Abstract: To provide an active material from which a sufficient discharge capacity is obtained, an electrode containing the active material, a lithium secondary battery including the electrode, and a method for making an active material. A method for making an active material includes a temperature elevation step of heating a mixture containing a lithium source, a pentavalent vanadium source, a phosphoric acid source, water, and a reductant in a hermetically sealed container at a temperature elevation rate T1 from 25° C. to 110° C. and then at a temperature elevation rate T2 from 110° C. to a designated temperature of 200° C. or more, in which T1>T2; T1=0.5 to 10° C./min; and T2=0.1 to 2.2° C./min.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material provided by the present invention is formed of a lithium-nickel-containing metal phosphate compound represented by a general formula: LiNi(1-x)MxPO4(1) (in Formula (1), M is one or more metal elements selected from divalent and trivalent metal elements, and x is a number satisfying the condition 0<x<0.5). At least part of a surface of the lithium-nickel-containing metal phosphate compound is covered with carbon, and the lithium-nickel-containing metal phosphate compound covered with carbon has an olivine-type crystal structure confirmed by structure analysis by X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: In a manufacturing process of a positive electrode active material for a power storage device, which includes a lithium silicate compound represented by a general formula Li2MSiO4, heat treatment is performed at a high temperature on a mixture material, grinding treatment is performed, a carbon-based material is added, and then heat treatment is performed again. Therefore, the reactivity between the substances contained in the mixture material is enhanced, favorable crystallinity can be obtained, and further microparticulation of the grain size of crystal which is grown larger by the high temperature treatment and crystallinity recovery are achieved; and at the same time, carbon can be supported on the surfaces of particles of the crystallized mixture material. Accordingly, a positive electrode active material for a power storage device, in which electron conductivity is improved, can be manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution, and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrode solution. In such cases, the electrolyte membrane can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, a NaSICON membrane. Furthermore, in such cases, the liquid positive electrode solution can comprise any suitable positive electrode solution, including, but not limited to, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, when the cell functions, the sodium negative electrode is molten and in contact with the electrolyte membrane. Additionally, the cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 170° C. Indeed, in some instances, the molten sodium secondary cell is functional between about 110° C.

Abstract: A cathode includes a lithium transition metal complex compound including lithium, one, or two or more transition metals, magnesium, and oxygen as constituent elements. In a standardized X-ray absorption spectrum of the lithium transition metal complex compound measured by an X-ray absorption spectroscopic method, a first absorption edge having absorption edge energy E1 in X-ray absorption intensity of about 0.5 exits in a range where X-ray energy is from about 1303 eV to about 1313 eV both inclusive, in a discharged state in which a discharge voltage is about 3.0 V, and a second absorption edge having absorption edge energy E2 in X-ray absorption intensity of about 0.5 exits, in a charged state in which a charge voltage V is from about 4.3 V to about 4.5 V both inclusive. The absorption edge energies E1 and E2 and the charge voltage V satisfy a relation of E2?E1?(V?4.25)×4.

Abstract: In a lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, and a package body, the negative electrode includes simple substance silicon as a negative electrode active material, and a negative electrode binder, and is doped with lithium, and the following formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.2?Ma/Mc?1.9??(1) 1.0<Ma/(Mc+MLi)<1.6??(2) wherein an amount of lithium inserted into the negative electrode until the negative electrode reaches a potential of 0.02 V with respect to metal lithium is Ma (a number of atoms), an amount of lithium released from the positive electrode until the positive electrode reaches a potential of 4.3 V with respect to metal lithium is Mc (a number of atoms), and an amount of lithium with which the negative electrode is doped is MLi (a number of atoms).

Abstract: A cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent disposed in the granule bed, wherein a transverse cross-sectional distribution of the porous absorbent in the granule bed varies in a longitudinal direction from a first position to a second position. In another embodiment, a cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent coating on a surface adjacent to the granule bed.

Abstract: A cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent disposed in the granule bed, wherein a transverse cross-sectional distribution of the porous absorbent in the granule bed varies in a longitudinal direction from a first position to a second position. In another embodiment, a cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent coating on a surface adjacent to the granule bed.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage device including a plurality of electrochemical cells connected electrically in series. Each cell includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode and an aqueous electrolyte. The charge storage capacity of the anode electrode is less than the charge storage capacity of the cathode.

Abstract: A metal foil electrode comprising i) a reinforcement layer formed from a porous substrate, and ii) first and second layers of metal foil formed comprising lithium and/or sodium, wherein the reinforcement layer is disposed between the first and second metal foil layers and bonded (preferably pressure bonded) together to form a composite structure having a thickness of 100 microns or less.

Abstract: A method for producing an alkali-metal-including active material by pre-doping an active material with an alkali metal ion includes: mixing the alkali metal, an organic solvent with which the alkali metal is solvated, and a ligand having an electrophilic substitution reactivity to produce an alkali metal complex; and contacting and reacting the alkali metal complex and the active material with each other to pre-dope the active material with the alkali metal ion.

Abstract: Pillared particles of silicon or silicon-comprising material and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. These particles may be used to create both a composite anode structure with a polymer binder, a conductive additive and a metal foil current collector, and an electrode structure. The structure of the particles overcomes the problems of charge/discharge capacity loss.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes that contain active materials of the formula: AaMb(SO4)cXx wherein A is a single or mixed alkali metal phase comprising one or more of sodium, potassium, lithium mixed with sodium, lithium mixed with potassium or lithium mixed with sodium and potassium; M is selected from one or more transition metals and/or non-transition metals and/or metalloids; X is a moiety comprising one or more atoms selected from halogen and OH; and further wherein 1<a<3; b is in the range: 0<b?2; c is in the range: 2?c?3 and x is in the range 0?x?1. Such electrodes are useful in, for example, sodium ion battery applications.

Abstract: A battery electrode composition is provided comprising core-shell composites. Each of the composites may comprise a sulfur-based core and a multi-functional shell. The sulfur-based core is provided to electrochemically react with metal ions during battery operation to store the metal ions in the form of a corresponding metal-sulfide during discharging or charging of the battery and to release the metal ions from the corresponding metal-sulfide during charging or discharging of the battery. The multi-functional shell at least partially encases the sulfur-based core and is formed from a material that is (i) substantially permeable to the metal ions of the corresponding metal-sulfide and (ii) substantially impermeable to electrolyte solvent molecules and metal polysulfides.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an active material containing a triclinic LiVOPO4 crystal particle that has a spherical form and an average particle size of 20 to 200 nm. The method includes a step of manufacturing the crystal particle by hydrothermal synthesis.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an ion transmission member in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode, and a hole transmission member in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. Suitably, the first electrode contains a composite oxide. The composite oxide contains alkali metal or alkali earth metal. The composite oxide contains a p-type composite oxide as a p-type semiconductor.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material includes: center cores containing a composite oxide containing alkali metal or alkali earth metal; and eutectic layers containing a eutectic substance composed of at least two types of composite oxides containing the alkali metal or the alkali earth metal and configured to cover the center cores. Preferably, the eutectic layers have a thickness of 4 nm or larger and 800 nm or smaller. The composite oxides forming the eutectic substance include the composite oxide of the center cores.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cathode material for a secondary battery, and a manufacturing method of the same. The cathode material includes a lithium manganese phosphate LiMnPO4/sodium manganese fluorophosphate Na2MnPO4F composite, in which the LiMnPO4 and Na2MnPO4F have different crystal structures. Additionally, the method of manufacturing the cathode material may be done in a single step through a hydrothermal synthesis, which greatly reduces the time and cost of production. Additionally, the disclosure provides that the electric conductivity of the cathode material may be improved through carbon coating, thereby providing a cathode material with excellent electrochemical activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement a lithium-based high energy density flow battery. In one embodiment, a lithium-based high energy density flow battery includes a first anodic conductive solution that includes a lithium polyaromatic hydrocarbon complex dissolved in a solvent, a second cathodic conductive solution that includes a cathodic complex dissolved in a solvent, a solid lithium ion conductor disposed so as to separate the first solution from the second solution, such that the first conductive solution, the second conductive solution, and the solid lithium ionic conductor define a circuit, where when the circuit is closed, lithium from the lithium polyaromatic hydrocarbon complex in the first conductive solution dissociates from the lithium polyaromatic hydrocarbon complex, migrates through the solid lithium ionic conductor, and associates with the cathodic complex of the second conductive solution, and a current is generated.

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: A method is provided for fabricating a transition metal hexacyanometallate (TMHCM) electrode with a water-soluble binder. The method initially forms an electrode mix slurry comprising TMHCF and a water-soluble binder. The electrode mix slurry is applied to a current collector, and then dehydrated to form an electrode. The electrode mix slurry may additionally comprise a carbon additive such as carbon black, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, graphite, or graphene. The electrode is typically formed with TMHCM greater than 50%, by weight, as compared to a combined weight of the TMHCM, carbon additive, and binder. Also provided are a TMHCM electrode made with a water-soluble binder and a battery having a TMHCM cathode that is made with a water-soluble binder.

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: A ceramic material that can exhibit sufficient compactness and lithium (Li) conductivity to enable the use thereof as a solid electrolyte material for a lithium secondary battery and the like is provided. The ceramic material contains aluminum (Al) and has a garnet-type crystal structure or a garnet-like crystal structure containing lithium (Li), lanthanum (La), zirconium (Zr) and oxygen (O).

Abstract: The non-aqueous secondary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a separator, the negative electrode contains a negative electrode active material containing a graphitic carbon material and a composite in which a carbon coating layer is formed on a surface of a core material containing Si and O as constituent elements, the composite has a carbon content of 10 to 30 mass %, the composite has an intensity ratio I510/I1343 of a peak intensity I510 at 510 cm?1 derived from Si to a peak intensity I1343 at 1343 cm?1 derived from carbon of 0.25 or less when a Raman spectrum of the composite is measured at a laser wavelength of 532 nm, and the half-width of the (111) diffraction peak of Si is less than 3.0° when the crystallite size of an Si phase contained in the core material is measured by X-ray diffractometry using CuK? radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode material suitable for use as a cathode in a sodium electrochemical cell or battery, the electrode comprising a layered material of formula NacLidNieMnfMzOb, wherein M comprises one or more metal cation, 0.24?c/b?0.5, 0<d/b?0.23, 0?e/b?0.45, 0?f/b?0.45, 0?z/b?0.45, the combined average oxidation state of the metal components (i.e., NacLidNieMnfMz) is in the range of about 3.9 to 5.2, and b is equal to (c+d+Ve+Xf+Yz)/2, wherein V is the average oxidation state of the Ni, X is the average oxidation state of the Mn, and Y is the average oxidation state of the M in the material. The combined positive charge of the metallic elements is balanced by the combined negative charge of the oxygen anions, the Na is predominately present in a sodium layer, and the Mn, Ni, and M are predominately present in a transition metal layer.

Abstract: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a core including an active material being capable of performing reversible electrochemical oxidation and reduction, and a coating layer on the surface of the core. The coating layer includes a reticular structure including —O-M-O— wherein M is selected Si, Ti, Zr, Al, or combinations thereof and an organic functional group linked to the M as a side chain. The organic functional group is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, a haloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and combinations thereof. The negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery according to the present invention can be applied along with an aqueous binder, and improve high capacity, good cycle-life, and particularly high capacity during charge and discharge at a high rate.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a cathode active material and a cathode which can attain a lithium ion secondary battery with high capacity and high security, and further to provide the lithium ion secondary battery with high capacity and high security. According to the present invention, the cathode active material is represented by the following composition formula: Li1.1+xNiaM1bM2cO2 wherein M1 represents Co, or Co and Mn; M2 represents Mo, W or Nb; ?0.07?x?0.1; 0.6?a?0.9; 0.05?b?0.38; and 0.02?c?0.06.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-capacity electrochemical energy storage device in which a conversion reaction proceeds as the oxidation-reduction reaction, and the separation (hysteresis) between the electrode potentials for oxidation and reduction is small. The electrochemical energy storage device includes a first electrode including a first active material, a second electrode including a second active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte interposed between the first and second electrodes. At least one of the first and second active materials is a metal salt having a polyatomic anion and a metal ion, and the metal salt is capable of oxidation-reduction reaction involving reversible release and acceptance of the polyatomic anion.

Abstract: A material (hereinafter referred to as “positive electrode material”) including sodium manganate powder as a positive electrode active material, carbon black powder as a conductive agent, and polytetrafluoroethylene as a binder is prepared. The positive electrode material is mixed in an N-methylpyrrolidone solution to produce slurry as a positive electrode mixture. A working electrode is produced by applying the slurry on a positive electrode collector. A negative electrode containing tin or germanium is produced. The non-aqueous electrolyte is produced by adding sodium hexafluorophosphate as an electrolyte salt in a non-aqueous solvent produced by mixing ethylenecarbonate and diethyl carbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode unit for an alkaline metal/sulphur battery, containing a cathode arrester, which comprises a carbon substrate, and an electrochemically active component, which is selected from sulphur or an alkaline metal sulphide and is in electrically conductive contact with the carbon substrate.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide an anode active material capable of increasing energy density at the same time increasing battery safety, and a metal ion battery prepared with the anode active material. The present invention is an anode active material including an element that belongs to alunite group capable to insert and remove an ion(s) of at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of alkali metal elements and alkaline-earth metal elements, and a metal ion battery having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte filled between the cathode and the anode, the electrolyte conducting a metal ion(s), wherein the anode active material is contained in the anode.

Abstract: An as-prepared cathode for a secondary battery, the cathode including an alkaline source material including an alkali metal oxide, an alkali metal sulfide, an alkali metal salt, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery including a net-type current collector and a positive active material layer formed on both sides of the current collector and also including a positive active material and a binder and having a thickness of about 150 ?m or more, a method of manufacturing the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same.

Abstract: The performance of sodium-based energy storage devices can be improved according to methods and devices based on surface-driven reactions between sodium ions and functional groups attached to surfaces of the cathode. The cathode substrate, which includes a conductive material, can provide high electron conductivity while the surface functional groups can provide reaction sites to store sodium ions. During discharge cycles, sodium ions will bind to the surface functional groups. During charge cycles, the sodium ions will be released from the surface functional groups. The surface-driven reactions are preferred compared to intercalation reactions.

Abstract: A method is presented for fabricating an anode preloaded with consumable metals. The method provides a material (X), which may be one of the following materials: carbon, metals able to be electrochemically alloyed with a metal (Me), intercalation oxides, electrochemically active organic compounds, and combinations of the above-listed materials. The method loads the metal (Me) into the material (X). Typically, Me is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or a combination of the two. As a result, the method forms a preloaded anode comprising Me/X for use in a battery comprising a M1YM2Z(CN)N·MH2O cathode, where M1 and M2 are transition metals. The method loads the metal (Me) into the material (X) using physical (mechanical) mixing, a chemical reaction, or an electrochemical reaction. Also provided is preloaded anode, preloaded with consumable metals.

Abstract: A protected active metal electrode and a device with the electrode are provided. The protected active metal electrode includes an active metal substrate and a protection layer on a surface of the active metal substrate. The protection layer at least includes a metal thin film covering the surface of the active metal substrate and an electrically-conductive thin film covering a surface of the metal thin film. A material of the metal thin film is Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, or W. A material of the electrically-conductive thin film is selected from nitride of a metal in the metal thin film, carbide of a metal in the metal thin film, a diamond-like carbon (DLC), and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a battery using an anode preloaded with consumable metals. The method forms an ion-permeable membrane immersed in an electrolyte. A preloaded anode is immersed in the electrolyte, comprising MeaX, where X is a material such as carbon, metal capable of being alloyed with Me, intercalation oxides, electrochemically active organic compounds, and combinations of the above-listed materials. Me is a metal such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and combinations of the above-listed metals. A cathode is also immersed in the electrolyte and separated from the preloaded anode by the ion-permeable membrane. The cathode comprises M1YM2Z(CN)N.MH2O. After a plurality of initial charge and discharge operations are preformed, an anode is formed comprising MebX overlying the current collector in a battery discharge state, where 0?b<a.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anode active material including: a crystalline phase comprising Si and a Si-metal alloy; and an amorphous phase comprising Si and a Si-metal alloy, wherein the metal of the Si-metal alloy of the crystalline phase is the same as or different from the metal of the Si-metal alloy of the amorphous phase.

Abstract: Composite compounds of tin and lithium, silicon and lithium, or tin, silicon, and lithium having tin and silicon nano-dispersed in a lithium-containing matrix may be used as electrode materials and particularly anode materials for use with rechargeable batteries. Methods of making the composite compounds include the oxidation of alloys, the reaction of stabilized lithium metal powder with tin and silicon oxides, and the reaction of inorganic salts of lithium with tin and silicon containing compounds.

Abstract: A cathode active material capable of increasing a capacity and improving high temperature characteristics or cycle characteristics, a method of manufacturing it, a cathode using the cathode active material, and a battery using the cathode active material are provided. In a cathode active material contained in a cathode, a coating layer is provided on at least part of complex oxide particle containing at least lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co). The coating layer is an oxide which contains lithium (Li) and at least one of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn).

Abstract: A secondary hybrid aqueous energy storage device includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode which is capable of reversibly intercalating sodium cations, a separator, and a sodium cation containing aqueous electrolyte, wherein an initial active cathode electrode material comprises an alkali metal containing active cathode electrode material which deintercalates alkali metal ions during initial charging of the device.

Abstract: A negative electrode 100 for a nonaqueous electrolytic secondary cell includes a current collector 1 and a plurality of active material bodies 2 formed on a surface of the current collector 1 at intervals; each active material body 2 contains a material for occluding or releasing lithium; and a plurality of projections 3 are formed on a part of a side surface of each active material body 2.

Abstract: A negative electrode for rechargeable lithium batteries includes a current collector, a porous active material layer having a metal-based active material disposed on the current collector, and a high-strength binder layer on the porous active material layer. The high-strength binder layer has a strength ranging from 5 to 70 MPa. The negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery according to the present invention can improve cycle-life characteristics by suppressing volume expansion and reactions of an electrolyte at the electrode surface.

Abstract: An anode for a lithium secondary battery contains an active material and a binder mixture. The active material can occlude or liberate lithium. The binder mixture includes a synthetic rubber-based latex-type binder, a cellulose-based thickener, and an acrylamide-based water-soluble polymer. The adhesive forces among electrode materials and between the electrode materials and a current collector are greatly increased. As a result, the number of battery defects, which are caused by low adhesive forces in the electrode plate manufacturing process, in particular, a rolling process, can be unexpectedly decreased. At the same time, high-rate discharge characteristics can be improved by decreasing the resistance at the interface between the electrode materials and the current collector.

Abstract: The approaches for fabricating cathodes can be adapted to improve control over cathode composition and to better accommodate batteries of any shape and their assembly. For example, a first solid having an alkali metal halide, a second solid having a transition metal, and a third solid having an alkali metal aluminum halide are combined into a mixture. The mixture can be heated in a vacuum to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the melting point of the third solid. When the third solid is substantially molten liquid, the mixture is compressed into a desired cathode shape and then cooled to solidify the mixture in the desired cathode shape.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a first positive active material represented by LiaNibCocMdO2, and a second positive active material represented by LieNifCogMnhO2. M is selected from Al, B, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, and V, 0.95?a?1.1, 0.5?b?0.9, 0?c?0.3, 0?d?0.1, 0.95?e?1.1, 0.33?f?0.5, 0.15?g?0.33, and 0.3?h?0.35. A rechargeable lithium battery includes the positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte.

Abstract: Provided is a lithium secondary battery with enhanced energy density including a cathode using a cathode active material containing lithium mixed transition metal oxide absorbing and discharging lithium ions, wherein a final discharge voltage is in the range of about 1.5 V to about 2.75 V. A final discharge voltage can be reduced to 1.5 V to 2.75 V from 3.0 V by using various lithium mixed transition metal oxides as a cathode active material, or by using the various lithium mixed transition metal oxides with the LCO-based cathode material mixed. Compared to typical LCO-based cathode materials of which capacity and energy density do not change even if a final discharge voltage is decreased, a cathode material of the present invention results in further improving capacity by 10-20% as the final discharge voltage is decreased.

Abstract: In an aspect, a negative active material, a method of preparing the negative active material, and a lithium battery including the negative active material are provided. The method of preparing the negative active material may increase pulverizing efficiency in pulverizing a silicon-based bulky particle into a nano-size silicon-based primary particle and decrease a capacity loss of the obtained negative active material. The nano-size negative active material has excellent crystalline characteristics, high capacity, and high initial efficiency, due to a decrease in surface oxidation and surface damage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cathode composition comprises a transition metal and/or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and antimony, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; an alkali metal halide; an electrolyte salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a sulfide compound selected from the group consisting of gallium sulfide, antimony sulfide, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.

Abstract: A nano graphene-enhanced particulate for use as a lithium battery cathode active material, wherein the particulate is formed of a single or a plurality of graphene sheets and a plurality of fine cathode active material particles with a size smaller than 10 ?m (preferably sub-micron or nano-scaled), and the graphene sheets and the particles are mutually bonded or agglomerated into an individual discrete particulate with at least a graphene sheet embracing the cathode active material particles, and wherein the particulate has an electrical conductivity no less than 10?4 S/cm and the graphene is in an amount of from 0.01% to 30% by weight based on the total weight of graphene and the cathode active material combined.