Abstract: A method of manufacturing an anode composition for use in an electrochemical cell in which the anode comprises an electrochemically active material, the method comprising the steps of mixing the electrochemically active material with an alkaline electrolyte solution, an organic surfactant, an indium compound, and a gelling agent, such that the indium compound or a portion thereof is added in an alkaline environment. In one embodiment, the surfactant is added after the electrolyte.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid type organic surfactant is incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant. Zinc fines may also be incorporated into the anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture may have a reduced hydroxide concentration. When a cell is provided whose anode mixture includes the two surfactants and zinc fines alone or in combination with a lowered hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte, discharge leakage is reduced and gel gassing is suppressed relative to that of gels lacking both surfactants. Additionally, cell discharge performance is improved relative to that of cells lacking both the zinc fines and lowered hydroxide concentration.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage). The cell can have primary and supplemental vent mechanisms such as welded or thinned regions on the surface of the housing which may activate at different pressure levels. The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers with an elongated opening for anode material to be inserted therein.

Abstract: Batteries are disclosed. In some embodiments, a battery has a cathode that includes CuxMyOzXt, where M is a metal, X includes one or more halides and/or nitrate, x+y is from about 6.8 to about 7.2, and z and t are selected so that the copper in CuxMyOzXt has a formal oxidation state of +2 or greater.

Abstract: An alkaline zinc secondary battery in accordance with the present invention comprises a separator layer comprising a gel electrolyte comprising a water absorbent polymer and an alkaline aqueous solution, disposed between a negative electrode comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of zinc and zinc oxide and a positive electrode. Because the separator layer is in a gel form, transfer of zinc ions is limited. Thereby, deformation of the negative electrode and generation of dendrite due to charge and discharge of the battery are substantially inhibited. Moreover, since impurity ions such as nitrate ions become less prone to move, self-discharge of the battery is also inhibited.

Abstract: A method of forming an anode comprising zinc for an alkaline cell. The method involves mixing zinc particles with binders including preferably polyvinylalcohol, surfactant and water to form a wet paste. The wet paste is molded into the near shape of the cell's anode cavity and then heated to evaporate water. A solid porous zinc mass is formed having microscopic void spaces between the zinc particles. The solid mass can be inserted into the cell's anode cavity and aqueous alkaline electrolyte, preferably comprising potassium hydroxide, then added. The solid mass absorbs the aqueous electrolyte and expands to fill the anode cavity to form the final fresh anode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas generating cell including a housing having a cover, an anode cup and a sealing ring. The housing accommodates at least one anode, a cathode and a separator. The cover accommodates at least the cathode and the separator and, with the sealing ring, forms a preassembled unit to be inserted into the anode cup. The present disclosure also relates to a method of producing a gas generating cell, the gas generating cell including a housing having a cover, an anode cup, a sealing ring, and at least one anode, a cathode and a separator. The method steps include: placing at least the cathode and separator into the cover, thereby creating a preassembled unit; and, inserting the preassembled unit and a sealing ring into the anode cup.

Abstract: Provided is a battery with a higher capacity, a superior charge-discharge cycle characteristic and a superior load characteristic. A cathode and an anode with a separator in between are spirally wound. The cathode comprises a cathode mixed layer containing a composite oxide including Li and at least one kind selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Mn and Fe. The anode comprises an anode mixed layer including tin-containing alloy powders and a carbon material. The tin-containing alloy powders are made of tin and an element except for alkali metal before first charge. A porosity of the anode mixed layer before the first charge is within a range from 25 vol % to 65 vol % inclusive. Thereby, even if a tin-containing alloy expands, enough pores as lithium-ion paths can be secured. Therefore, a superior charge-discharge cycle characteristic and a superior high load characteristic can be obtained.

Abstract: A negative electrode material and a battery which have an excellent cycle characteristic as well as a high capacity are provided. A positive electrode housed in an exterior can and a negative electrode housed in an exterior cup are laminated with a separator therebetween. An electrolytic solution of lithium salt dissolved in a solvent is poured into the inside of both the exterior can and the exterior cup. The negative electrode contains Mg2?xMIIxMI. MI expresses a first element such as Si, Sn, Ge, Pb, or the like. MII expresses a second element which is a metallic element, preferably Mn, Cu, Zn, or the like except both Mg and the first element. X is preferably in the range of 0.1?x?1.9. Substituting part of Mg by the second element MII can produce the distortion of the crystal structure, ease distortion accompanying the occluding/releasing lithium, and improve the charge and discharge efficiency and the cycle characteristic.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage). The cell can have primary and supplemental vent mechanisms such as welded or thinned regions on the surface of the housing which may activate at different pressure levels. The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers with an elongated opening for anode material to be inserted therein.

Abstract: Batteries and methods of making batteries are disclosed. In some embodiments, a battery includes a housing, a positive electrode comprising a copper material in the housing, a negative electrode in the housing, a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolytic solution comprising soluble aluminum in the housing. A method of making a battery can include providing a positive electrode comprising a copper material into a housing, adding a material comprising aluminum to an electrolytic solution, and adding the electrolytic solution into the housing.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 30 which contains both a cathode 32 and an anode 34. The anode contains a mixture of uniformly shaped particles 10 and electrolyte. The anode can also contain a zinc powder comprising non-uniform shaped, which can be mixed with the uniformly shaped particles of the present invention.

Abstract: An alkaline battery includes a cathode including lambda-manganese dioxide and gamma-manganese dioxide, an anode including zinc, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an alkaline electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: Fuel cell cathodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the cathodes. The cathodes operate through the valency change mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such cathodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the cathode at all times.

Abstract: A heterogeneous, cellulose battery separator made of a mixture of cellulose and a polymer with hydrogen permeability for use in zinc-based batteries exhibiting increased hydrogen transport through the membrane while maintaining low electrical impedance and exhibiting resistance to zinc ion transport preventing zinc dendrite formation.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to a method of manufacturing an anode composition for use in an electrochemical cell, in which the anode comprises an electrochemically active material, the method comprising the steps of mixing the electrochemically active material with an alkaline electrolyte solution, an organic surfactant, an indium compound, and a gelling agent, such that the indium compound or a portion thereof is added in an alkaline environment.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system powered by a hybrid fuel cell including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.

Abstract: An anode is provided for an electrochemical cell having an ionically conductive additive, such as Laponite® or any alternative clay suitable to improve the transport of hydroxyl ions into anode during discharge.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell/battery including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.

Abstract: The compositions comprise: (a) from 1 to 99% by weight of a pigment (I) having a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 100 ?m which is a solid Ia or a compound Ib which acts as cathode material in electrochemical cells or a compound Ic which acts as anode material in electrochemical cells or a mixture of the solid Ia with the compound Ib or the compound Ic, (b) from 1 to 99% by weight of a polymeric material (II) which comprises: (IIa) from 1 to 100% by weight of a polymer or copolymer (IIa) which has, as part of the chain, at the end(s) of the chain and/or laterally on the chain, reactive groups (RG) which are capable of crosslinking reactions under the action of heat and/or UV radiation, and (IIb) from 0 to 99% by weight of at least one polymer or copolymer (IIb) which is free of reactive groups RG.

Abstract: An alkaline battery includes a cathode including a nickel oxyhydroxide and an anode including zinc or zinc alloy particles.

Abstract: A cathode active material for a lithium secondary cell used in a cellular phone is disclosed. The cathode active material for the lithium secondary cell and the method the same having a high capacity and a long lifetime, different from LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4, Li(Ni, Co)O2, and V-system oxide that has been researched as the active material for substituting LiCoO2 are provided. The cathode active material for the lithium secondary cell in the next formula 1 is obtained by heating or chemically treating diadochite [Fe2(PO4)(SO4)(OH).6H2O] that is the mineral containing PO43?, SO42?, and OH?. LiaFebMc(PO4)x(SO4)y(OH)z ??(1) In the formula, M is at least one element selected from a radical consisting of Mg, Ti, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, and Si, with 0?a, c?0.5, 1?b?2, 0.5?x, y, z?1.5.

Abstract: A battery comprises an acid electrolyte in which a compound provides acidity to the electrolyte and further increases solubility of at least one metal in the redox pair. Especially preferred compounds include alkyl sulfonic acids and alkyl phosphonic acids, and particularly preferred redox coupled include Co3+/Zn0, Mn3+/Zn0, Ce4+/V2+, Ce4+/Ti3+, Ce4+/Zn0, and Pb4+/Pb0.

Abstract: A heavy metal-free rechargeable Zinc electrode for use in storage cells having alkaline electrolyte has been developed. The electrode includes a current collector and an active mass based on metallic zinc and zinc oxide powders, calcium hydroxide, indium hydroxide, indium sulfate, bismuth-oxide and a binder. The electrodes have been successfully used in Ni—Zn and Ag—Zn cells. The electrodes lead to environmentally benign alkaline cells. The electrodes have additional advantages over the prior art electrodes in terms of initial capacity and cyclability.

Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells containing no added mercury and having a concentration of potassium hydroxide in the electrolyte, prior to discharge, of between about 34 and 37% (w/w solution) and wherein the amount of electrolyte is such that, after a calculated level of one electron discharge of the manganese dioxide, the calculated concentration of potassium hydroxide is between 49.5 and 51.5% (w/w solution), have superior performance in intermittent discharge tests.

Abstract: An alkaline battery includes a cathode including lambda-manganese dioxide, an anode including zinc, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an alkaline electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: According to the present invention an alkaline electrochemical cell can contain an anode having an anode active material, an alkaline electrolyte, a gelling agent and an oxazoline surfactant additive. The invention relates to an anode mix, to an anode containing the mix, and to an electrochemical cell containing the anode and to methods for making the anode mix, the anode and the cell. Performance improvements can be realized when the oxazoline surfactant is provided in the anode, which can include increased operating voltage, good high rate pulse capability, elimination of initial potential dip, good shelf life and reduced sensitivity to open circuit rest.

Abstract: Inclusion of an electronic conducting polymer additive powder in a gelled anode of an alkaline electrochemical cell having an anode active metal material can improve discharge performance of the cell. A preferred conducting polymer powder is polyaniline powder.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having an anode comprising zinc, a cathode comprising manganese dioxide and an electrolyte comprising polyvinylbenzyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide. The anode can comprise particulate zinc dispersed within an aqueous gel comprising crosslinked polyvinylbenzyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide polymer. Optionally, aqueous KOH can be added to the gel. The anode and cathode are desirably in the shape of a slab each having a pair of opposing parallel flat faces defining two opposing ends. The zinc particles dispersed in crosslinked polyvinylbenzytrimethylammoniumhydroxide polymer can be concentrated at one end of the anode slab with the opposing end being clear of zinc. The clear end of the anode preferably also comprising polyvinylbenzlytrimethylammoniumhydroxide functions as a separator between anode and cathode. The cathode slab comprises a mixture of particulate manganese dioxide, graphite, and linear polyvinylbenzyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nickel-zinc battery of an inside-out structure, that is, a battery comprising a positive electrode containing beta-type nickel oxyhydroxide and a negative electrode containing zinc and having a similar structure to an alkali manganese battery, in which the beta-type nickel oxyhydroxide consists of substantially spherical particles, mean particle size of which is within a range from 19 ?m to a maximum of 40 ?m, the bulk density of which is within a range from 1.6 g/cm3 to a maximum of 2.2 g/cm3, tap density of which is within a range from 2.2 g/cm3 to a maximum of 2.7 g/cm3, specific surface area which based on BET method is within a range from 3 m2/g to a maximum of 50 m2/g, and the positive electrode of the nickel zinc battery contains graphite powder, where the weight ratio of graphite powder against a total weight of the positive electrode is defined within a range from 4% to a maximum of 8%.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid type organic surfactant is incorporated into the gelled anode of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant. When the two surfactants are provided in a gelled anode in combination, discharge leakage is reduced and gel gassing is suppressed relative to that of gels lacking both surfactants. Additionally, cell discharge performance is improved relative to that of cells lacking both surfactant additives.

Abstract: A non-sintered nickel electrode for an alkaline storage battery, characterized in that nickel hydroxide particles as active material particles thereof contain a cobalt having a valence of 3 to 3.2 as a solid solution element. The nickel electrode has excellent charging capability.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having an anode comprising zinc, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, a cathode mixture comprising cathode active material comprising copper oxide or copper hydroxide. Graphitic carbon, preferably expanded graphite or graphitic carbon nanofibers are added to the cathode mixture thereby resulting in a sharp drop in cathode resistivity. The cathode active material preferably comprises between about 80 and 92 percent by weight of the cathode. The sharp drop in cathode resistivity resulting from the addition of expanded graphite or graphitic carbon nanofibers makes the cell suitable for use as a primary alkaline cell having good capacity. The graphitic carbon, preferably graphitic nanofibers comprise preferably between about 4 and 10 percent by weight of the cathode. The carbon nanofibers have an average diameter desirably less than 500 nanometers, preferably between about 50 and 300 nanometers.

Abstract: A zinc electrode composition is provided for use in low toxicity, high energy density cells having alkaline electrolytes. The zinc electrode comprises zinc oxide, a binder, and from 0.1% up to 10% of a fluoride of an element chosen from the group consisting of silver, gallium, indium, tin, tellurium, lead, bismuth, and combinations thereof. The invention also provides an electrochemical cell having an electrode as noted above. The inventive cell further comprises an electrolyte which contains a mixture of sodium, potassium, and lithium hydroxides, together with boric acid. The excess alkali hydroxide is present in the range of 2.7 to 5M, and the concentration of boric acid is between 0.6 and 1.3 moles per liter.

Abstract: An anode includes zinc particles. At least about 30% by weight of the zinc particles are spherical.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell comprising a cell housing defining an inner space, a first terminal and a second terminal; and at least one pre-formed pellet disposed within the inner space of the cell housing. The pellet includes an outer electrode portion formed from a material to geometrically define the pellet in a solid form. The outer electrode portion is in electrical communication with the first terminal of the cell housing. The pellet also includes an inner electrode encapsulated by a separator and embedded within the material of the outer electrode portion. The inner electrode is in electrical communication with the second terminal of the cell housing and electrically insulated from the outer electrode material. In a preferred embodiment, the inner electrode comprises an anode and the outer electrode portion comprises a cathode portion.

Abstract: A cathode that includes manganese dioxide and relatively small particles of nonsynthetic, nonexpanded graphite is disclosed. The graphite particles can have an average particle size of less than 20 microns. The cathode can be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a battery.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of producing a gel negative electrode for an alkaline battery for preparing a gel negative electrode in which a zinc powder, a gelling agent and an electrolyte are disposed uniformly, by means of an agitator comprising a cylindrical agitation container disposed so that the center axis X of the cylinder is parallel to the horizontal direction, the agitation container is rotated around the center axis X and the left and right portions of the agitation container are swung around an axis Y, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the agitation container, thereby agitating and mixing the alkaline electrolyte and the dry mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The negative electrode of the present invention is characterized by its composite particles constructed in such a manner that at least part of the surrounding surface of nuclear particles containing at least one of tin, silicon and zinc as a constituent element, is coated with a solid solution or an intermetallic compound, which are composed of the element contained in the nuclear particles, and at least one other element except the elements contained in the nuclear particles selected from a group comprising group 2 elements, transition elements, group 12 elements, group 13 elements and group 14 elements except carbon of the Periodic Table. The electrolyte uses anion lithium salts of organic acid dissolved in organic solvent with high oxidation resistant characteristics. By adopting the above construction, a battery which generates only a small amount of gas during a high temperature storing can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for producing a negative electrode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is disclosed: which includes a step of applying a shearing force to an intermetallic compound under the presence of nitrogen. The intermetallic compound contains element(A) which reacts with nitrogen and forms a nitride, but does not react with lithium, and element(B) which does not react with nitrogen, but reacts with lithium, thereby forming a mixture containing a nitride of element(A) and a substance of element(B).

Abstract: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method for making the negative active material, and a rechargeable lithium battery including a carbonaceous material, which is capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium, and particles of a metal or a metal compound or mixtures thereof, distributed in the carbonaceous material, the metal or the metal compound being capable of forming an alloy with lithium during electrochemical charging and discharging.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries of general formula Li1+xNi&agr;Mn&bgr;A&ggr;O2 and further wherein A is Mg, Zn, Al, Co, Ga, B, Zr, or Ti and 0<x<0.2, 0.1≦&agr;≦0.5, 0.4≦&bgr;≦0.6, 0≦&ggr;≦0.1 and a method of manufacturing the same. Such an active material is manufactured by employing either a solid state reaction method or an aqueous solution method or a sol-gel method which is followed by a rapid quenching from high temperatures into liquid nitrogen or liquid helium.

Abstract: A negative electrode of a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery contains, as main a component, composite particles constructed in such a manner that at least part of the surface of nuclear particles comprising at least one of tin, silicon and zinc as a constituent element, is coated with a solid solution or an inter-metallic compound composed of elements included in the nuclear particle and at least one element, exclusive of the element included in said nuclear particle, selected from a group of elements in a Periodic Table, comprising group 2 elements, transition elements, group 12 elements, group 13 elements and group 14 elements exclusive of carbon. The batteries of the present invention include non-aqueous electrolytic solution and solid electrolytes comprising polymer gel electrolytes. The construction of the present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolytic secondary battery with which a possibility of the generation of gas is extremely low when stored at high temperatures.

Abstract: A nickel zinc alkaline cell has a zinc oxide negative electrode supported on a conductive substrate, an alkaline electrolyte, and a positive electrode having nickel hydroxide paste supported on a conductive substrate. The negative zinc oxide electrode comprises 85% to 95% zinc oxide powder, 1% to 10% bismuth oxide, 1% to 2% of a binder, and 0.05% to 5% by weight of a fluoride salt chosen from the group consisting of: sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, lithium, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the fluoride salt is potassium fluoride, in the amount of 0.5% by weight of the zinc oxide.

Abstract: Alkaline battery cells comprising an anode, a cathode, a separator between the anode and the cathode, and an electrolyte are provided with an n-type metal oxide additive that improves electrochemical performance. The n-type metal oxide additive is either a doped metal oxide comprising a metal oxide modified by incorporation of a dopant, or a reduced metal oxide.

Abstract: A method for producing a cathode active material having superior cell characteristics through single-phase synthesis of a composite material composed of a compound represented by the general formula LixFe1-yMyPO4 and a carbon material positively and a method for producing a non-aqueous electrolyte cell employing the so produced cathode active material. To this end, the cathode active material is prepared by a step of mixing the starting materials for synthesis of the compound represented by the general formula LixFe1-yMyPO4, a step of milling a mixture obtained by the mixing step, a step of compressing the mixture obtained by the mixing step to a preset density and a step of sintering the mixture obtained by the compressing step. A carbon material is added in any one of the above steps prior to the sintering step. The density of the mixture in the compressing step is set to not less than 1.71 g/cm3 and not larger than 2.45 g/cm3.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having an anode comprising zinc, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, a cathode mixture comprising cathode active material comprising copper oxide or copper hydroxide. Graphitic carbon, preferably expanded graphite or graphitic carbon nanofibers are added to the cathode mixture thereby resulting in a sharp drop in cathode resistivity. Addition of sulfur to cathode mixtures comprising copper hydroxide active material improves performance. The sharp drop in cathode resistivity resulting from the addition of expanded graphite or graphitic carbon nanofibers makes the cell suitable for use as a primary alkaline cell having good capacity. The graphitic carbon, preferably comprises preferably between about 3 and 10 percent by weight of the cathode. The carbon nanofibers have an average diameter desirably less than 500 nanometers, preferably between about 50 and 300 nanometers.

Abstract: A flat elongated alkaline battery comprising an outer metal housing and plurality of individual alkaline cells housed therein. The outer housing has at least a major surface which is a flat polygon. Preferably the outer metal housing is a cuboid. The individual cells comprise an anode slab comprising zinc, cathode slab, comprising manganese dioxide and separator therebetween. Each cell is formed by stacking the anode, separator, and cathode body to body. Each cell has at least one surface which is polygonal. The individual cells are preferably aligned in a row edge to edge to form a pack of cells having the same thickness as the thickness of an individual cell. The pack of cells are inserted into a common hydrogen permeable plastic container and encased therein. The cells encased in the plastic container are housed within the interior of the metal outer casing. The cells are electrically connected in parallel to the battery positive and negative terminals.

Abstract: An electric device comprises a gelled acid electrolyte (142A) in complex with a lanthanide that forms a redox pair with a second element. Preferred electric devices include batteries and especially primary batteries, while preferred acid electrolytes (124A) have a sulfonic acid group. Contemplated lanthanides especially include cerium, and preferred second elements particularly include zinc. Alternatively, contemplated electric devices may comprise a gelled electrolyte (142A) in which with a lanthanide forms a redox pair with zinc.

Abstract: An active material for positive electrode for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a lithium-metal composite oxide that is expressed by the general formula of Lix(Ni1-yCoy)1-zMzO2 (where 0.98≦x≦1.10, 0.05≦y≦0.4, 001≦z≦0.2, and where M is at least one metal element selected from the group of Al, Mg, Mn, Ti, Fe, Cu. Zn and Ga), and where the SO4 ion content is in the range from 0.4 weight % to 2.5 weight %, and the occupancy rate of lithium found from the X-ray diffraction chart and using Rietveld analysis is 98% or greater, and the carbon amount measured by way of the high frequency heating-infrared adsorption method is 0.12 weight % or less, and that the Karl Fischer water content due to heating at 180° C. be 0.2 weight % or less.