positive electrode is disposed in a mixed molten salt positive electrolyte comprising at least two salts that can be represented by the formula NaAlX?4-?X??, where 0<?<4, wherein X? and X? are different halogens selected from Cl, Br and I. The positive electrode may include additional NaX added in a molar ratio ranging from 1:1 to 3:1 of NaX:NaAlX?4-?X??.

Abstract: Cell and batteries containing them employing a transition metal chalcogenide positive electrode (cathode) in combination with a liquid alkali metal haloaluminate. At operating temperatures, the positive electrode (cathode) of the invention comprises a solid matrix comprising electroactive cathode material permeated with and in physical and electrical contact with liquid alkali metal haloaluminate electrolyte. The positive and negative electrodes are separated with a solid alkali metal conducting electrolyte. The transition metal chalcogenide is not in direct physical contact with the solid electrolyte. Electric and ionic conductivity between the solid electrolyte and the positive electrode is mediated by the liquid alkali metal haloaluminate electrolyte. More specifically, the cells are sodium/iron sulfide cells. Batteries of the invention are useful for bulk energy storage, particularly for electric utility grid storage, as well as for electric vehicle propulsion.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution, and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrode solution. In such cases, the electrolyte membrane can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, a NaSICON membrane. Furthermore, in such cases, the liquid positive electrode solution can comprise any suitable positive electrode solution, including, but not limited to, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, when the cell functions, the sodium negative electrode is molten and in contact with the electrolyte membrane. Additionally, the cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 170° C. Indeed, in some instances, the molten sodium secondary cell is functional between about 110° C.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an energy storage device comprising at least one electrochemical cell comprising a negative current collector, a negative electrode in electrical communication with the negative current collector, an electrolyte in electrical communication with the negative electrode, a positive electrode in electrical communication with the electrolyte and a positive current collector in electrical communication with the positive electrode. The negative electrode comprises an alkali metal. Upon discharge, the electrolyte provides charged species of the alkali metal. The positive electrode can include a Group IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA of the periodic table of the elements, or a transition metal (e.g., Group 12 element).

Abstract: The present invention provides rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising a molten anode, a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte salt, wherein the electrolyte salt is situated between the molten anode and the cathode during the operation of the electrochemical cell, and the molten anode comprises an aluminum material; also provided are batteries comprising a plurality of such rechargeable electrochemical cells and processes for manufacturing such rechargeable electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Pressure relief mechanisms can provide an outlet for cathode pressure buildup during battery operation. Mechanical cathode modifications can control cathode interfaces during battery operation. Pressure relief mechanisms and mechanical modifications can be utilized to improve performance, longevity and/or to prevent failure of batteries, such as during cycling of liquid metal batteries.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented. The electrochemical cell includes an ion-conducting separator having a first surface that defines at least a portion of a first compartment and a second surface that defines at least a portion of a second compartment, and a positive electrode composition disposed in the first compartment, the positive electrode composition comprising an electroactive metal, an alkali metal halide, and an electrolyte. The electroactive metal includes metal flakes of an average aspect ratio greater than about 5. An energy storage battery including a plurality of electrochemical cells is also presented.

Abstract: An electrode for a molten salt battery includes a current collector connectable to an electrode terminal of the molten salt battery and an active material. The current collector has an internal space in which small spaces are mutually coupled. The internal space of the current collector is filled with the active material.

Abstract: Provided is a method for operating a molten salt battery having a sodium compound (NaCrO2) in a positive electrode and tin (Sn) in a negative electrode with a molten salt as an electrolytic solution. Although the operating temperature range of the molten salt battery is originally from 57° C. to 190° C., the molten salt battery is operated with an internal temperature thereof (temperature of electrodes and molten salt) set at from 98° C. to 190° C. to cause sodium to turn to a liquid phase. The sodium penetrates into a Sn—Na alloy micronized in the negative electrode, so that separation of the Sn—Na alloy is suppressed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode comprising a first active metal, a positive electrode comprising a second active metal, and an electrolyte comprising salts of the two active metals, a salt of the cathodic metal and a salt of the anodic metal. In operation, the electrolyte composition varies such that in a charging mode the salt of the anodic salt decreases, while the salt of the cathodic salt increases, and in a discharging mode the salt of the anodic salt increases, while the salt of the cathodic salt decreases. The cell is operational for both storing electrical energy and as a source of electrical energy as part of an uninterruptible power system. The cell is particularly suited to store electrical energy produced by an intermittent renewable energy source.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode connectable to a current tap and a charging medium in electrical contact with the anode. A switching device is configured to stop a charging operation of the electrochemical cell upon activation by the charging medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a molten positive electrolyte comprising Na—FSA (sodium-bis(fluorosulonyl)amide), and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrolyte. One disclosed example of electrolyte membrane material includes, without limitation, a NaSICON-type membrane. The positive electrode includes a sodium intercalation electrode. Non-limiting examples of the sodium intercalation electrode include NaxMnO2, NaxCrO2, NaxNiO, and NaxFey(PO4)z. The cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 150° C., and preferably between about 110° C. and about 130° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a molten positive electrolyte comprising Na-FSA (sodium-bis(fluorosulonyl)amide), and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrolyte. One disclosed example of electrolyte membrane material includes, without limitation, a NaSICON-type membrane. Non-limiting examples of the positive electrode include Ni, Zn, Cu, or Fe. The cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 150° C., and preferably between about 110° C. and about 130° C.

Abstract: A separator (3) of a molten salt battery is impregnated with a molten salt that serves as the electrolyte. The molten salt contains, as cations, at least one kind of ions selected from among quaternary ammonium ions, imidazolium ions, imidazolinium ions, pyridinium ions, pyrrolidinium ions, piperidinium ions, morpholinium ions, phosphonium ions, piperazinium ions and sulfonium ions in addition to sodium ions. These cations do not have adverse effects on a positive electrode (1). In addition, the melting point of the molten salt, which contains sodium ions and the above-mentioned cations, is significantly lower than the operating temperature of sodium-sulfur batteries, said operating temperature being 280-360 DEG C. Consequently, the molten salt battery is capable of operating at lower temperatures than sodium-sulfur batteries.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 includes a case 12 serving as an insulating tube, an inner container 13 disposed on the inside wall of the case 12, a separator 14 separating the inside of the case 12 into a positive electrode chamber 20 and a negative electrode chamber 30, a mixed molten liquid 22 which is stored in the positive electrode chamber 20 and which contains a positive electrode active material and a supporting electrolyte, and a negative electrode active material 32 stored in the negative electrode chamber 30. The mixed molten liquid is a liquid obtained by mixing a radical compound having a nitroxyl radical site and serving as an active material and a metal salt having a fluoroalkylsulfonyl site and serving as a supporting electrolyte.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cathode composition comprises a transition metal and/or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and antimony, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; an alkali metal halide; an electrolyte salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a sulfide compound selected from the group consisting of gallium sulfide, antimony sulfide, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten salt containing at least two salts, and having a melting point of 350° C. or more and 430° C. or less and an electric conductivity at 500° C. of 2.2 S/cm or more. The present invention also provides a thermal battery including the molten salt as an electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved industrial apparatus for the large-scale storage of energy and a process for storing and transporting electric energy by means of this apparatus.

Abstract: A metal flow-through battery is provided, with ion exchange membrane. The flow-through battery is primarily made up of an anode slurry, a cathode slurry, and a hydroxide (OH?) anion exchange membrane interposed between the anode slurry and the cathode slurry, The anode and cathode slurries are both aqueous slurries. The anode slurry includes a metal, and associated oxides, such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn). The cathode slurry includes a chemical agent such as nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), nickel (II) hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), manganese oxide (MnO2), manganese (II) oxide (Mn2O3), iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), iron (III) oxide (FeO), iron (III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)), or combinations of the above-referenced materials. A method is also provided for forming a voltage potential across a flow-through battery.

Abstract: A battery is provided with an associated method for transporting metal-ions in the battery using a low temperature molten salt (LTMS). The battery comprises an anode, a cathode formed from a LTMS having a liquid phase at a temperature of less than 150° C., a current collector submerged in the LTMS, and a metal-ion permeable separator interposed between the LTMS and the anode. The method transports metal-ions from the separator to the current collector in response to the LTMS acting simultaneously as a cathode and an electrolyte. More explicitly, metal-ions are transported from the separator to the current collector by creating a liquid flow of LTMS interacting with the current collector and separator.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a liquid-metal alloy negative electrode for a lithium-ion battery. The electrode may also include a porous matrix that comprises a polymer matrix material, a hydrogel material, or a ceramic material.

Abstract: Sodium energy storage devices employing aspects of both ZEBRA batteries and traditional Na—S batteries can perform better than either battery alone. The hybrid energy storage devices described herein can include a sodium anode, a molten sodium salt catholyte, and a positive electrode that has active species containing sulfur. Additional active species can include a transition metal source and NaCl. As a product of the energy discharge process, Na2Sx forms in which x is less than three.

Abstract: An accumulator with an accumulator housing, having at least one cell changer, with several electrodes and liquid electrolyte in each cell chamber with at least one wall element in the cell chambers to divide the cell chambers into at least two intercommunicating volume chambers. In the lower region of the volume chambers is a communicating connection for the liquid electrolyte between the volume chambers and a pressure equalization connection between the volume chambers is arranged in the upper region of the volume chambers to assure an equivalent air pressure in the intercommunicating volume chambers.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten salt containing at least two salts, and having a melting point of 350° C. or more and 430° C. or less and an electric conductivity at 500° C. of 2.2 S/cm or more. The present invention also provides a thermal battery including the molten salt as an electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical method and apparatus for high-amperage electrical energy storage features a high-temperature, all-liquid chemistry. The reaction products created during charging remain part of the electrodes during storage for discharge on demand. In a simultaneous ambipolar electrodeposition cell, a reaction compound is electrolyzed to effect transfer from an external power source; the electrode elements are electrodissolved during discharge.

Abstract: An energy storage device is provided that includes a reservoir in operative communication with a positive electrode such that the positive electrode remains fully flooded, even at the top of the charge cycle. The device more particularly includes a housing receiving therein, in a coaxial manner, an ion conducting member, and a current collector member received coaxially within the ion conducting member. In this device, a first region is provided in the space between the housing and the ion conducting member and a second region is provided in the space between the ion conducting member and the current collector member. The interior of the current collector member defines a reservoir having a certain volume at least equal to the volume of the void space created in the second region during charging of the device.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells having molten electrodes comprising an alkaline earth metal provide receipt and delivery of power by transporting atoms of the alkaline earth metal between electrode environments of disparate alkaline earth metal chemical potentials.

Abstract: An electrochemical method and apparatus for high-amperage electrical energy storage features a high-temperature, all-liquid chemistry. The reaction products created during charging remain part of the electrodes during storage for discharge on demand. In a simultaneous ambipolar electrodeposition cell, a reaction compound is electrolyzed to effect transfer from an external power source; the electrode elements are electrodissolved during discharge.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cathode composition comprises a transition metal and/or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and antimony, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; an alkali metal halide; an electrolyte salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a sulfide compound selected from the group consisting of gallium sulfide, antimony sulfide, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten salt containing at least two salts, and having a melting point of 350° C. or more and 430° C. or less and an electric conductivity at 500° C. of 2.2 S/cm or more. The present invention also provides a thermal battery including the molten salt as an electrolyte.

Abstract: Provided is a molten salt battery which can be stably charged and discharged. A separator 3 composed of a rectangular plate-shaped glass cloth and containing a molten salt is interposed between a positive electrode 1 and a negative electrode 2 having a rectangular plate shape to form a power generating element X. A battery container 5 is configured to be substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. A non-flexible presser plate 4b pressed by a spring 4a arranged at a negative electrode 2 side in the battery container 5 substantially evenly disperses pressing force from the spring 4a and presses the negative electrode 2 downward. As a result of the reaction, a bottom wall 52 of the battery container presses the positive electrode 1 upward so that no dead space is generated even when a plurality of batteries are combined.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cathode composition is provided that includes at least one transition metal or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, and antimony; an alkali metal halide; a salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a metal polysulfide compound MSn wherein M is a metal and n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide has a melting point of less than about 300° C. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.

Abstract: To provide a molten salt battery which is highly safe and has long charge/discharge cycle life. The molten salt battery of the present invention includes a negative electrode 1 in which a negative electrode active material 12 is predominantly composed of carbon such as hard carbon. The negative electrode active material 12 is surface-treated for imparting hydrophilicity to the negative electrode active material 12 to improve the affinity for the molten salt. Further, a transition metal such as iron is added to the negative electrode active material 12 predominantly composed of hard carbon in order to enhance the affinity for the active material. The molten salt battery has higher safety in production and use and longer charge/discharge cycle life than conventional molten salt batteries using metallic sodium as an electrode.

Abstract: An electrode for a molten salt battery includes a current collector connectable to an electrode terminal of the molten salt battery and an active material. The current collector has an internal space in which small spaces are mutually coupled. The internal space of the current collector is filled with the active material.

Abstract: A liquid sodium battery in which two electrode members sandwiching a partition wall formed of a Na-ion conducting solid substance are constructed by a metal having a work function whose absolute value is smaller than that of a work function of sodium and a metal having a work function whose absolute value is greater than that of the work function of sodium.

Abstract: Thermal batteries using molten nitrate electrolytes offer significantly higher cell voltages and improvements in energy and power density. A problem concerning gas-evolution reactions is solved by eliminating chloride ions, sodium ions, and moisture contaminants. One step is to avoid any chlorine-containing substances in any battery component. The decomposition of such substances into chloride ions results in passivating-film breakdown and gas-producing reactions with the electrolyte. Sodium ions also react with the anode and lead to decreased stability. Thus, the use of sodium ions in components of the battery is avoided. The effect of water in the melt relates to both the reactivity and out-gassing problem. Water in the melt will react with, and breach the insoluble and protective oxide film and can produce hydrogen gas. A method to measure water in the nitrate electrolyte melt via cyclic voltammetry, as well as means of eliminate water from the melt is presented.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery that contains a molten salt electrolyte and has the enhanced output performances and cycle performances can be provided. The electrolyte has a molar ratio of lithium salt to molten salt of from 0.3 to 0.5, and the non-aqueous electrolyte battery has a positive electrode having a discharge capacity of 1.05 or more times that of a negative electrode thereof.

Abstract: A molten salt composition is disclosed containing two or more types of molten salt MTFSI whose anion is an imide anion TFSI and whose cation is an alkali metal M exhibits a lower electrolyte melting point and a wider operating temperature range than a simple salt does. This brings about various advantages such as a wider range of materials that are chosen for use in batteries and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten salt containing at least two salts, and having a melting point of 350° C. or more and 430° C. or less and an electric conductivity at 500° C. of 2.2 S/cm or more. The present invention also provides a thermal battery including the molten salt as an electrolyte.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of the present invention includes ejecting a melt 61 of a solid electrolyte onto at least one electrode plate selected from a positive electrode plate 20 and a negative electrode plate 30, thereby depositing the melt 61 onto the at least one electrode plate, and compressing the positive electrode plate 20 and the negative electrode plate 30 while sandwiching the melt 61, thereby forming a layered body including the positive electrode plate 20, an electrolyte layer 62 including the solid electrolyte, and the negative electrode plate 30. In accordance with this manufacturing method, a thin lithium secondary battery having excellent characteristics can be manufactured in a highly productive manner.

Abstract: Compositions of biomolecules such as nucleic acids that form molten salts are provided. These compositions molten compositions that have useful electrical properties. Such compositions include a salt of (i) an organic polymer ion such as a polynucleic acid anion, and (ii) a polyether or polysiloxane couterion. Methods of making and using such compositions, along with electrical devices such as memory devices, are also provided.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte lithium secondary cell comprising a positive electrode (1), a negative electrode (2) and a nonaqueous electrolyte containing a lithium salt is characterized by that the nonaqueous electrolyte contains a room temperature molten salt as a main component, a material wherein a working potential of the negative electrode (2) is nobler by above 1V than a potential of a metallic lithium is used for a negative active material of the negative electrode. This nonaqueous electrolyte lithium secondary cell has excellent safety and cell performance.

Abstract: Bipolar, tilted embodiments of high temperature, molten electrolyte electrochemical cells capable of directly converting carbon fuel to electrical energy are disclosed herein. The bipolar, tilted configurations minimize the electrical resistance between one cell and others connected in electrical series. The tilted configuration also allows continuous refueling of carbon fuel.

Abstract: An electrolyte containing calcium bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide [Ca((CF3SO2)2N)2] for a nonaqueous battery. The calcium bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide is soluble in an organic solvent and a molten salt having a melting point of not greater than 60° C.