Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid-circulating battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a permeable membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes to hold the same in separated relation to each other and to partition the same into a positive chamber and a negative chamber, two porous liquid-permeable carbon electrodes disposed respectively in the positive and negative electrolytic solutions being circulated respectively into the positive and negative chambers such that an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs and causes charging and discharging, wherein the permeable membrane is an ion-exchange me membrane including as an ion exchanger layer a polymeric pellicle which results from crosslinking of a halogenated alkylated product of an aromatic polysulfone type polymer with use of a polyamine and which has an ion exchange capacity of 0.3 to 8.0 milliequivalent/gram of dry resin and a thickness 0.1 to 120 .mu.

Abstract: A cell or battery which is environmentally benign and which has an electrolyte containing a solution of an alkali metal chlorite or hypochlorite, an anode of Mg or Al and an inert cathode.

Abstract: A very high gravimetric energy and power density hydrogen ion based rechargeable battery, which stores hydrogen and oxygen in lightweight porous carbon electrodes with metalized current collectors, and which are separated by ionically permeable polymeric membranes containing a liquid electrolyte. The hydrogen and oxygen are produced by electrolysis of water in the battery during charging and the battery cells are enclosed in lightweight, metalized polymer housings of honeycomb construction. The battery is also very highly rechargeable due to the use of carbon and hydrogen.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, such as a rechargeable lithium battery, having a poly-sulfide compound attached to the cathode provides a reversible cell capacity of at least 200 mAh/g. Fabrication of an electrolytic cell containing a poly-sulfide compound which is electronically conductive and insoluble in a liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: A process for charging and discharging zinc/bromine batteries with a plurality of anode and cathode chambers into and from which anolyte or catholyte fluids are fed and drained. Metallic zinc is deposited on the anode and atomic and/or molecular bromine is deposited at the cathode, and bromine is bonded in an only slightly water soluble complex with a complex-forming agent from the aqueous phase. The anolyte and/or catholyte fluids are circulated periodically. The oleophilic cathode phase is separated from the hydrophilic cathode phase. Only the aqueous phase of the catholyte is circulated through the cathode chambers, and the times at which the fluid is circulated is dependent upon the temperature of the anolyte in the anode chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed are positive electrodes containing active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The cells include active-sulfur, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor. These materials are provided in a manner allowing at least about 10% of the active-sulfur to be available for electrochemical reaction. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The method begins with a step of combining the electrode components in a slurry. Next, the slurry is homogenized such that the electrode components are well mixed and free of agglomerates. Thereafter, before the electrode components have settled or separated to any significant degree, the slurry is coated on a substrate to form a thin film. Finally, the coated film is dried to form the electrode in such a manner that the electrode components do not significantly redistribute.

Abstract: The present invention provides a redox battery using two layer, liquid permeable, porous electrodes, each having a porous electrode layer having high surface area comprising carbon fiber at the septum side and a porous electrode layer having low surface area comprising carbon fiber at the bipolar plate side. The battery has excellent properties such as high current density, low pump pressure loss, and high output.

Abstract: A method of restoring electrochemical activity to an electrode of a battery. The battery is a bipolar, electrochemical flow battery including a predetermined number of electrochemical cells and an electrolyte. The method includes reversing the direction of the normal cycling current through the battery, and may include lowering the pH of the electrolyte in the battery.

Abstract: A battery is provided comprising an aluminum anode, an aqueous sulfur catholyte, and a second electrode capable of reducing sulfur. A polysulfide cathode (for use with the above battery or independently) includes solid sulfur at ambient temperatures, and the cathodic charge stored in that solid sulfur can be directly accessed. An anode (for use with the above battery or independently) is also described, with the ability to utilize a substantial fraction of the anodic charge stored in the aluminum when immersed in electrolytes containing over 10 molar alkaline hydroxide.

Abstract: An electrode material for a liquid flow-through type electrolytic cell comprising a separator interposed between a pair of collectors counter-opposing each other via a gap, and an electrode material installed in at least one of the flow paths of electrolyte solution formed between said collector and said separator, characterized by having at least one groove in a carbonaceous material sheet. According to the present invention, an electrode having less pressure loss at liquid flow, which permits easy handling, and which has high selectivity for electrochemical reaction and superior electrode activity can be obtained without impairing the fundamental property of an electrode material. The electrode material of the present invention is superior in liquid flowability and is capable of giving the electrolytic cell using this material as an electrode a high battery efficiency and a long service life.

Abstract: To provide a power generator capable of replacing thermal generators, which is capable of realizing large amounts of power at low cost while using almost no fossil fuels and without polluting the environment.A solution comprising a solvent, which itself does not dissociate, having added thereto a substance which dissociates in the solvent, stored in the interior of a container having an inner surface possessing corrosion resistance and insulating properties, wherein an anode electrode having a small work function and a cathode electrode having a large work function are immersed in a mutually opposing manner in the solution.

Abstract: Fabrication of conductive solid porous carbon electrodes for use in batteries, double layer capacitors, fuel cells, capacitive dionization, and waste treatment. Electrodes fabricated from low surface area (<50 m.sup.2 /gm) graphite and cokes exhibit excellent reversible lithium intercalation characteristics, making them ideal for use as anodes in high voltage lithium insertion (lithium-ion) batteries. Electrodes having a higher surface area, fabricated from powdered carbon blacks, such as carbon aerogel powder, carbon aerogel microspheres, activated carbons, etc. yield high conductivity carbon compositives with excellent double layer capacity, and can be used in double layer capacitors, or for capacitive deionization and/or waste treatment of liquid streams. By adding metallic catalysts to be high surface area carbons, fuel cell electrodes can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a rechargeable lithium electrochemical cell comprising an anode containing a carbon-containing material with a degree of crystallinity which is greater than 0.8 and an electrolyte comprising a lithium salt and a mixture of at least two aprotic organic solvents, of which the first solvent has a high dielectric constant and the second solvent has low viscosity. The electrolyte further contains a soluble compound of the same type as at least one of said solvents and contains at least one unsaturated bond, and which can be reduced at the anode at a potential of more than 1 volt with respect to lithium to form a passivation layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell including an alkali metal anode and a cathode, one of the anode or cathode being connected to a structure for making electrical connection from a load to the cell, the other of the anode or cathode having main and alternate portions, a main terminal connected to the main anode or cathode portion for making electrical connection between a load and the cell, and an alternate terminal connected to the alternate anode or cathode portion for making electrical connection between a load and the cell, so that the main anode or cathode portion first is discharged with the alternate portion held in reserve, whereupon when the main portion reaches end of life the alternate anode or cathode portion is discharged. The main and alternate anode or cathode portions are insulated from each other, and the anode preferably is of lithium.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for energy storage and/or power delivery comprises multi-compartment cells with the +.sup.ve chamber and the -.sup.ve chamber of each cell being separated by at least one buffer chamber through which an idler electrolyte circulates, the electrolyte circulating through the -.sup.ve chamber during power delivery containing sulfide and the apparatus comprising means for restoring the electrolyte balance of the -.sup.ve electrolyte by the oxidation of any S.sup.2- and/or HS.sup.- ions contained in the idler electrolyte to form sulfur, means for the collection of precipitated sulfur and means for the reintroduction of the precipitated sulfur into the -.sup.ve electrolyte.

Abstract: Zinc-bromine battery with circulating electrolytes, motor-driven pumps with pump chambers, containers for the electrolytes, dipolar electrodes and separators of synthetic material fitted between them, in which the edges of the separators and the electrodes are welded together, and electrolyte inlet and outlet lines allocated to the electrode chambers thus formed, and possibly heat exchangers for the electrolytes. One gas and liquid-proof chamber unit with at least one container, catholyte inlet and outlet lines, a pump chamber and cathode chambers is formed which is connected to another gas and liquid-proof chamber unit consisting of another container, anolyte inlet and outlet lines, another pump chamber and anode chambers, especially solely via separators.

Abstract: A module for liquid electrolyte, electric energy storing devices. The module includes a double-walled container having an innerwall and an outerwall and a rim. The container includes a first well for holding liquid electrolyte electric energy storing devices and which is defined by the inner wall. The container also includes a first electrolyte reservoir having a shelf and a lid for covering the first reservoir. The innerwall and outerwall define a second electrolyte reservoir which surrounds the first electrolyte reservoir so that the first and second reservoirs are in nested relationship. The reservoirs are designed so that a physical puncture of the module will cause the electrolyte from the first reservoir to mix with the electrolyte from the second before it leaks from the module.

Abstract: An inorganic electrolyte rechargeable electrical storage cell is shown which makes use of non-metallic electrodes in combination with an inorganic electrolyte that includes sulfur dioxide. The electrolyte can be for example a lithium and/or a calcium tetrachloroaluminate salt in sulfur dioxide. The anode of the cell is made of a carbon for example a graphite while the cathode is produced from a carbon having a relatively much higher surface area.

Abstract: A battery including a plurality of bipolar electrodes and non-conductive separators, each having first and second surfaces. A carbon coating is applied on the first surface of each of the plurality of carbon plastic electrodes, and each separator is disposed in spaced, sandwich relation with respect to two of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes and separators define a plurality of electrochemical cells, including a plurality of anodic half-cells, and a plurality of cathodic half-cells. A high surface area carbon material is disposed in, and completely fills, each cathodic half-cell, and an electrolyte is disposed in each half-cell. A spacer is disposed in each anodic half-cell. The spacer may be a mesh or screen made from polymeric material. The spacer may also be an aggregated glass mat.

Abstract: An alkaline gel electrolyte for an electrochemical cell is based on a polymeric binder of polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate. Potassium hydroxide and/or sodium hydroxide is blended into the polymeric binder or matrix, and the resulting solution is used to cast a film that is useful as a gel electrolyte. The hydroxide in the solution is between about 1% to 25% by weight, and the polymer concentration is between about 0.5% to 10% by weight. The resulting gel electrolyte film contains between 10 to 90% water by weight. A nickel or iron porphine modifier may be added in an amount between about 1 to 1000 parts per million. The alkaline gel electrolyte is useful in combination with asymmetric inorganic electrodes to make electrochemical cells, and can also function as a separator. Improved power density and higher cycle life is achieved with the gel electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making solid-phase active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The method begins with a step of combining the electrode components (including an electrochemically active material, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor) in a slurry. Next, the slurry is homogenized such that the electrode components are well mixed and free of agglomerates. Very soon thereafter, before the electrode components have settled or separated to any significant degree, the slurry is coated on a substrate to form a thin film. Finally, the coated film is dried to form the electrode in such a manner that the electrode components do not significantly redistribute.

Abstract: Power density of a sodium/transition metal halide cell, particularly a Na/NiCl.sub.2 cell is enhanced by forming a high area foil nickel chloride electrode such as a film of sintered nickel chloride deposited on an expanded metal screen and folded or coiled into a compact form and immersed in the aluminate salt catholyte disposed within a beta alumina solid electrolyte tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing nickel hydroxide from elemental metal. Elemental nickel is first introduced into an aqueous ammonia or ammonia/ammonium salt solution capable of dissolving nickel. The potential, as measured by a standard calomel electrode, is allowed to reach a negative or reducing level. Oxygen is added to the aqueous solution at a rate that maintains the negative potential to facilitate the conversion of elemental nickel to nickel hydroxide. Nickel hydroxide may be readily precipitated from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are battery cells comprising a sulfur-based positive composite electrode. Preferably, said cells are secondary cells, and more preferably thin film secondary cells. In one aspect, the cells can be in a solid-state or gel-state format wherein either a solid-state or gel-state electrolyte separator is used. In another aspect of the invention, the cells are in a liquid format wherein the negative electrode comprises carbon, carbon inserted with lithium or sodium, or a mixture of carbon with lithium or sodium. The novel battery systems of this invention have a preferred operating temperature range of from -40.degree. C. to 145.degree. C. with demonstrated energies and powers far in excess of state-of-the-art high-temperature battery systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are battery cells comprising a sulfur-based positive composite electrode. Preferably, said cells are secondary cells, and more preferably thin film secondary cells. In one aspect, the cells can be in a solid-state or gel-state format wherein either a solid-state or gel-state electrolyte separator is used. In another aspect of the invention, the cells are in a liquid format wherein the negative electrode comprises carbon, carbon inserted with lithium or sodium, or a mixture of carbon with lithium or sodium. The novel battery systems of this invention have a preferred operating temperature range of from -40.degree. C. to 145.degree. C. with demonstrated energies and powers far in excess of state-of-the-art high-temperature battery systems.

Abstract: A novel battery cell is disclosed which is characterized by a metal-organosulfur positive electrode which has one or more metal-sulfur bonds wherein when the positive electrode is charged and discharged, the formal oxidation state of the metal is changed. The positive electrode has the general formula(M'.sup.z.spsp.+.sub.(c/z) [M.sub.q (RS.sub.y).sub.x.sup.c- ]).sub.nwhereinz=1 or 2; y=1 to 20; x=1 to 10; c=0 to 10; n.gtoreq.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid cathode lithium cell including an electrolyte and a carbon-based electrode, said cell being characterized by the fact that said electrode is composed of a mixture of a carbon-containing material and of a binder to which an electroactive compound is added, said electroactive compound being more oxidizing than said electrolyte and having a reduction potential that is greater than 3 volts measured relative to a lithium electrode, the proportion of said electroactive compound lying in the range 10% to 80% by weight of said mixture.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for energy storage and power generation comprises a single cell or an array of unit cells (10), each cell comprising a +.sup.ve electrode (12) and a -.sup.ve electrode (14) with a dual membrane in each cell dividing it into +.sup.ve chambers (22C and 24C) for posilyte and anolyte solutions (22, 24) which are recirculated through separate pumps (26, 28) and storage tanks (32, 34) and back to the chambers. The dual membranes in each cell provide a third chamber (23C) between the +.sup.ve chamber (22C) and the -.sup.ve chamber (24C), through which an idler electrolyte is circulated.During the operation of the cell, any ionic species which cross the cation exchange membranes, which in an ideal system would remain in either the +.sup.ve chamber or the -.sup.ve chamber of the cell, will collect in the buffer chamber or chambers.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided using graphite immersed in molten NaA.sub.4 (mp150.degree. C.) as the cathode, liquid sodium as the anode and .beta. alumina as the sodium ion conducting solid electrolyte to separate the anode and cathode compartments.

Abstract: A novel dual flow battery configuration is provided comprising an aqueous drogen peroxide catholyte, an aqueous anolyte, a porous solid electrocatalyst capable of reducing said hydrogen peroxide and separating said anolyte, and an aluminum anode positioned within said anolyte. Separation of catholyte and anolyte chambers prevents hydrogen peroxide poisoning of the aluminum anode.

Abstract: A process for reducing unwanted specific electrochemical conversion in rechargeable batteries with circulating electrolytes and bipolar electrodes with diaphragms therebetween to form anolyte or catholyte chambers. When a working element such as a motor is electrically disconnected from the battery, a regulating and/or control mechanism may also be disconnected and circulation of the electrolyte is stopped. Additionally, or alternatively, the battery may be intermittently charged during disconnection of the working element and stoppage of the electrolytic circulation.

Abstract: A battery is provided comprising an aluminum anode, an aqueous sulfur catholyte, and a second electrode capable of reducing sulfur. A polysulfide cathode (for use with the above battery or independently) includes solid sulfur at ambient temperatures, and the cathodic charge stored in that solid sulfur can be directly accessed. An anode (for use with the above battery or independently) is also described, with the ability to utilize a substantial fraction of the anodic charge stored in the aluminum when immersed in electrolytes containing over 10 molar alkaline hydroxide.

Abstract: A rechargeable membrane flow cell battery useful for providing electrical power to electric loads. The rechargeable membrane flow cell battery includes a bipolar stack of at least two membrane flow cells and a single fuel cell electrode pair for converting membrane potentials generated by acidic and basic electrolyte ions to electrical potential. The ability to stack numerous membrane flow cells provides for increases in the energy density of the battery. The presence of a single electrode pair reduces activation polarization and decreases the cost and weight of the battery. Rapid recharging is accomplished by draining spent fluid and providing fresh electrolyte fluids. Conventional recharging is accomplished by reversing the fluid flows and applying electrical power, to regenerate the electrolytes.

Abstract: A secondary battery utilizing a zinc bromide electrolyte has an electrolyte which is composed of a first solution including zinc bromide and a complexing agent which forms a bromide complex from the bromide ions to precipitate the complex in the electrolyte, and a second solution of a zinc compound which is selected from groups of compounds which decompose at a higher voltage than the first solution during battery charging. The concentrations of the first and second solutions are regulated for providing a concentration of zinc ions which are generated from the first and the second solutions at least 0.5 mol/l higher than bromide ions which are generated from the first solution.

Abstract: The invention provides an air cathode in combination with an oxygen-rich electrolyte-immiscible organic fluid for supplying oxygen thereto, as well as providing metal/air batteries and hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells incorporating the same.

Abstract: A Lithium battery includes a switch to operatively activate the discharging circuit so that Lithium may be inactivated for safe disposal of the battery.

Abstract: A Lithium battery includes a switch to operatively activate the discharging circuit so that Lithium may be inactivated for safe disposal of the battery.

Abstract: The lithium/carbon/SO.sub.2 energy cell is disclosed wherein the electrolyte includes lithium tetrachloroaluminate. In order to increase the electrical capacity of the cell, the concentration of lithium tetrachloroaluminate in the electrolyte is increased to calcium tetrachloroaluminate and added to the solution to aid the mass transport as well as the lower freezing point of the electrolyte. In order to eliminate any corrosive effect of the calcium added to on the lithium anode, this disclosure provides a teaching of the use of an electrolyte solution and is essentially free of any moist content.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell having a solid active cathode, an active metal anode and a low vapor pressure highly conductive electrolyte comprising a liquid solvate-complex of sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) and an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt soluble therein such as those having a Group 3A element halide anion with the ratio of salt to SO.sub.2 in said electrolyte ranging from about 1:1 to 1:7.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas is generated on demand by reacting hydrochloric acid (haloacid) and a pure metal by flowing the acid upwardly through a bed of metal particles held on a distributor plate within a sliding tray. The tray reciprocates in a retaining vessel. A port in the retaining vessel can be aligned with a drain port in the sliding tray (below the distributor plate) so that the solution in the bed can be shunted directly to an annulus between the retaining vessel and the reactor jacket, thereby eliminating contact of acid and metal and stopping the generation of hydrogen. A coolant may be circulated in the base of the retaining vessel to control the temperature of the acid as it enters the bed, thereby helping to control the reaction rate.

Abstract: The degradation of organic electrode separators in rechargeable lithium-sulfur dioxide electrochemical cells which utilize chemically uncombined aluminum chloride as an electrolyte component can be reduced by incorporating an additive into the electrolyte which is effective to provide a redox couple having a potential in the range which is above that of the SO.sub.2 /S.sub.2 O.sub.4.sup.-2 couple and below that of the Cl.sub.2 /Cl.sup.- couple.

Abstract: A lithium electrochemical power source is shown, adapted for use as a primary and/or secondary cell, wherein a non-aqueous electrolyte is used, the solvent being a C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 aliphatic acid chloride and the solute being a lithium aluminum halide with an additive selected from the group consisting of bromine and iodine.

Abstract: An alkaline earth-oxyhalide electrochemical cell is improved in its low teratures operation by including bromine in the electrolyte of the cell.

Abstract: An improved zinc electrode is disclosed for a rechargeable zinc-air battery comprising an outer frame and a porous foam electrode support within the frame which is treated prior to the deposition of zinc thereon to inhibit the formation of zinc dendrites on the external surface thereof. The outer frame is provided with passageways for circulating an alkaline electrolyte through the treated zinc-coated porous foam. A novel rechargeable zinc-air battery system is also disclosed which utilizes the improved zinc electrode and further includes an alkaline electrolyte within said battery circulating through the passageways in the zinc electrode and an external electrolyte circulation means which has an electrolyte reservoir external to the battery case including filter means to filter solids out of the electrolyte as it circulates to the external reservoir and pump means for recirculating electrolyte from the external reservoir to the zinc electrode.

Abstract: A secondary battery using nonaqueous electrolytes that contain a light metal as an active material, and comprising an anode, a cathode and a separator that electrically separates the anode from the cathode, wherein said anode comprises a heat-resistant porous support and a carbon material deposited on said porous support, said carbon material having the following physico-chemical properties: The mean interlayer separation of said carbon active material is in the range of 0.337 to 0.355 nm; the ratio of the Raman intensity of 1360 cm.sup.-1 to that of 1580 cm.sup.-1 with regard to the argon laser Raman spectra of said carbon material is in the range of 0.4 to 1.0; and said carbon material is mainly composed of a carbon having a six-membered ring structure with flat networks and having a selective orientation.

Abstract: A half-cell of an electric storage cell comprises an electrocatalytic electrode immersed in an aqueous salt solution of potassium and/or other polysulfide anions in high concentration so that the sulfur species which may be electrochemically oxidized or reduced form substantial components of the solution (e.g. at least 20% by weight). Na.sup.+ and OH.sup.- salts which limit polysulfide solubility and/or solution stability are not added to the salt solution. Aqueous Ks.sub.x.sup.-2 in the storage cell contains up to 24.5 molal reducible sulfur at 25.degree. C., and up to 34.2 molal reducible sulfur in solution at 70.degree. C. This high faradaic capacity is readily accessible at high current density with minimal polarization losses.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrochemical cell having a metal bromine couple. The cell includes an electrode structure on which to deposit the metal of the couple and a counterelectrode at which to generate bromine. A microporous membrane separates the electrode and counterelectrode. Importantly, the aqueous electrolyte comprises an aqueous metal bromide solution containing a water soluble bromine complexing agent capable of forming a water immiscible complex with bromine and an additive capable of decreasing the wettability of the microporous separators employed in such cells by such water immiscible bromine complexes.

Abstract: A thermoelectrochemical system in which an electrical current is generated between a cathode immersed in a concentrated sulfuric acid solution and an anode immersed in an aqueous buffer solution of sodium bisulfate and sodium sulfate. Reactants consumed at the electrodes during the electrochemical reaction are thermochemically regenerated and recycled to the electrodes to provide continuous operation of the system.

Abstract: An electric energy storing apparatus comprising lead-acid storage battery means and flowing type battery means. The lead-acid storage battery means is connectable to power lines interconnecting electric power generating means and a load, and the flowing type battery is connectable to the lead-acid storage battery means in order to charge the storage battery means, execute an equalization charge, or act as an end cell for the storage battery means.

Abstract: The lithium/carbon/SO.sub.2 energy cell is disclosed wherein the electrolyte includes lithium tetrachloroaluminate. In order to increase the electrical capacity of the cell, the concentration of lithium tetrachloroaluminate in the electrolyte is increased .[.to.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.calcium tetrachloroaluminate .[.and.]. .Iadd.is .Iaddend.added to the solution to aid the mass transport as well as .[.the.]. .Iadd.to .Iaddend.lower .Iadd.the .Iaddend.freezing point of the electrolyte. In order to eliminate any corrosive effect of the calcium .[.added.]. .Iadd.additive .Iaddend.to on the lithium anode, this disclosure provides a teaching of the use of an electrolyte solution .[.and.]. .Iadd.that .Iaddend.is essentially free of any .[.moist.]. .Iadd.moisture .Iaddend.content.