Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery characterized as using a mixture of a first oxide and a second oxide for its positive electrode material. The first oxide is a spinel oxide consisting substantially of lithium, manganese, a metal other than manganese, and oxygen. The second oxide is different in composition from the first oxide and consists substantially of lithium, nickel, cobalt, a metal other than nickel and cobalt, and oxygen.

Abstract: A positive active material is provided. The positive active material includes particles of lithium nickelate and an olivine compound having an olivine crystal structure, wherein surfaces of the particles of lithium nickelate are covered with the olivine compound. The lithium nickelate is expressed by a general formula LiyNi1-zM′zO2 where 0.05≦y≦1.2 and 0≦z≦0.5, and M′ includes Fe, Co, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Ti, Mg, Ca, Sr and mixtures thereof. The olivine compound is expressed by a general formula LixMPO4 where 0.05≦x≦1.2, and M includes Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg and mixtures thereof. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using the positive active material has a high discharge capacity and a good high-temperature stability because of the combination of advantages of lithium nickelate and the olivine compound of the positive active material.

Abstract: In a battery newly developed by inventors of the invention in which the capacity of the anode is represented by the sum of a capacity component by insertion and extraction of light metal and a capacity component by precipitation and dissolution of the light metal, a further improvement in a volume energy density or a weight energy density can be achieved. Moreover, a short circuit, damage or the like in the battery due to the external application of pressure or the like can be prevented from being extended in the vicinity of an outermost circumference or an innermost circumference of a spirally wound electrode body in the battery. An outermost circumferential surface of a spirally wound electrode body (20) is covered with a cathode current collector (21a).

Abstract: It is the object of the invention to provide a cathode material capable of improving charge-and-discharge cycle characteristics and a battery using the cathode material. A rolled electrode body (20) is provided, the rolled electrode body being comprised of a strip-shaped cathode (21) and a strip-shaped anode (22) with a separator (23) sandwiched in-between. Lithium metal precipitates on the anode (22) in the middle of charge, and a capacity of the anode (22) is expressed by a sum of a capacity component obtained through insertion and extraction of lithium and a capacity component obtained through precipitation and dissolution of lithium. The cathode (21) includes lithium-containing oxide as the cathode material capable of insertion and extraction of lithium, which is expressed in a chemical formula LixMI1−yMIIyO2. MI corresponds to Co or Ni, and MII corresponds to a transition metal element except for MI. Therefore, charge-and-discharge cycle characteristics can be improved.

Abstract: A battery includes an anode comprising a metal, a cathode comprising an active oxygen species, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein oxidation of the metal and reduction of the active oxygen species provides the current of the battery.

Abstract: A number of materials with the composition Li1+xNi&agr;Mn&bgr;Co&ggr;M′&dgr;O2−zFz (M′=Mg,Zn,Al,Ga,B,Zr,Ti) for use with rechargeable batteries, wherein x is between about 0 and 0.3, &agr;is between about 0.2 and 0.6, &bgr; is between about 0.2 and 0.6, &ggr; is between about 0 and 0.3, &dgr; is between about 0 and 0.15, and z is between about 0 and 0.2. Adding the above metal and fluorine dopants affects capacity, impedance, and stability of the layered oxide structure during electrochemical cycling.

Abstract: Method of synthesis for a material made of particles having a core and a coating and/or being connected to each other by carbon cross-linking, the core of these particles containing at least one compound of formula LixM1−yM′y(XO4)n, in which x,y and n are numbers such as 0≦x≦2, 0≦y≦0.6 and 1≦n≦1.5, M is a transition metal, M′ is an element with fixed valency, and the synthesis is carried out by reaction and bringing into equilibrium the mixture of precursors, with a reducing gaseous atmosphere, in such a way as to bring the transition metal or metals to the desired valency level, the synthesis being carried out in the presence of a source of carbon called carbon conductor, which is subjected to pyrolysis. The materials obtained have excellent electrical conductivity as well as very improved chemical activity.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode comprises a positive electrode active material, a conductive agent and a binder, the positive electrode active material comprises a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula Lia(Co1-x-yMgxMy)bOc, where M is at least one selected from Ni and Al, 0≦a≦1.05, 0.03≦x≦0.15, 0≦y≦0.25, 0.85≦b≦1.1 and 1.8≦c≦2.1, and the amount of the conductive agent contained in the positive electrode is not more than 3.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the positive electrode active material.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell which comprises a first electrode and a second electrode which is a counter electrode to said first electrode. The first electrode comprises a phosphorous compound of the nominal general formula Li3E′aE″b(PO4)3, desirably at least one E is a metal; and preferably, Li3M′M″(PO4)3. E′ and E″ are the same or different from one another. Where E′ and E″ are the same, they are preferably metals having more than one oxidation state. Where E′ and E″ are different from one another, they are preferably selected from the group of metals where at least one of E′ and E″ has more than one oxidation state.

Abstract: A negative electrode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention is a negative electrode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing lithium, and it includes a solid phase A and a solid phase B that have different compositions and has a structure in which the surface around the solid phase A is entirely or partly covered by the solid phase B. The solid phase A contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, tin and zinc, and the solid phase B contains the above-described at least one element contained in the solid phase A, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Group IIA elements, transition elements, Group IIB elements, Group IIIB elements and Group IVB elements. The atomic arrangement and structure (e.g.

Abstract: In order to obtain a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a high capacity and excellent charge/discharge cycle characteristics, a halogen-containing organic magnesium compound represented by the formula (1): RMgX, where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, X is fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom or iodine atom; or the formula (2): RMgY, where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic hydrocarbon group, Y is —ClO4−, —BF4−, —PF6− or —CF3SO3− is added to the non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: A method of improving the performance of magnesium containing electrodes used in metal/air batteries (fuel cells), comprising the addition of one or more additives to the electrolyte or electrode surface. The additives are selected from any of the following groups; dithioburet, tin, and tin plus a quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paste-like mass that can be used in electrochemical elements comprising a matrix comprising at least one organic polymer, precursors thereof, or prepolymers thereof, and an electrochemically activatable inorganic material that is not soluble in the matrix and that is in the form of a solid substance, whereby either (a) the mass comprises at least 60 vol. % (B) and, if (B) is an electrode material, (B) is worked into the matrix (A) without the assistance of a solvent or swelling agent or the matrix (A) also contains a plasticizer for the organic polymer, and the plasticizer is subsequently removed using a suitable solvent, (C) and/or (c) the mixture also contains a solid ion electron and/or mixed conductor that is different from (B) and that is present at least at the grain limits between (A) and (B) as a thin layer.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte, the positive electrode comprising a positive electrode active material and a binder, the positive electrode active material comprising a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the chemical formula:

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium-transition metal composite oxide having a large volume capacity density, high safety, excellent coating uniformity, excellent charge/discharge cycle durability and excellent low temperature characteristics, and suitable as a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary cell.

Abstract: A negative electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery comprising a material mixture layer comprising a carbonaceous material comprising a spherical natural graphite and a graphitized carbon fiber, wherein the material mixture layer has a carbon density of not less than 1.6 g/cm3; the spherical natural graphite has: (1) an interplanar spacing d002 between the (002) planes determined by an X-ray diffraction pattern of 0.3354 to 0.3357 nm, (2) a mean particle circularity of not less than 0.86, and (3) a mean particle size of 5 to 20 &mgr;m; the graphitized carbon fiber has: (1) a mean fiber length of 20 to 200 &mgr;m, and (2) a mean aspect ratio of 2 to 10; and the amount of the graphitized carbon fiber is 50 to 90% by weight of whole of the carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A lithium metal oxide positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell is disclosed. The cell is prepared in its initial discharged state and has a general formula xLiMO2.(1−x)Li2M′O3 in which 0<x<1, and where M is one or more ion with an average trivalent oxidation state and with at least one ion being Mn or Ni, and where M′ is one or more ion with an average tetravalent oxidation state. Complete cells or batteries are disclosed with anode, cathode and electrolyte as are batteries of several cells connected in parallel or series or both.

Abstract: A solid molecular composite polymer-based electrolyte is made for batteries, wherein silicate compositing produces a electrolytic polymer with a semi-rigid silicate condensate framework, and then mechanical-stabilization by radiation of the outer surface of the composited material is done to form a durable and non-tacky texture on the electrolyte. The preferred ultraviolet radiation produces this desirable outer surface by creating a thin, shallow skin of crosslinked polymer on the composite material. Preferably, a short-duration of low-medium range ultraviolet radiation is used to crosslink the polymers only a short distance into the polymer, so that the properties of the bulk of the polymer and the bulk of the molecular composite material remain unchanged, but the tough and stable skin formed on the outer surface lends durability and processability to the entire composite material product.

Abstract: A lithium metal oxide positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell is disclosed. The cell is prepared in its initial discharged state and has a general formula xLiMO2.(1-x)Li2M′O3 in which 0<x<1, and where M is one or more trivalent ion with at least one ion being Mn or Ni, and where M′ is one or more tetravalent ion. Complete cells or batteries are disclosed with anode, cathode and electrolyte as are batteries of several cells connected in parallel or series or both.

Abstract: A compound comprising a composition Ax(M′1-aM″a)y(XD4)z, Ax(M′1-aM″a)y(DXD4)z, or Ax(M′1-aM″a)y(X2D7)z, and have values such that x, plus y(1-a) times a formal valence or valences of M′, plus ya times a formal valence or valence of M″, is equal to z times a formal valence of the XD4, X2D7, or DXD4 group; or a compound comprising a composition (A1-aM″a)xM′y(XD4)z, (A1-aM″a)xM′y(DXD4)z (A1-aM″a)xM′y(X2D7)z and have values such that (1-a)x plus the quantity ax times the formal valence or valences of M″ plus y times the formal valence or valences of M′ is equal to z times the formal valence of the XD4, X2D7 or DXD4 group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cathode electroactive material comprising a composite oxide comprising &bgr;-MnO2 and a spinel oxide predominantly comprising lithium, manganese, and oxygen. The present invention provides a process for producing said material, which process comprises acid treatment of a composite oxide comprising a spinel oxide predominantly comprising lithium, manganese, and oxygen, and heat treatment of the resultant composite oxide at a temperature of about 200° C. or higher and lower than about 400° C. The thus-produced oxide is employed as a cathode electroactive material in a non-aqueous secondary cell.

Abstract: Software for simulating human interaction, including code for generating a questionnaire, code for generating a computerized presentation, code for presenting the questionnaire to a user, and code for generating a recording of input provided by the user during the presentation. The input includes responses of the user to the questionnaire. The software further includes code for enabling playback of the recording for review.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell containing a compound of an olivinic structure as a cathode active material is to be improved in load characteristics and cell capacity. To this end, there is provided a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell including a cathode having a layer of a cathode active material containing a compound represented by the general formula LixFe1-yMyPO4, where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, V, Mo, Ti, Zn, Al, Ga, Mg, B and Nb, with 0.05≦x≦1.2 and 0≦y≦0.8, an anode having a layer of a cathode active material containing the anode active material and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the layer of the cathode active material has a film thickness in a range from 25 to 110 &mgr;m. If a layer of a cathode active material is provided on each surface of a cathode current collector, the sum of the film thicknesses of the layers of the cathode active material ranges between 50 and 220 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery is provided. The positive active material includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lithiated compounds, a metal oxide layer formed on a surface of the compound and metal oxide masses adhered on the metal oxide layer. The positive active material is produced by coating a compound with a metal alkoxide solution, an organic solution of a metal salt or an aqueous solution of a metal salt and heat-treating the coated compound. The compound is selected from the group consisting of lithiated compounds. Thereafter, the heat-treated compound is slow-cooled to 100 to 500° C. and the cooled compound is quenched to room temperature.

Abstract: An active manganese dioxide electrode material that exhibits improved electrochemical performances compared with conventional manganese dioxide materials includes at least one dopant. The doped manganese dioxide electrode materials may he produced by a wet chemical method (CMD) or may be prepared electrolytically (EMD) using a solution containing manganese sulfate, sulfuric acid, and a dopant, wherein the dopant is present in an amount of at least about 25 ppm.

Abstract: Secondary electrochemical generators of the zinc-electrode alkaline type whose anode has a great capacity for cycling. The electrochemical generators according to the invention comprise zinc anodes made in such a manner as to increase within the active material the number of sites for formation of zinc during recharging, by a better draining of the electrical charges, obtained by using a dispersed secondary collector in the form of a conductive powder in the active mass, to which may advantageously be associated a principal support-collector of the high porous three-dimensional structured type having a high developed surface. These generators thus have zinc electrodes of improve cyclability, the number of charges and discharges that the electrode can perform under different regimes being increased.

Abstract: An electrode composition for a lithium ion battery comprising particles having a single chemical composition. The particles consist of (a) at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of tin, aluminum, silicon, antimony, lead, germanium, magnesium, zinc, cadmium, bismuth, and indium; (b) at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of manganese, molybdenum, niobium, tungsten, tantalum, iron, copper, titanium, vanadium, chromium, nickel, cobalt, zirconium, tantalum, scandium, yttrium, ruthenium, platinum, and rhenium; and, optionally, (c) carbon, and have a microstructure characterized by a plurality of electrochemically inactive, nanometer-sized crystalline grains separated by electrochemically active non-crystalline regions.

Abstract: Positive electrode-active materials for use in lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries contain quaternary composite oxides of manganese, nickel, cobalt and aluminum where one of the four is present at levels of over 70 mol percent. The composite oxides can be lithiated to form positive electrode-active materials that are stable over at least ten charge/discharge cycles at voltage levels over 4.8 volts, and have capacities of over 200 mAh/g. Methods for producing the materials and electrochemical cells and batteries that include the materials are also provided.

Abstract: Electrode active materials, preferably having an olivine structure, of the formula:

Abstract: A secondary battery which exhibits less deterioration of capacity, can maintain high energy densities in high temperature atmospheres, and has high practicality, and an electrolyte used therefor, are provided. The electrolyte contains an anion expressed by (PFaQbRc)−, so degradation of the electrolyte can be prevented. In the formula, Q expresses at least one of CF3, C2F5, and C3F7, and R expresses SO2CF3 and/or SO2C2F5. a, b and c satisfy 1≦a≦5, 0≦b≦5, and, 0≦c≦5, respectively. Furthermore, an anion expressed by N(CnF2n+1SO2)2− is contained, which can further prevent the degradation of the electrolyte. In the formula, n satisfies 1≦n≦2. Therefore, the capacity recovery rate after storage and heavy load discharge maintenance rate are high even in high temperature atmospheres, and high reliability can be obtained.

Abstract: Lithium batteries comprising:

Abstract: Electrode active materials, preferably having an olivine structure, of the formula:

Abstract: Positive electrode-active materials for use in lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries contain quaternary composite oxides of manganese, nickel, cobalt and aluminum where one of the four is present at levels of over 70 mol percent. The composite oxides can be lithiated to form positive electrode-active materials that are stable over at least ten charge/discharge cycles at voltage levels over 4.8 volts, and have capacities of over 200 mAh/g. Methods for producing the materials and electrochemical cells and batteries that include the materials are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved cathode compositions, improved cathodes, methods of producing improved cathodes including the cathode compositions and improved lithium secondary batteries. The cathode compositions of the invention are comprised of a particulate cathode active material, a particulate conductive substance and a binder formed of small fibers that are substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the cathode composition but which do not encapsulate to any meaningful degree the particulate conductive substance and cathode active materials, so that a lithium secondary battery including the cathode composition has an improved charge-discharge rate capability and improved power and energy densities.

Abstract: Electrode active materials comprising lithium or other alkali metals, a transition metal, and a phosphate or similar moiety, of the formula:

Abstract: Disclosed is a negative active material composition for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method of producing a negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery using the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery using the same. The negative active material composition includes a negative active material, an additive capable of forming a surface electrolyte interface film on a negative electrode during charge and discharge, a binder, and an organic solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material of for a rechargeable lithium battery and a method of preparing the same. The positive active material is represented by formula 1: LixMn2-a-bCraMbO4+z  [formula 1] where x≧2; 0.25<a<2; 0<b≦0.3; z≧0; M is an alkali earth metal, a transition metal or a mixture thereof. The method includes the steps of dissolving a chromium salt, a manganese salt, and a metal salt(s) in a solvent to produce a solution; performing a first heat-treatment step on the obtained solution at 400 to 500° C. to produce a chromium manganese metal oxide; mixing the chromium manganese metal oxide with a lithium salt; and performing a second heat-treatment step at 600 to 800° C.

Abstract: A cell which is not deteriorated in cell characteristics and which maintains a cell shape encapsulated in a laminate film even when overdischarged to a cell voltage of 0V. The cell includes a cathode containing a compound having the formula LixFe1-yMyPO4, where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, V, Mo, Ti, Zn, Al, Ga, Mg, B and Nb, with 0.05≦x≦1.2 and 0≦y≦0.8, an anode and a solid electrolyte. An electrode member 1 comprised of the cathode and the anode, layered together with the interposition of a solid electrolyte, is encapsulated in a laminate film 2.

Abstract: An improved cathode material for nonaqueous electrolyte lithium electrochemical cell is described. The preferred active material is silver vanadium oxide (SVO) coated with a protective layer of an inert metal oxide (MxOy) or lithiated metal oxide (LixMyOz). The SVO core provides high capacity and rate capability while the protective coating reduces reactivity of the active particles with electrolyte to improve the long-term stability of the cathode.

Abstract: A positive active material including a compound expressed by a general formula LimMxM′yM″zO2 (here, M designates at least one kind of element selected from Co, Ni and Mn, M′ designates at least one kind of element selected from Al, Cr, V, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn, Ti, Mg, Sr, B, Ga, In, Si and Ge, and M″ designates at least one kind of element selected from Mg, Ca, B and Ga. Further, x is designated by an expression of 0.9≦x<1, y is indicated by an expression of 0.001≦y≦0.5, z is indicated by an expression of 0≦z≦0.5, and m is indicated by an expression of 0.5≦m) and lithium manganese oxide expressed by a general formula LisMn2−tMatO4 (here, the value of s is expressed by 0.9≦s, the value of t is located within a range expressed by 0.01≦t≦0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rechargeable negative electrode for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising an alloy material which absorbs lithium during charge and desorbs lithium during discharge, and having a long cycle life. The negative electrode includes an alloy having a hexagonal closest packing structure and a Ni2In type structure composed of at least two elements.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a lithium ion secondary battery, including lithium-transition metal composite oxide of a layer crystal structure, in which the lithium-transition metal composite oxide contains an element that improves conductivity of electrons in the lithium-transition metal composite oxide. Use of this positive electrode active material can improve cycle characteristics, high rate characteristics and thermal stability of lithium ion secondary batteries. Furthermore, by use of this positive electrode active material, gas generation in batteries can be decreased.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a nonaqueous electrolyte battery that satisfies both of a large discharge capacity and a superior cycle life characteristic by developing a novel negative electrode material.

Abstract: An electrode material comprising a lithium-containing transition metal oxide having a spinel structure, characterized in that a part of the crystal structure of the metal oxide includes another spinel structure which is formed by the configurations of different metal elements combined which are able to form a spinel structure through a common oxygen configurations. The crystal phase of the metal oxide is stabilized by introduction of such a structure, and thus the metal oxide exhibits improved stability at a high temperature. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using the electrode material has improved storage stability at a high temperature and improved high temperature cycle characteristics, and thus keeps its capacity at a high rate even after a storage at a high temperature or after a high temperature cycle.

Abstract: An electrode including a current collector and active material layers stacked on the current collector, and a lithium battery using the electrode. In the electrode, the active material layers include a complex binder having a fluorinated polymer and mesophase SiO2 particles homogenously combined therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material for a lithium secondary battery and a preparation method of the same, in particular a positive active material and preparation method of the same that can improve cycle-life characteristics at a high temperature and room temperature, and storage characteristics at a high temperature.

Abstract: A particulate positive electrode active material for an alkaline storage battery comprising: (a) solid solution nickel hydroxide particles containing at least magnesium and (b) a coating layer comprising cobalt oxide being formed on the surface of the solid solution nickel hydroxide particles. The amount of magnesium contained in the solid solution nickel hydroxide particles (a) is not smaller than 2 mol % and not larger than 15 mol % of the total amount of metal elements contained in the solid solution nickel hydroxide particles (a). BET specific surface area of the solid solution nickel hydroxide particles (a) measured by nitrogen gas adsorption is not smaller than 5 m2/g and not larger than 15 m2/g. The coating layer (b) further comprises at least one element Xs selected from the group consisting of yttrium, ytterbium, lutetium, titanium and calcium.

Abstract: In cycles of charging and discharging, an excellent capacity maintenance rate is obtained. The charging and discharging cycle characteristic of battery is enhanced. Further, an excellent initial discharging capacity is obtained. A negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte are contained. The negative electrode includes an alloy of Si, a first element and a second element. The first element includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of the second group element except Mg in the periodic table, transition elements, twelfth group element, thirteenth group element except B, and fourteenth group element except Si. The second element includes at least one element of B and Mg.

Abstract: A method for making a composite positive electrode material for use in electrochemical cells. The composite material comprises a particle of positive electrode material and a nucleating particle at least partially embedded within the interior of the particle of positive electrode material.