Abstract: Articles and methods involving protected electrode structures are generally provided. In some embodiments, a protected electrode structure includes an electrode comprising an alkali metal and a protective structure directly adjacent the electrode. In some embodiments, the protective structure comprises elemental carbon and intercalated ions. In some embodiments, the protective structure is a composite protective structure. The composite structure may comprise an alloy comprising an alkali metal, an oxide of an alkali metal, and/or a fluoride salt of an alkali metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode capable of reducing contact resistance between a resin current collector and the electrode, and a method of manufacturing the electrode. The electrode of the present invention includes a positive electrode current collector 11 containing a polymer material and a conductive filler, a positive electrode active material layer 13 disposed adjacent to the positive electrode current collector, and a concavoconvex shape 11c corresponding to a concavoconvex shape 13c formed on a surface of the positive electrode active material layer that is in contact with the positive electrode current collector, the concavoconvex shape being formed on a surface of the positive electrode current collector that is in contact with the positive electrode active material layer.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells that cycle lithium ions and methods for suppressing or minimizing dendrite formation are provided. The electrochemical cells include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed therebetween. At least one transition metal ion-trapping moiety, including one or more polymers functionalized with one or more trapping groups, may be included within the electrochemical cell as a coating, pore filler, substitute pendant group, or binder. The one or more trapping groups may be selected from the group consisting of: crown ethers, siderophores, bactins, ortho-phenanthroline, iminodiacetic acid dilithium salt, oxalates malonates, fumarates, succinates, itaconates, phosphonates, and combinations thereof, and may bind to metal ions found within the electrochemical cell to minimize or suppress formation of dendrite protrusions on the negative electrode.

Abstract: A method for storing and releasing power using a metal-air battery, which includes: (a) a discharge phase during which a first positive air electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and a second positive oxygen-release electrode is disconnected from the positive terminal of the battery; (b) a recharging phase during which the second positive oxygen-release electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the first positive air electrode is disconnected from the positive terminal of the battery, and during which the potential of the negative electrode is measured relative to the first positive air electrode. Also disclosed is a metal-air battery designed especially for implementing said method.

Abstract: A method for configuring a non-lithium-intercalation electrode includes intercalating an insertion species between multiple layers of a stacked or layered electrode material. The method forms an electrode architecture with increased interlayer spacing for non-lithium metal ion migration. A laminate electrode material is constructed such that pillaring agents are intercalated between multiple layers of the stacked electrode material and installed in a battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode having a metal material having an oxygen containing layer. The electrochemical cell also includes a cathode and an electrolyte. The anode includes a chemically bonded protective layer formed by reacting a D or P block precursor with the oxygen containing layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to protected metal anode architecture and method of making the same, providing a protected metal anode architecture comprising a metal anode; and a composite protection film formed over and in direct contact with the metal anode, wherein the metal anode comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal and an alkaline earth metal, and the composite protection film comprises particles of an inorganic compound dispersed throughout a matrix of an organic compound. The present disclosure also provides a method of forming a protected metal anode architecture.

Abstract: One embodiment may include a lithium ion battery, wherein one or more chelating agents may be attached to a battery component.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery including a compound containing at least one thiol group (—SH) in a molecule in a unit cell of the battery is provided. By including the compound containing thiol group (—SH) having good reactivity with copper or copper ions, the formation of dendrite through the reduction of copper ions present in the inner portion of the battery or produced during operating the battery at the surface of an anode may be prevented. The internal short between two electrodes due to the dendrite may be also prevented.

Abstract: Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell in one embodiment includes a negative electrode including a form of lithium, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, an electrolyte, a separator positioned between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and a current collector in the negative electrode, the current collector including a substrate material and a coating material on the surface of the substrate material, wherein the coating material does not include a form of lithium.

Abstract: An electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery having a collector, an active-material layer formed on the collector and a protecting layer formed on the active-material layer, in which the protecting layer contains an organic particle formed of poly(methyl methacrylate) having a crosslinked structure, and the organic particle has an average particle size (D50) of 0.5 to 4.0 ?m.

Abstract: A metal-air battery includes a canister and a spiral wound electrode assembly disposed within the canister. The electrode assembly includes an ion permeable and substantially gas impermeable anode, a catalytic cathode, and a dielectric separator disposed between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: One embodiment may include a lithium ion battery, wherein one or more chelating agents may be attached to a battery component

Abstract: Modified surfaces on metal anodes for batteries can help resist formation of malfunction-inducing surface defects. The modification can include application of a protective nanocomposite coating that can inhibit formation of surface defects. such as dendrites, on the anode during charge/discharge cycles. For example, for anodes having a metal (M?), the protective coating can be characterized by products of chemical or electrochemical dissociation of a nanocomposite containing a polymer and an exfoliated compound (Ma?Mb?Xc). The metal, M?, comprises Li, Na, or Zn. The exfoliated compound comprises M? among lamella of Mb?Xc, wherein M? is Fe, Mo, Ta, W, or V, and X is S, O, or Se.

Abstract: A battery capable of improving battery characteristics such as cycle characteristics is provided. A coating containing lithium fluoride and lithium hydroxide is provided on the surface of an anode active material layer. The ratio between lithium fluoride and lithium hydroxide is in the range, in which the Li2F+/Li2OH+ peak intensity ratio obtained in positive ion analysis by a Time of Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry is 1 or more. The anode active material layer contains a substance containing Si or Sn as an element as an anode active material. By the coating, oxidation of the anode active material layer is inhibited, and decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is inhibited.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material, a separator separating the positive electrode from the negative electrode, and an electrolyte. The negative electrode active material includes a graphite core particle, at least one metal particle located on the graphite core particle, and a polymer film coating the graphite core particle and the at least one metal particle. The polymer includes a polyimide- or polyacrylate-based polymer.

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: Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and crosslinked polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is comprised of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode electrically isolated from the second electrode. The cell system may be discharged upon application of a load across a discharge circuit, which is formed from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The cell may be recharged upon application of a voltage across a recharging circuit, which is formed of at least one of the first electrodes and at least one of the third electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and crosslinked polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A battery separator containing cellulose and an insoluble inorganic salt of copper ions when placed in a zinc-based battery, minimizes zinc dendrite formation to extend battery cycle life.

Abstract: A metal-alkaline battery having a reduced corrosion rate and enhanced electrochemical properties comprises an anode that includes derivatives of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG derivatives have one or more hydrophilic moieties attached to the ends of the PEG chain. The hydrophilic moieties may be a carboxyl group or a carboxymethyl group. A preferred PEG derivative is polyethylene glycol, bi-carboxy methyl ether (PEG BCME).

Abstract: A battery separator for use in a zinc-based battery containing sulfide ions is employed to minimize copper ion diffusion into the electrodes by placing a regenerated cellulose separator next to the copper-containing layer containing low solubility sulfide salts and precipitating the copper ions.

Abstract: In Lithium secondary cells, alkali secondary cells and bromine-zinc secondary batteries capable of retarding the growth of a dendrite, which would occur at the time of charging thereof and result in performance degradation, and having high energy densities and long cycle lives, a method for forming a material of a negative electrode of such a secondary cell or battery and a method for handling the material of the negative electrode are provided. The secondary cell or battery is provided with positive and negative electrodes separated from each other by a separator in an electrolyte contained in a case. The negative electrode is made of metallic powder alloyed with at least an amphoteric metal which reacts with both of an acid and an alkali.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen absorbing alloy compact for use as the negative electrode of an alkaline rechargeable battery which is made without the aid of a current-collecting support, contains a binder dispersed in the interstices formed by mutual contact of hydrogen absorbing alloy particles and on the alloy surfaces, and has a bulk density of 3.5 to 6.0 g/cm3. The present invention also provides a compact electrode which is made by forming a porous hydrogen absorbing alloy compact containing neither current-collecting support nor binder, impregnating the compact with an aqueous solution (or solvent solution) of a binder, and then drying the compact to remove the water (or solvent) alone, so that the strength of the compact is increased and good electrical contact between alloy particles is established.

Abstract: An electrode active material composition containing a pyrolytic plasticizer, a polymer electrolytic matrix composition and a preparation method of a lithium ion polymer battery using the same are provided. Since a separate plasticizer extraction step using an organic solvent is not necessary, the preparation cost is reduced and the preparation process can be kept clean. In particular, since a uniform porosity plate can be fabricated after removing the plasticizer, a lithium ion polymer battery with improved high-rate charge and discharge characteristics can be prepared.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive electrode active material doped with a dopant comprising an anion having the same or similar molecular structure to a polymer matrix of at least one of a solid electrolyte and a gel solid electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte battery using a carbonaceous material capable of doping or dedoping lithium for an anode, a composite oxide comprising lithium and a transition metal for a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte obtained by dissolving a carrier salt in a non-aqueous solvent as an electrolyte. The non-aqueous electrolyte comprises at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of isoprene, styrene, 2-vinylpyridine, 1-vinylimidazole, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, ethyl cinnamate, methyl cinnamate, ionone, and myrcene, which, upon charging, forms a film on the surface of the anode.

Abstract: An alkaline secondary battery comprising an electrolyte such as aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, at least one cathode electrode, at least one anode electrode having an anode active material layer, and a separator such as non-woven fabric between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, in which the anode active material layer containing an anode active material such as a hydridable alloy or a cadmium alloy, and an anode binder which includes a nonionic polymer produced by emulsion polymerization of a nonionic monomer in the presence of a nonionic surfactant, and in which the electrolyte essentially surrounds the cathode electrode and the anode electrode.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: A cathode for a lithium secondary battery wherein the surface of the cathode of which a composition containing a cathode active material, a conductive substance and a binder is supported on a current collector, is coated with at least one ion-permeable resin selected from resins having a temperature of deflection under load (measured at 18.6 kg/cm2 load according to JIS K 7207) not lower than 100 ° C., provide a lithium secondary battery with high energy density having improved safety.

Abstract: Disclosed are transition metal electrodes for electrochemical cells using gel-state and solid-state polymers. The electrodes are suitable for use in primary and secondary cells. The electrodes (either negative electrode or positive electrode) are characterized by uniform dispersion of the transition metal at the nanoscale in the polymer. The transition metal moiety is structurally amorphous, so no capacity fade should occur due to lattice expansion/contraction mechanisms. The small grain size, amorphous structure and homogeneous distribution provide improved charge/discharge cycling performance, and a higher initial discharge rate capability. The cells can be cycled at high current densities, limited only by the electrolyte conductivity. A method of making the electrodes (positive and negative), and their usage in electrochemical cells are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery is described. The composite electrode has a metallic current collector in contact with an electrically conducting organic polymer laminate made of a blended and annealed polymeric mixture containing fine carbon particles, and coated with an electrode-active substance bearing layer. The conducting polymer is capable of reversible resistivity changes of several orders of magnitude in only a portion of the laminate, thereby reducing locally excessive current flow and over-heating in the rechargeable lithium battery.

Abstract: A System and method is disclosed for preventing dendrite formation in a fuel cell, battery or metal recovery system. Typical metal/air fuel cell stacks comprise a plurality of cells electrically coupled together in a serial fashion. Electrolyte is typically pumped through the cells on a continuous basis using an input and output manifold device having a number of channels equal to the number of cells comprising the stack. This parallel connection causes the formation of metallic dendrites in the channels, which can short circuit the fuel cell stack or battery or metal-recovery apparatus. The system and method provides one or more dendrite elimination zones to prevent the formation of dendrites. The dendrite elimination zones are constructed within each cell or within each manifold to prevent the electrochemical reaction associated with dendrites from taking place.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy is disclosed for use as the negative electrode in alkaline batteries. The general formula of the alloy is AB.sub.x M.sub.y, wherein A is selected from the rare earth element La or a mischmetal thereof; B is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Co, and mixtures thereof; M is selected from the group consisting of Al, In, Zn, Sn, Ga, Si, Ge, Bi, and mixtures thereof; 4.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.5.5; and 0.3<y.ltoreq.0.6. This alloy has a longer cycle life, along with larger capacity and better reactivity.

Abstract: In a lithium ion secondary battery having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a container, the positive electrode is made of a positive electrode active material having a spinel structure and the formula:Li.sub.x Mn.sub.2-a M.sub.a/c O.sub.4+bwherein M is cation of a metal other than Li and Mn; x, a and b are 0.1<x.ltoreq.1.2, 0.ltoreq.a<2.0 (preferably 0<a<2.0), 1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.3, and 0.ltoreq.b<0.3, during its charge-discharge cycle;the positive electrode is coated with a non-electron conductive protective layer; andthe negative electrode is made of a negative electrode active material of a lithium alloy or an alloy into which a lithium ion can be intercalated.

Abstract: Advanced batteries having a long cycle lifetime are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to electrodes made from redox polymer films and batteries in which either the positive electrode, the negative electrode, or both, comprise redox polymers. Suitable redox polymers for this purpose include pyridyl or polypyridyl complexes of transition metals like iron, ruthenium, osmium, chromium, tungsten and nickel; porphyrins (either free base or metallo derivatives); phthalocyanines (either free base or metallo derivatives); metal complexes of cyclams, such as tetraazacyclotetradecane; metal complexes of crown ethers and metallocenes such as ferrocene, cobaltocene and ruthenocene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a negative electrode prepared by coating a substrate with a slurry comprising a carbon material, an alkali metal salt of carboxymethylcellulose, and a styrene-butadiene rubber and drying it, the alkali metal salt accounting for 0.5.about.2 weight % of the total weight of the carbon material, styrene-butadiene rubber, and CMC alkali metal salt. Because of the higher electrical conductivity of the CMC alkali metal salt used as the thickening agent than the conventional carboxymethylcellulose or its ammonium salt, the secondary battery of the invention including the above negative electrode has an excellent load characteristic.

Abstract: An ionically conductive agent having means for reducing passivation of metal subject to anodic dissolution is disclosed. The ionically conductive agent is interposed between metal to be protected from corrosion and metal to be sacrificed to provide cathodic protection. An electrical connection between the two metals completes a galvanic circuit. The means for reducing passivation can be either a complexing agent for ions of the metal to be sacrificed or can be a membrane to inhibit flow of ions that would affect the ability of the ionically conductive medium to support continued anodic metal dissolution. The ionically conductive agent and a system for cathodic protection using the ionically conductive agent is particularly suitable for a galvanic circuit to cathodically protect reinforcement bars in concrete structures such as transportation bridges, transportation highways, parking facilities, and balconies exposed to corrosive environments.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and process for treating an alkali metal electrode, wherein an additive is applied to the electrode so as to result in a predominately additive interface between the electrode and an electrolyte. The additive interface is ionically conductive yet non-ionic. In addition, the additive interface is substantially inert when in contact with the electrode, while being substantially insoluble in the electrolyte.

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

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and electrolytic process wherein the cell includes a metal anode (such as a lithium anode), a cathode and an electrolyte. A surface layer which is applied to the metal anode enables transfer of ions from the metal anode to the electrolyte and thus allows the ions to pass back into contact with the metal anode. The surface layer is also electronically conductive so that the ions will be uniformally attracted back onto the metal anode during electrodeposition to, in turn, substantially suppress dendrite growth and, in turn, substantially increase the cycle life of the cell.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a negative zinc electrode for an alkaline storage battery, comprising an electrode using zinc as an active material and a polymer layer which is substantially in direct contact with the electrode, the polymer layer containing at least a polymer having a crosslinked structure. There is also provided an alkaline storage battery using such negative zinc electrode and in which the occurrence of dendrites and shape change is suppressed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to lithium and lithium alloy metal substrates, coated with a polymeric layer containing dispersed lithium or lithium alloy metal particles. The coated metal finds use as anode material in solid electrochemical cells. A method of forming the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A negative zinc electrode for an alkaline storage battery capable of suppressing the occurrence of dendrite and shape change is provided. The negative zinc electrode comprises an electrode using zinc as an active material and a polymer layer formed substantially in direct contact with the electrode, the polymer layer comprising a polymer having an oxygen permeability constant of not less than 1.times.10.sup.-10 cm.sup.3 (STP) cm.sup.-1 s.sup.-1 cmHg.sup.-1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing zinc oxide whiskers, whereby zinc powders composed of particles coated with an oxide film, preferably an oxide film having a superior sealing property are, heated for oxidization in an atmosphere containing oxygen.The atmosphere may contain carbon dioxide or steam.The obtained zinc oxide whiskers are formed in a single crystal comprised of a core part and an acicular part spreading in four different directions from the core part.For a baking furnace to obtain zinc oxide whiskers, is employed one that successively forms an atmosphere of a high partial pressure of zinc steam at the source side and an atmosphere of a high partial pressure of oxygen for facilitating formation of whiskers. The zinc oxide whiskers can be controlled in size by selecting the relative ratio of the partial pressure of zinc steam and oxygen.

Abstract: A multilayer separator is provided for insertion between the cathode and de in lithium secondary or primary batteries, the separator including porous membrane and an electroactive polymeric material contained within the separator layers wherein the polymer is one that will react with any lithium dendrite that could penetrate the separator thus preventing an internal short circuit of the cell.

Abstract: A protected electrode article comprising sensitive electrode material having a layer of protective material bonded to at least part of its surface by means of an adhesive which can be made to swell by treatment with liquid, so as to increase the permeability of the adhesive to electrolyte which is encountered by the protected electrode material when incorporated in an electrochemical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative electrode plate for alkaline storage cells of the sealed type which comprises an active material layer formed on each of opposite surfaces of an electrically conductive carrier sheet from a paste composed chiefly of a cadmium oxide powder, and an electrically conductive layer comprising a carbon powder and formed over the surface of the active material layer, which gives e.g., greatly improved ability to absorb oxygen gas.