Abstract: An electrochemical cell is made with two asymmetric electrodes and a solid polymer electrolyte. The anode is made from materials such metal hydrides, metals, metal hydroxides or metal oxides. The cathode is made from metal hydrides, metals, metal hydroxides or metal oxides. A solid polymer electrolyte is in intimate contact with and situated between the anode and the cathode. The solid polymer electrolyte is made from a polymeric binder such as polyethylene oxide, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylamide, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(2-vinylpyridine), poly(4-vinylpyridine) and polyethyleneimine. The polymeric binder has H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or H3PO4 dispersed within it.

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: A sulfide-based lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte having a high ion conductivity and a high decomposition voltage contains crosslinking oxygen ions and silicon ions combined with the crosslinking oxygen ions in a structure of ##STR1##

Abstract: A battery capable of producing high current densities with a high charge acity is described which includes an aluminum anode, a ferricyanide electrolyte and a second electrode capable of reducing ferricyanide electrolyte which is either dissolved in an alkaline solution or alkaline seawater solution. The performance of the battery is enhanced by high temperature and high electrolyte flow rates.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a solid electrolyte containing a polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, a viscosifying agent, and a flame retardant, as well as electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.

Abstract: An improved rechargeable zinc cell is described comprising a zinc electrode and another electrode such as, for example, a nickel-containing electrode, and having an electrolyte containing one or more hydroxides having the formula M(OH), one or more fluorides having the formula MF, and one or more carbonates having the formula M.sub.2 CO.sub.3, where M is a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals. The electrolyte inhibits shape change in the zinc electrode, i.e., the zinc electrode exhibits low shape change, resulting in an improved capacity retention of the cell over an number of charge-discharge cycles, while still maintaining high discharge rate characteristics.

Abstract: An improved rechargeable zinc cell is described comprising a zinc electrode and another electrode such as, for example, a nickel-containing electrode, and having an electrolyte containing KOH and a combination of KF and K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 salts which inhibits shape change in the zinc electrode, i.e., the zinc electrode exhibits low shape change, resulting in an improved capacity retention of the cell over an number of charge-discharge cycles, while still maintaining high discharge rate characteristics.

Abstract: A high-temperature bipolar battery consisting of a plurality of stacked individual cells. A first, thermal-sprayed electrode or electrolyte resistant material ceramic layer is sprayed to the exterior of the face-to-face stacked array and onto the peripheral faces of the battery metal end plates remote from the individual cells of a thickness sufficient to virtually eliminate all through pores therein. A second thermal-sprayed ceramic layer is of a thickness sufficient to form a metal support and containment structure of the bipolar battery stack. The thermal-sprayed layers have similar coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). A metal cup surrounds and encloses at least one of the electrodes of each individual cell tending to form an inter-cell seal between the thermal-sprayed ceramic layer and the metal cup to prevent communication of electrolyte from cell to cell.

Abstract: A battery having a zinc or zinc alloy anode, a metal oxide or hydroxide cathode and an alkaline electrolyte comprising a solution of a salt formed by the reaction of boric acid, phosphoric acid or arsenic acid with an alkali or earth alkali hydroxide present in a sufficient amount to produce a stoichiometric excess of hydroxide to acid in the range of 2.5 to 11.0 equivalents per liter, and of a soluble alkali or earth or earth alkali fluoride in an amount corresponding to a concentration range of 0.01 to 1.0 equivalents per liter of total solution.

Abstract: Surface rich forms of magnesium hydroxide and/or basic magnesium salts, or titanium (IV) oxide, preferably with lye or an aqueous potassium carbonate solution in weight ratios of between about 1:0.5 and 1:2, or between about 1:1.5 and 1:4.5, respectively, produce pastes of a consistency ranging from nearly dry to wet. These pastes are used in producing alkaline primary and secondary elements with immobilized electrolytes and high operating capacities. The specific surfaces of the solids are preferably in the range of from 25 to 50 m.sup.2 /g (and higher). The paste electrlytes can be utilized in the temperature range of from -50.degree. C. to near the boiling point of the pure electrolyte, while exhibiting capacities which scarcely differ from those of an additive-free KOH electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode whose electrochemically active material includes an intermetallic compound which can form a hydride with hydrogen, the cell comprising an electrolyte of a solution of at least one alkali hydroxide in water, the negative electrode being provided with a discharge buffer by introducing a quantity of an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or aluminium into the cell before the cell is sealed, the quantity corresponding to the desired quantity of hydrogen in the negative electrode in the uncharged condition of the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode whose electrochemically active material includes an intermetallic compound which can form a hydride with hydrogen, the cell comprising an electrolyte of a solution of at least one alkali hydroxide in water, the negative electrode being provided with a discharge buffer by introducing a quantity of an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or aluminum into the cell before the cell is sealed, the quantity corresponding to the desired quantity of hydrogen in the negative electrode in the uncharged condition of the cell.

Abstract: Four groups of advanced hydrogen hydride storage and hydride electrode materials, consisting of two common elements, titanium and nickel. In the first group of materials, zirconium and chromium are added with the common elements. The second group of materials contain three additional elements in addition to the common elements, namely, chromium, zirconium and vanadium. The third group of materials contain also, in addition to the common elements, zirconium and vanadium. The fourth group of materials adds manganese and vanadium with the common elements. The preparation methods of the materials, as well as their hydride electrode are disclosed. Electrochemical studies indicate that these materials have high capacity, long cycle life and high rate capability.

Abstract: An electrolyte is disclosed which can be used in a variety of electrochemical cells and rechargeable accumulators. The electrolyte solution contains a complexing agent which reduces electrode solubility, combats dendrite formation, improves electrolyte conductivity and low temperature operation. The complexing agent additive described can be used with various electrolytes and existing cell types to advantage. Aspects of this invention are applicable to Ni-Cd, Ag-Cd, Ag-Zn, Ni-Fe, Ni-Zn, and like cells.

Abstract: A zinc-halogen battery having a negative electrode of zinc electrode, a positive electrode of halogen electrode, and an electrolyte of aqueous solution containing a zinc halide as a main component thereof, which is characterized in that said electrolyte contains Tl and/or Tl compound and further at least one additive selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Sn, Pb, Bi and the compounds thereof, if necessary, with addition of In and/or In compound.

Abstract: An alkaline cell containing an effective amount of an electrolyte soluble reducing agent of alkali metal borohydrides, quaternary ammonium borohydrides, complex aluminum hydrides or hydrazine.

Abstract: A battery system having a zinc containing anode in an alkaline electrolyte produced in a manner to substantially avoid dendritic growth and anode shape change with additives added to the electrolyte and/or anode to assist therein.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline solution comprised of 5 weight % to 10 weight % KOH, 5 weight % to 15 weight % KF and 10 weight % to 20 weight % K.sub.3 PO.sub.4 is used as an electrolyte in a secondary electrochemical cell wherein the active material of one of the electrodes is a zinc-active material.

Abstract: An alkaline/manganese dioxide cell which is repeatedly rechargeable from a deeply discharged state is produced chemically contacting the manganese dioxide with free negative ions of at least one weak acid that does not, in the conditions prevailing in the cell, form salts with manganese the crystals of which contain water of crystallization. Suitable weak acids are silicic, carbonic, boric, cyanic and acetic acids and hydrogen sulphide.

Abstract: The aqueous, strongly alkaline electrolyte of the element and/or one or both of the electrodes contain(s) additive of soluble chloride, sulfate, or both.

Abstract: An additive for the iron electrodes of alkaline batteries which prevents and counteracts the tendency of iron electrodes to become passive and ineffective. The additive consists of sulfide, selenide or telluride which is sparingly soluble in the electrolyte and has a decomposition potential more electronegative than the final charging potential of the iron electrode. The additive may be placed in the active electrode material during manufacture but may also be placed in the battery during or after manufacture, for example in tablet form. The additive may also be introduced in a manner permitting subsequent activation by electrochemical methods. A number of examples is presented.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte, which is particularly suitable for secondary electrochemical cells with zinc electrodes, is disclosed which comprises an aqueous solution of from 18 to 30 percent potassium fluoride (KF) and from 15 to 2 percent potassium hydroxide (KOH) wherein the total dissolved content is within a range from 20 to 45 percent.

Abstract: A battery having a zinc or zinc alloy anode, a metal oxide or hydroxide cathode and an alkaline electrolyte comprising a solution of a salt formed by the reaction of one or more acids selected from the group consisting of boric acid, phosphoric acid and arsenic acid with an alkali or earth alkali hydroxide present in a sufficient amount to produce a stoichiometric excess of hydroxide to acid in the range of 0.02 to 3.0 equivalents per liter.

Abstract: A method of assembling a lithium alloy/molten salt/metal chalocogenide, high-energy density electrochemical device. Broadly, the method comprises providing a negative electrode structure in intimate contact with an electrolyte, which is conductive at elevated temperatures. There also is provided in contact with the electrolyte a positive electrode structure which includes a current-collecting substrate containing a sulfur and oxygen compound of at least one alkali metal in intimate admixture with a particulate metal. An electric current is passed from one electrode to the other to cause such device to be in a desired state of elecrochemical charge, whereby when said device is in a charged state a negative electrode active material comprises an alkali metal alloy and the positive electrode active material comprises a mixture of oxides and sulfides of the particulate metal.

Abstract: A mercury-free negative zinc electrode is described for use in secondary alkaline electrochemical cells. It contains an active zinc material and lead acetate or cadmium acetate substantially homogeneously dispersed in a non-ionic binder which is an hydroxy alkyl cellulose. The aforementioned constituents are typically admixed to form a paste which is compressed against opposing sides of a current collector to form a zinc electrode.

Abstract: A rechargeable aqueous zinc-halogen cell is described which includes a casing, an ion exchange membrane in the casing defining a positive and a negative electrode compartment, an electrode substrate in each compartment, at least the electrode substrate in the positive compartment consisting of vitreous carbon, an aqueous electrolytic solution containing a zinc salt selected from the class consisting of zinc bromide, zinc iodide, and mixtures thereof in both compartments, and halogen in the positive compartment.

Abstract: An accumulator battery, which may be called an alkaline lead battery, uses as negative material the typical electrode anode materials of the alkaline battery, e.g., iron, cadmium, etc., and as positive material lead dioxide or other difficultly soluble lead (IV) compounds which are formed thanks to the addition of anions like sulphate etc., to the alkaline electrolyte. During discharge the positive electrode material is reduced to lead (II) compounds containing the anion added to the electrolyte. The electrolyte has alkaline reaction during the whole cycle of charge and discharge.

Abstract: A rechargeable aqueous metal-halogen cell is described which includes a casing, a pair of spaced apart porous electrode substrates in the casing, a micro-porous separator between the electrode substrates defining a positive and a negative electrode compartment, an aqueous electrolytic solution containing a zinc salt selected from the class consisting of zinc bromide, zinc iodide, and mixtures thereof in both compartments, and an organic halogen complexing additive of nitrobenzene in the electrolytic solution of at least the positive compartment.

Abstract: An improved active material for use within the positive electrode of a secondary electrochemical cell includes a mixture of iron disulfide and a sulfide of a polyvalent metal. Various metal sulfides, particularly sulfides of cobalt, nickel, copper, cerium and manganese, are added in minor weight proportion in respect to iron disulfide for improving the electrode performance and reducing current collector requirements.

Abstract: Calcium alloys such as calcium-aluminum and calcium-silicon, are employed as active material within a rechargeable negative electrode of an electrochemical cell. Such cells can use a molten salt electrolyte including calcium ions and a positive electrode having sulfur, sulfides, or oxides as active material. The calcium alloy is selected to prevent formation of molten calcium alloys resulting from reaction with the selected molten electrolytic salt at the cell operating temperatures.

Abstract: Four groups of advanced hydrogen hydride storage and hydride electrode materials, consisting of two common elements, titanium and nickel. In the first group of materials, zirconium and chromium are added with the common elements. The second group of materials contain three additional elements in addition to the common elements, namely, chromium, zirconium and vanadium. The third group of materials contain also, in addition to the common elements, zirconium and vanadium. The fourth group of materials adds manganese and vanadium with the common elements. The preparation methods of the materials, as well as their hydride electrode are disclosed. Electrochemical studies indicate that these materials have high capacity, long cycle life and high rate capability.