Abstract: An activated electrode for a non-aqueous electrochemical cell is disclosed with a precursor thereof a lithium metal oxide with the formula xLi2MnO3.(1?x)LiMn2?yMyO4 for 0.5<x<1.0 such that the spinel component constitutes less than 50 mole % of the precursor electrode and 0?y<1 in which the Li2MnO3 and LiMn2-yMyO4 components have layered and spinel-type structures, respectively, and in which M is one or more metal cations. The electrode is activated by removing lithia, or lithium and lithia, from the precursor. A cell and battery are also disclosed incorporating the disclosed positive electrode.

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. In the compound, A is at least one of an alkali metal and hydrogen, M? is a first-row transition metal, X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, arsenic, molybdenum, and tungsten, M? any of a Group IIA, IIIA, IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, IIB, IIIB, IVB, VB, and VIB metal, D is at least one of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, or a halogen, 0.0001<a?0.1, and x, y, and z are greater than zero.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode active material, comprising: (a) a carbonaceous material; and (b) a carbide coating layer partially or totally formed on a surface of the carbonaceous material, the carbide coating layer comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of metals and metalloids. An anode obtained by using the anode active material and an electrochemical device comprising the anode are also disclosed. The carbonaceous material comprises a coating layer of metal-/metalloid-carbide obtained by treating it at high temperature under inert atmosphere, wherein the coating layer has increased interfacial boding force to the carbonaceous material and thus shows minimized reactivity to lithium. The carbonaceous material as anode active material can minimize the irreversible anode capacity needed for the formation of an SEI film during the first charge/discharge cycle, thereby providing high capacity, high efficiency and significantly improved anode qualities.

Abstract: A family of Li-ion battery cathode materials and methods of synthesizing the materials. The cathode material is a defective crystalline lithium transition metal phosphate of a specific chemical form. The material can be synthesized in air, eliminating the need for a furnace having an inert gas atmosphere. Excellent cycling behavior and charge/discharge rate capabilities are observed in batteries utilizing the cathode materials.

Abstract: A lithiated metal phosphate material is doped by a portion of the lithium atoms which are present at the M2 sites of the material. The doped material has the general formula: Li1+xM1?x?dDdPO4. In the formula, M is a divalent ion of one or more of Fe, Mn, Co and Ni. D is a divalent metal ion which is one or more of Mg, Ca, Zn, and Ti. It is present in an amount represented by the subscript d which has a value ranging from 0 to 0.1. The portion of the lithium which is present at the M2 octahedral sites of the material is represented by the subscript x and is greater than 0 and no more than 0.07. Also disclosed are electrodes which incorporate the material as well as batteries, including lithium ion batteries, which include cathodes fabricated from the doped, lithiated metal phosphate materials.

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: A lithium storage cell comprises at least a first electrode comprising an active material wherein Li+ cations can be inserted, a second electrode and an electrolyte. The active material of the first electrode comprises a linear condensed compound comprising at least two tetrahedra, respectively of AO4 and A?O4 type, bonded by a common oxygen atom. A transition metal ion M2+ with a degree of oxidation of +2 selected from the group consisting of Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Fe2+ and Ti2+ is inserted in the linear condensed compound, and the ratio between the number of Li+ cations able to be inserted in the active material and the number of transition metal ions M2+ is strictly greater than 1. A and A? are selected from the group consisting of P5+, Si4+, Al3+, S6+, Ge4+, B3+.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a positive active material, a negative electrode containing a negative active material and a nonaqueous electrolyte. Characteristically, the positive active material comprises a mixture of a lithium transition metal complex oxide A obtained by incorporating at least Zr and Mg into LiCoO2 and a lithium transition metal complex oxide B having a layered structure and containing at least Ni and Mn as the transition metal.

Abstract: A positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery for high voltage high capacity use exhibiting high cycle durability and high safety. The positive electrode material is composed of particles having a composition represented by the general formula: LiaCobMgcAdOeFf (A is the group 6 transition element or the group 14 element, 0.90?a?1.10, 0.97?b?1.00, 0.0001?c?0.03, 0.0001?d?0.03, 1.98?e?2.02, 0?f?0.02 and 0.0001?c+d?0.03), and magnesium, the element A and fluorine exist uniformly in the vicinity of the surfaces of the particles.

Abstract: An alkaline electrochemical cell having an anode containing zinc and a cathode that includes a catalyst and an iodate is disclosed. The catalyst catalyzes the reduction of the iodate when the cell is discharged thereby enabling the cell to be used in devices that have a functional endpoint of 1.0V or higher. Preferred catalysts include platinum and palladium. Suitable iodates include copper iodate, strontium iodate and lead iodate.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an active material for lithium ion battery having an excellent discharge capacity in the potential flat part and a high-performance and long-life lithium ion battery, and particularly to provide a technology of improving voltage flatness. The present invention provides an active material for lithium ion battery represented by a composition formula: Li[Li(1-2x)/3MgxTi(5-x)/3]O4(0<x<1/2) in which a part of the element of lithium titanate is substituted with Mg, and a lithium ion battery using this active material as a negative electrode active material.

Abstract: Composite cathode active materials having a large diameter active material and a small diameter active material are provided. The ratio of the average particle diameter of the large diameter active material to the average particle diameter of the small diameter active material ranges from about 6:1 to about 100:1. Mixing the large and small diameter active materials in a proper weight ratio improves packing density Additionally, including highly stable materials and highly conductive materials in the composite cathode active materials improves volume density, discharge capacity and high rate discharge capacity.

Abstract: A secondary battery capable of improving the cycle characteristics is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode and an anode oppositely arranged with a separator in between, and an electrolytic solution. At least one of the cathode, the anode, the separator, and the electrolytic solution contains a sulfone compound having a carbonate group and a sulfonyl group.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode contains an intermetallic compound having an La3Co2Sn7 type crystal structure of which alkaline-earth metal atoms occupy La sites. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains at least one of methyl ethyl carbonate and dimethyl carbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical energy source, comprising: a substrate, and at least one stack deposited onto said substrate, the stack comprising: an anode, a cathode, and an intermediate solid-state electrolyte separating said anode and said cathode; and at least one electron-conductive barrier layer being deposited between the substrate and the anode, which barrier layer is adapted to at least substantially preclude diffusion of active species of the stack into said substrate. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an electrochemical energy source, comprising the steps of: A) depositing at least one electron-conductive barrier layer onto the substrate, and B) depositing at least one stack of an anode, an solid-state electrolyte, and a cathode successively onto said electron-conductive barrier layer.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of compounds of the formula C—LixM1?yM?y(XO4)n, where C represents carbon cross-linked with the compound 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 or a mixture of transition metals from the first period of the periodic table, M? is an element with fixed valency selected among Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+, Zn2+ or a combination of these same elements and X is chosen among S, P and Si, by bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of precursors, with a gaseous atmosphere, the synthesis taking place by reaction and bringing into equilibrium, in the required proportions, the mixture of the precursors, the procedure comprising at least one pyrolysis step of the carbon source compound in such a way as to obtain a compound in which the electronic conductivity measured on a sample of powder compressed at a pressure of 3750 Kg·cm?2 is greater than 10?8 S·cm?1.

Abstract: Cathode compositions for lithium-ion electrochemical cells are provided that have excellent stability at high voltages. These materials include a plurality of particles having an outer surface and a lithium electrode material in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the particles. The particles includes a lithium metal oxide that includes manganese, nickel, and cobalt, and the lithium electrode material has a recharged voltage that is lower vs. Li/Li+ than the recharged voltage of the particles vs. Li/Li+. Also included are methods of making the provided compositions.

Abstract: A small current environmental-friendly battery includes a positive electrode substrate and a negative electrode substrate that are conductors of different potentials, in which the positive electrode substrate can activate or ionize water. A film is interposed between the positive electrode substrate and the negative electrode substrate. The ions in water transmit electricity in the battery. The potential difference between the positive electrode substrate and the negative electrode substrate provides electricity of the battery.

Abstract: Described is a composite lithium compound having a mixed crystalline structure. Such compound was formed by heating a lithium compound and a metal compound together. The resulting mixed metal crystal exhibits superior electrical property and is a better cathode material for lithium secondary batteries.

Abstract: A composite lithium compound having a mixed crystalline structure is provided. Such compound can be formed by heating lithium, iron, phosphorous and carbon sources with a lithium metal compound. The resulting mixed metal crystal can exhibit superior electrical property and is a better cathode material for lithium secondary batteries.

Abstract: An alkaline storage cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy, and an alkaline electrolyte. The hydrogen storage alloy has a composition expressed by a general expression: Ln1-?Mg?Ni?-?-?T?Al?, where Ln represents at least one element chosen from a group consisting of La, Ce, etc., T represents at least one element chosen from a group consisting of V, Nb, etc., and subscripts ?, ?, ? and ? represent numerical values which satisfy 0.05<?<0.12, 3.40???3.70, 0.01???0.15 and 0.15???0.35.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a case, a nonaqueous electrolyte provided in the case, a positive electrode provided in the case and capable of absorbing-releasing Li, and a negative electrode provided in the case and containing an alloy that has a La3Co2Sn7 type crystal structure.

Abstract: Composite cathode active materials comprising a composite oxide and an acid treated with an organic solvent are provided. The composite cathode active materials are prepared by treating mixtures of nickel-based composite oxides and organic acids with organic solvents. The active materials suppress gelation of the electrode slurries for a long period of time, even when the active materials are mixed with fluorine-based polymers, by decreasing the basicity of the slurries and the amount of lithium present on the surfaces of the active materials. As a result, electrode slurries having high stability can be prepared. Cathodes and lithium batteries comprising the slurries have excellent charge-discharge characteristics, including high capacity and excellent high rate discharge characteristics.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a cathode having a cathode active material layer including a lithium phosphate compound having an olivine structure; an anode having an anode active material; and a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the cathode active material layer includes a carbon material, of which a ratio of a peak intensity at 1,360 cm?1 to a peak intensity at 1,580 cm?1, obtained by Raman spectrum analysis through measurement using argon laser radiation at a wavelength of 514.52 nm, is 0.25 or more and 0.8 or less; and fibrous carbon.

Abstract: The present invention intends to improve the intermittent cycle characteristics in a lithium ion secondary battery including, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium composite oxide mainly composed of nickel or cobalt. The present invention is a lithium ion secondary battery wherein the positive electrode includes active material particles including a lithium composite oxide. The lithium composite oxide is represented by the general formula (1): LixM1-yLyO2 (where 0.85?x?1.25, 0?y?0.50, and element M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co, and element L is at least one selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth elements, transition metal elements, rare earth elements, Group IIIb elements and Group IVb elements). The surface layer of the active material particles includes element Le being at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Mn, Ti, Mg, Zr, Nb, Mo, W and Y. The active material particles are surface-treated with a coupling agent.

Abstract: An electrode material for an anode of a rechargeable lithium battery, containing a particulate comprising an amorphous Sn.A.X alloy with a substantially non-stoichiometric ratio composition. For said formula Sn.A.X , A indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of transition metal elements, X indicates at least one kind of an element selected from a group consisting of O, F, N, Mg, Ba, Sr, Ca, La, Ce, Si, Ge, C, P, B, Pb, Bi, Sb, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Zn, Be, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, As, Se, Te, Li and S, where the element X is not always necessary to be contained. The content of the constituent element Sn of the amorphous Sn.A.X alloy is Sn/(Sn+A+X)=20 to 80 atomic %.

Abstract: A positive-electrode active material for a lithium-ion secondary battery has an average composition expressed by the following formula (1): LixCo1?y?zMyCezOb?aXa ??(1) wherein M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron B, magnesium Mg, aluminum Al, silicon Si, phosphorous P, sulfur S, titanium Ti, chromium Cr, manganese Mn, iron Fe, cobalt Co, nickel Ni, copper Cu, zinc Zn, gallium Ga, yttrium Y, zirconium Zr, molybdenum Mo, silver Ag, tungsten W, indium In, tin Sn, lead Pb, and antimony Sb, X represents a halogen element, and x, y, z, a, and b satisfy 0.2<x?1.2, 0?y?0.1, 0.5<z?5.0, 1.8?b?2.2, and 0?a?1.0, respectively, and the concentration of cerium Ce is higher in the vicinity of the surface than in the inside.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a zinc powder or zinc alloy powder for alkaline batteries, which powder has a grain size distribution wherein 60 to 100 wt.-% of the particles, relative to the zinc powder or zinc alloy powder, have a diameter of from 40 to 140 ?m. The invention is also directed to an alkaline battery.

Abstract: A cathode active material has: a composite oxide particle containing at least lithium and one or a plurality of transition metals; and a coating layer provided on at least a part of the composite oxide particle. The coating layer contains at least one kind of element M differing from a main transition metal element A forming the composite oxide particle and selected from Groups 2 to 16 of the periodic table and a halogen element X. In the coating layer, the element M and the halogen element X exhibit different distribution states.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery that can ensure a high level of safety even when exposed to severe conditions such as a nail penetration test or crush test, and exhibit excellent output characteristics. The present invention relates to an electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery having a material mixture containing active material particles capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing lithium, and a current collector that carries the material mixture, wherein a surface of the current collector has recessed portions, and an area occupied by the recessed portions accounts for not less than 30% of an a material mixture carrying area of the current collector.

Abstract: In one aspect, a negative plate for a battery comprises a negative current collector coated with a negative active material. The negative current collector comprises a conductive non-woven fabric. In another aspect, a method for preparing a negative plate for a battery comprises coating a negative active material onto a negative current collector. The negative current collector comprises a conductive non-woven fabric. In yet another aspect, a battery comprises a negative plate. The negative plate comprises a negative current collector coated with a negative active material. The negative current collector comprises a conductive non-woven fabric.

Abstract: An electrochemical generator comprising at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode, said positive electrode comprising a paste comprising an electrochemically active material, a binder and strontium sulphate SrSO4, the proportion by weight of strontium sulphate in said paste being greater than 0.1% and less than or equal to 10%. This generator exhibits a reduced deterioration in performances at a high discharge rate.

Abstract: The negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery of the present invention includes a carbonaceous material and a silicon-based compound represented by Formula 1: Si(1-y)MyO1+x(1) where 0?y?1, ?0.5?x?0.5, and M is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material; a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material; and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a non-aqueous solvent and an electrolyte salt. In order to improve the high-temperature storage characteristics and safety against overcharge due to high-rate charging of the battery, the positive electrode active material contains a layered lithium-transition metal composite oxide containing at least one of Mg, Al, Ti, and Zr. Furthermore, the non-aqueous electrolyte contains 3 to 80% by mass of a tertiary carboxylic acid ester expressed by Chemical Formula 2 below, based on the total mass of the non-aqueous solvent: where R1 to R4 are independent of each other and each represents an alkyl group having 4 or less carbon atoms and being able to be branched.

Abstract: A cathode material for use in a lithium secondary battery of excellent thermal stability contributing to the improvement of safety of the battery and having large discharging capacity, as well as a method of manufacturing the cathode material for use in the lithium secondary battery, based on the improved method for measuring the thermal stability of the cathode material, the cathode material comprising a compound represented by the chemical formula: LixNiyCozMmO2 in which the material is powdery and the BET specific surface area is 0.8 m2/g or less, M in the chemical formula represents one or more of element selected from Ba, Sr and B, and x, y, z and m are, respectively, 0.9?x?1.1, 0.5?y?0.95, 0.05?z?0.5 and 0.0005?m?0.02.

Abstract: The present invention aims to achieve both safety upon shorting by a nail penetration and safety upon overcharging. In a lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, the positive electrode includes active material particles, the active material particles include secondary particles of the lithium composite oxide, and some of the secondary particles have a crack. At least a surface layer portion of the active material particles includes element Me of at least one selected from the group consisting of Mn, Al, Mg, Ca, Zr, B, W, Nb, Ta, In, Mo, and Sn. Element Me is distributed more in the surface layer portion compared with the inner portion of the active material particles.

Abstract: A composition for use in an electrochemical redox reaction is described. The composition may comprise a material represented by a general formula MyXO4 or AxMyXO4, where each of A (where present), M, and X independently represents at least one element, O represents oxygen, and each of x (where present) and y represent a number, and an oxide of at least one of various elements, wherein the material and the oxide are cocrystailine, and/or wherein a volume of a crystalline structural unit of the composition may be different than a volume of a crystalline structural unit of the material alone. An electrode comprising such a composition is also described, as is an electrochemical cell comprising such an electrode. A process of preparing a composition for use in an electrochemical redox reaction is also described.

Abstract: A positive active material composition for a rechargeable lithium battery includes at least one lithiated compound, and at least one additive compound selected from the group consisting of a thermal-absorbent element-included hydroxide, a thermal-absorbent element-included oxyhydroxide, a thermal-absorbent element-included oxycarbonate, and a thermal-absorbent element-included hydroxycarbonate.

Abstract: An negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a nano-composite including a Si phase, a SiO2 phase, and a metal oxide phase of formulation MyO, where M is a metal with an oxidation number x, a free energy of oxygen-bond formation ranging from ?900 kJ/mol to ?2000 kJ/mol, x, and x·y=2. The negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery according to the present invention can improve initial capacity, initial efficiency, and cycle-life characteristics by suppressing its initial irreversible reaction.

Abstract: There is obtained a material of a positive electrode for a secondary lithium-ion cell having high cycle durability and high safety in high-voltage and high-capacity applications, which is a particulate positive electrode active material for a secondary lithium-ion cell represented by a general formula, LiaCObAcBdOeFf (A is Al or Mg, B is a group-IV transition element, 0.90?a?1.10, 0.97?b?1.00, 0.0001?c?0.03, 0.0001?d?0.03, 1.98?e?2.02, 0?f?0.02, and 0.0001?c+d?0.03), where element A, element B and fluorine are evenly present in the vicinity of the particle surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the processing of particles of metal phosphates or particles of mixed metal phosphates and in particular lithiated metal phosphates and mixed metal phosphates. The processing occurs, for example using a mechanofusion system as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. In general, the powder materials are placed in a rotary container and are subjected to centrifugal force and securely pressed against the wall of the container. The material then undergoes strong compression and shearing forces when it is trapped between the wall of the container and the inner piece of the rotor with a different curvature (FIG. 2). Particles of the material are brought together with such force that they adhere to one another. In the mechanofusion system, as indicated in FIG. 2, the powder material is delivered through slits on the rotary walls. It is carried up above the rotors by the rotor-mounted circulating blades.

Abstract: Voltage delay in an active metal anode/liquid cathode battery cell can be significantly reduced or completely alleviated by coating the active metal anode (e.g., Li) surface with a thin layer of an inorganic compound with Li-ion conductivity using chemical treatment of Li surface. Particularly, preferred examples of such compounds include lithium phosphate, lithium metaphosphate, and/or their mixtures or solid solutions with lithium sulphate. These compounds can be formed on the Li surface by treatment with diluted solutions of the following individual acids: H3PO4, HPO3 and H2SO4, their acidic salts, or their binary or ternary mixtures in a dry organic solvent compatible with Li, for instance in 1,2-DME; by various deposition techniques. Such chemical protection of the Li or other active metal electrode significantly reduces the voltage delay due to protected anode's improved stability toward the electrolyte.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery according to an aspect of the present invention is a lithium-transition metal compound oxide which is produced by mixing a lithium compound, a transition metal compound, a magnesium compound, and a sulfate and conducting firing and which contains magnesium atoms and sulfate groups, wherein a magnesium halide is used as the magnesium compound.

Abstract: This invention provides a type of lithium iron phosphate cathode active material and its method of synthesis. Said cathode active material contains the sintering product of lithium iron phosphate and a mixture. Said mixture comprises of two or more metal oxides where the metal elements are selected from groups II A, III A, IV A, V A, III B, IV B, or V B, and where the weight of one metal oxide is 0.5-20% of the weight of the other metal oxide. Greatly increased capacity can be achieved in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries using the lithium iron phosphate cathode active material provided by this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte-based high power lithium secondary battery having a long-term service life and superior safety at both room temperature and high temperature, even after repeated high-current charging and discharging, wherein the battery comprises a mixture of a particular lithium manganese-metal composite oxide (A) having a spinel structure and a particular lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt composite oxide (B) having a layered structure, as a cathode active material.

Abstract: As a positive electrode active material, a lithium transition metal complex oxide having a layered rock-salt structure containing lithium (Li) and containing magnesium atoms (Mg) substituted for part of lithium atoms (Li) is used. The lithium transition metal complex oxide is formed by chemical or electrochemical substitution of Mg atoms for part of Li atoms in LiCoO2, LiMnO2, LiFeO2, LiNiO2, or the like. A cell is prepared in which a negative electrode 2 and a positive electrode 1 including the lithium transition metal complex oxide (positive electrode active material) are disposed in a non-aqueous electrolyte 5 including a lithium salt, and part of Li in the lithium transition metal complex oxide is extracted by discharging the cell. Then, the electrolyte including Li is replaced with an electrolyte including Mg, and the cell is discharged, so that Mg atoms are substituted for the part of Li atoms in the lithium transition metal complex oxide.

Abstract: The negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery of the present invention includes a carbonaceous material and a silicon-based compound represented by Formula 1: Si(1?y)MyO1+x??(1) where 0<y<1, ?0.5?x?0.5, and M is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a fuel cell cathode, fuel cell cathodes, and fuel cells comprising same.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells including anode compositions that may enhance charge-discharge cycling efficiency and uniformity are presented. In some embodiments, alloys are incorporated into one or more components of an electrochemical cell, which may enhance the performance of the cell. For example, an alloy may be incorporated into an electroactive component of the cell (e.g., electrodes) and may advantageously increase the efficiency of cell performance. Some electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge/discharge cycle involving deposition of metal (e.g., lithium metal) on the surface of the anode upon charging and reaction of the metal on the anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. In some cases, the efficiency and uniformity of such processes may affect cell performance.

Abstract: There are provided a low-cost positive electrode for an alkaline storage battery which retains an excellent current collectivity over a long period of time and a low-cost alkaline storage battery which retains an excellent charge/discharge efficiency over a long period of time. A positive electrode for an alkaline storage battery according to the present invention has a positive electrode substrate including a resin skeleton made of a resin and having a three-dimensional network structure and a nickel coating layer made of nickel and coating the resin skeleton and also having a void portion in which a plurality of pores are coupled in three dimensions and a positive electrode active material containing nickel hydroxide particles and filled in the void portion of the positive electrode substrate. Among them, the nickel coating layer has an average thickness of not less than 0.5 ?m and not more than 5 ?m.