Abstract: A negative electrode for a rechargeable battery including: a current collector, a first layer containing a conductive material to occlude and release lithium ion, the first layer formed on the current collector, a second layer containing a metal selected from lithium and lithium alloy, the second layer formed on the first layer, and a third layer containing a lithium ion conductive material, the third layer formed on the second layer. The third layer prevents the lithium and/or the lithium alloy in the second layer from being in contact with the electrolyte and smoothly feeds the lithium to the second layer to improve the efficiency of the negative electrode. The first layer can occlude and release the part of the lithium to be occluded and released, thereby reducing the volume change of the second layer. Such a structure of the negative electrode enables us to enhance cycling efficiency, and to attain long cycle life and good safety.

Abstract: The present invention provides a potassium-doped mixed metal oxide cathode material formed by advantageously alloying MnO2 with potassium and lithium to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. By alloying MnO2 with potassium and lithium in a LixKyMn2O4 compound, the cathode materials of the present invention afford overcharge protection that allows the cathode to be fully reversible. Manganese dioxide doped with potassium was initially examined as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium and lithium-ion batteries in order to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. The LixKyMn2O4 material is incorporated into an electrochemical cell with either a lithium metal or lithium ion anode and an organic electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell which includes a first electrode and a second electrode which is a counter electrode to said first electrode, and an electrolyte material interposed there between. The first electrode includes an alkali metal phosphorous compound doped with an element having a valence state greater than that of the alkali metal.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a compound of molecular formula LixCryMn2−yO4+z, wherein 2.2<x<4, 0<y<2 and z≧0, and to the use of this compound as a cathode material in secondary lithium and lithium ion cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new sandwich cathode design having two cathode active materials provided on opposite sides of a current collector. The respective active materials are similar in terms of, for example, their rate capability, their energy density, or some other parameter. However, one material may have an advantage over the other in one characteristic, but is disadvantageous in another. The cathode is built in a sandwich configuration having a first one of the active materials sandwiched between two current collectors. Then, the second active material is provided in contact with at least the other side of one of the current collectors, and preferably facing the anode. An exemplary cathode has the following configuration: MnO2/current collector/SVO/current collector/MnO2.

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 metal oxide electrode coated with a porous metal film, a metal oxide film or a carbon film, its fabrication method and a lithium-ion secondary battery using it are disclosed. The porous thin film of Li, Al, Sn, Bi, Si, Sb, Ni, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Mo, W, Ag, Au, Pt, Ir, Ru, carbon or their alloys are coated to a few Řa few &mgr;m, so as to remarkably improve the capacity of a battery, high rate charging and discharging characteristics and a durability characteristic. The method can be applied to a fabrication of every secondary battery.

Abstract: Rechargeable electrochemical cell, with a negative electrode, which in charged state contains an active metal selected from the group of the alkaline metals, the alkaline-earth metals and the metals of the second subgroup of the periodic table of elements; an electrolyte solution based on sulfur dioxide; and a positive electrode containing the active metal, from where ions come out into the electrolyte solution during the charging process. A self discharge reaction takes place at the negative electrode, for which the sulfur dioxide of the an electrolyte solution reacts with the active metal of the negative electrode to form a poorly soluble compound. According to the invention, the electrochemical charge quantity of the sulfur dioxide in the cell, calculated with one faraday per mole sulfur dioxide, is smaller than the charge amount of the active metal which can be theoretically electrochemically accumulated in the positive electrode.

Abstract: The high rate discharge performance and cyclability are improved. A battery having a hich capacity density and excellent cyclability and safety performance can be produced. A composite active material provided with a polymer on the surface of a carbon-based active material in an amount of from 0.01% to 5% by weight is used. Further, a composite active material provided with a polymer on the surface of a carbon-based active material in an amount of from 0.04 to 4% by weight is used. In particular, the former composite active material is used as a positive active material while the latter composite active material is used as a negative active material to obtain a non-aqueous electrolyte battery.

Abstract: A composite comprising: A) at least one separator layer Aa which comprises a mixture Ia, comprising a mix IIa consisting of: (a) from 1 to 95% by weight of a solid III having a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 20 &mgr;m; and (b) from 5 to 99% by weight of a polymeric composition IV; B) at least one cathode layer B which comprises an electron-conducting, electrochemically active compound which is able to release lithium ions on charging, and C) at least one anode layer C which comprises an electron-conducting, electrochemical compound which is able to take up lithium ions on charging.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte cell in which cell characteristics are not deteriorated even on overdischarge to the cell voltage of 0V, such that the shape of the cell encapsulated in the laminate film is maintained. The cell includes a cathode containing a compound represented by the general formula LixFe1-yMyPO4 where 0.05≦x≦1.2, 0≦y≦0.8, and 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, an anode and a solid electrolyte. An electrode unit 1 comprised of the cathode and the anode layered together with interposition of the solid electrolyte is encapsulated with a laminate film 2.

Abstract: The positive active material for secondary battery according to the invention comprises O, Fe in an amount of higher than 25% by weight, and V in an amount of from higher than 0% by weight to less than 35% by weight. The positive active material, when it is free of lithium, exhibits the following main peaks by the X-ray diffractometry using CuK&agr; rays: a peak within a 2&thgr; range of from greater than 26° to less than 29° and a peak within a 2&thgr; range of from greater than 29° to less than 32°. The non-aqueous secondary battery having a positive electrode comprising this positive active material exhibits a high capacity and good cycle life performance and is inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for lithiating alloys. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for performing vapor deposition of a lithium alloy on a substrate comprising the steps of vaporizing a mass of lithium and controllably heating a lithium-soluble element, such as magnesium. The method further includes the step of disposing the lithium-soluble element in the lithium vapor, wherein the lithium vapor promotes the vaporization of the lithium-soluble element to create a combined vapor having intimately mixed constituencies from both the lithium and lithium-soluble element. Finally, the method includes the step of disposing a temperature controlled substrate in the combined vapor, whereby the combined vapor is deposited on the substrate. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for depositing a lithium alloy onto a substrate for producing a lithium alloy electrode, which exhibits enhanced surface diffusion of lithium.

Abstract: A solid-stated rechargeable battery or other electrochemical element for use at high (>40° C.) temperature comprises a cathodic and/or anodic electrode comprising, as a host material for alkali metal ions, a normal or inverse spinel type material and an electrolyte layer sandwiched between said electrodes, which layer comprises ceramic electrolyte particles that are essentially free of electronically conductive components, and which comprise less that 1% by weight of dissolved alkali containing salt thereby maintaining good performance as regards the capacities delivered during various charge/discharge cycles at a high temperature.

Abstract: An improved cathode material for nonaqueous electrolyte lithium electrochemical cell is described. The preferred active material is &egr;-phase silver vanadium oxide (Ag2V4O11) coated with a protective layer of a metal oxide, preferably &ggr;-phase SVO (Ag1.2V3O1.8). 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: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a lithium battery with self-adhesive polymer electrolyte. The characteristic of the method is to pour a polyacrylonitrile-based solution into a battery with electrode plates and separators. An organic solvent is then poured into the battery, during which time the polyacrylonitrile-based solution is phase-separated, resulting in the adhesion of the electrode plates and separators.

Abstract: A lithium battery which includes an electrode assembly having a cathode, an anode and a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, a gel electrolyte prepared by curing a composition consisting of a polysiloxane compound or a polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene compound, a polyethylene glycol derivative, and an organic solvent containing a lithium salt. The lithium battery has improved reliability and safety since a swelling phenomenon due to an electrolytic solution is effectively suppressed and leakage of the electrolytic solution is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell including: a lithium-nickel composite oxide as a cathode active material and a material having a specific surface in the range from 0.05 m2/g to 2 m2/g as an anode active material. When A is assumed to be the weight of the lithium-nickel composite oxide and B is assumed to be the weight of the cathode active material other than the lithium-nickel composite oxide, the mixture ratio R expressed A/(A+B) is in the range from 0.2 to 1. This combination of the cathode active material and the anode active material enables to obtain an improved anti-over discharge characteristic even when an anode current collector contains Cu.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new vanadium oxide hydrate composition suitable for use as electrode-active material in primary and secondary lithium and lithium ion batteries and a process for its preparation.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided comprising a cathode active material provided in at least two different thicknesses. The different thickness cathode structures are then individually pressed on opposite sides of a current collector so that both are in direct contact with the substrate. Preferably, the cathode structure on the side facing the anode is of a lesser thickness than that on the opposite side of the current collector. Such an exemplary cathode design might look like: SVO(x)/current collector/SVO(y)/current collector/SVO(z), wherein x, y and z represent thicknesses and wherein x and z are lesser than y.

Abstract: An electrode composition that includes a plurality of composite particles and a plurality of electrically conductive diluent particles admixed with the composite particles. Each of the composite particles includes an electrochemically active metal particle and an electrically conductive layer partially covering the particle. In one aspect, the layer is present in an amount no greater than about 75 wt. % of the composite, while in another aspect the layer is present in an amount no greater than about 75 vol. % of the composite. Also featured are lithium ion batteries featuring electrodes made from these compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon-based active material for a rechargeable lithium battery that is capable of increasing charge and discharge efficiency of the battery. The carbon-based active material has no hydroxyl groups on a surface by heat-treating under a fluorine atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for carrying out solid state reactions under reducing conditions is provided. Solid state reactants include at least one inorganic metal compound and a source of reducing carbon. The reaction may be carried out in a reducing atmosphere in the presence of reducing carbon. Reducing carbon may be supplied by elemental carbon, by an organic material, or by mixtures. The organic material is one that can form decomposition products containing carbon in a form capable of acting as a reductant. The reaction proceeds without significant covalent incorporation of organic material into the reaction product. In a preferred embodiment, the solid state reactants also include an alkali metal compound. The products of the method find use in lithium ion batteries as cathode active materials. Preferred active materials include lithium-transition metal phosphates and lithium-transition metal oxides.

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

Abstract: The non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention has a negative electrode comprising metallic lithium, a lithium alloy or a material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium; a positive electrode; a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising a solvent and a solute dissolved in the solvent, wherein the above non-aqueous electrolyte contains at least one additive selected from phthalimide, derivative of phthalimide, phthalimidine, derivative of phthalimidine, tetrahydrophthalimide and derivative of tetrahydrophthalimide. On account of the effect of the above additive, the nonaqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention is not liable to cause an increase in the internal resistance during a long-term storage at high temperatures, and the charge/discharge cycle characteristics are improved in a secondary battery.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium-ion cell capable of being discharged to deliver high power pulses sufficient for implantable defibrillation applications and the like, is described. The cell is housed in a casing having an external volume of 5 cm3, or less. Both the negative and positive electrodes are less than about 0.15 mm in total thickness. Negative and positive electrodes of a reduced thickness provide the cell with high electrode surface area relative to its volume. As such, the present cell is capable of providing pulses in excess of 30C with minimal voltage drop.

Abstract: An anode-limited battery and method of assembly are provided in which a lithium anode subassembly is constructed from two pieces of lithium foil. An elongated thicker piece of lithium foil is cohesively bonded at one end to a shorter, thinner piece of lithium foil. An optional current collector stabilizes the area of the cohesive bond. The thicker lithium foil forms the inner windings of a coiled electrode, which face reactive cathode material on both sides. The thinner foil forms the outermost winding, which faces reactive cathode material on only one side. Thus, an appropriate amount of lithium is available for cathode discharge. The method of electrode assembly allows a narrow tolerance of the lithium anode such that the benefits of an anode-limited cell may be realized.

Abstract: A ceramic composite containing alkali-metal-beta- or beta″-alumina and an oxygen-ion conductor is fabricated by converting alpha-alumina to alkali-metal-beta- or beta″-alumina. A ceramic composite with continuous phases of alpha-alumina and the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic, such as zirconia, is exposed to a vapor containing an alkali-metal oxide, such as an oxide of sodium or potassium. Alkali metal ions diffuse through alkali-metal-beta- or beta″-alumina converted from &agr;-alumina and oxygen ions diffuse through the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic to a reaction front where alpha-alumina is converted to alkali-metal-beta- or beta″-alumina. A stabilizer for alkali-metal-beta″-alumina is preferably introduced into the &agr;-alumina/oxygen-ion conductor composite or introduced into the vapor used to convert the alpha-alumina to an alkali-metal-beta″-alumina.

Abstract: Lithium batteries comprising:

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

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

Abstract: There is provided a simple and easy method of preparation of a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous secondary battery which comprises a compound comprising lithium, nickel and manganese and having a layered structure. Said method comprises firing a mixture of (1) at least one member selected from the group consisting of dinickel trioxide and boron compounds and (2) one or more metal compounds comprising lithium, nickel and manganese as their metal elements.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode for an electrochemical cell comprising: a current collecting substrate; an active material layer associated with the substrate; and solid electrolyte interface layer associated with the active material layer, the solid electrolyte interface layer containing a reaction product of an aromatic compound.

Abstract: Lithium electrochemical cells having a sandwich cathode electrode of SVO/CFx/SVO active materials are described. Such a design improves the service life of defibrillator electrochemical cells. A preferred formulation uses &ggr;-SVO/CFx/&ggr;-SVO or (&ggr;+&egr;)-SVO/CFx/(&ggr;+&egr;)-SVO sandwiched cathode electrodes.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a lithium-sulfur battery includes a positive active material including a sulfur-based compound, an electrically conductive material, an agent for increasing viscosity, and a binder. The agent is selected from a cellulose-based compound, an ionically conductive polymer, and a mixture thereof. The binder includes styrene-butadiene rubber.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite material for use as an electrode in electrochemical devices. An electroactive composite material includes a first electroactive metal, the electroactive material including a phase enriched in a metal or metal alloy, MeI, capable of intercalating or alloying with a species selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and hydrogen, and a second material having the first active material intimately mixed therein. The second material includes a metal oxide, MeyIIOz, wherein the metals MeI have a less negative Gibbs free energy for alloying or compound formation with oxygen than the metals that comprise MeIIO. The materials of the invention comprise a first material that is an elemental metal, metal alloy, metal oxide, or other metal compound, selected so that it is able to alloy with lithium, and prepared in a dispersed one-, two- or three-dimensional form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, including a lithiated intercalation compound and an additive compound. The additive compound comprises one or more intercalation element-included oxides which have a charging voltage of 4.0 to 4.6V when 5-50% of total intercalation elements of the one or more intercalation element-included oxides are released during charging.

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: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a negative active material for a lithium rechargeable battery comprising a core having a carbon source with a surface-treatment layer formed on the surface of the core. The surface-treatment layer has at least one amorphous, semi crystalline, or crystalline coating element compound selected from the group consisting of coating-element-included hydroxides, coating-element-included oxyhydroxides, coating-element-included-oxycarbonates, and coating-element-included hydroxidecarbonates. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a negative active material for a lithium rechargeable battery comprising coating a carbon source with a coating liquid, and drying the carbon source. The coating liquid comprises a solute of a coating element source and a solvent of a mixture of an organic solvent and water.

Abstract: An active material for a battery has a surface-treatment layer including a compound of the formula (1):

Abstract: An anode for a lithium-ion battery is presented as well as a process for producing an anode for a lithium-ion battery. The anode is formed from a generally continuous sheet of particles of exfoliated graphite having a thickness of no more than about 350 microns, itself or in a laminate with a metallic substrate. The process involves laminating particles of exfoliated graphite to a metallic substrate, such that the particles of exfoliated graphite form a generally continuous sheet of graphite having a thickness of no more than about 350 microns. The inventive anode reduces or eliminates capacity fading due to contact loss and has superior permeability to lithium.

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. A nonaqueous electrolyte battery uses a negative electrode active material that is a compound expressed by Formula (1): AzMXy  (1) where A is at least one element selected from the alkali metals, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, and Mg, X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, N, Al, Si, P, Ga, Ge, As, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, and Bi, 0≦z≦20, and 0.2≦y≦6.

Abstract: The present invention achieves an increased capacity and prolonged life of nonaqueous electrolyte batteries of the type in which light metals, such as magnesium, calcium or aluminum, are used in the negative electrode. The present invention also provides a thermally stable nonaqueous electrolytic solution for use with such batteries. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery in accordance with the present invention includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of aluminum, calcium and magnesium; and a nonaqueous electrolytic solution composed of a mixed solvent of an organic solvent and an alkyl sulfone having a structure represented by R1R2SO2, where R1 and R2 are each independently an alkyl group, and at least one type of salt selected from the group consisting of aluminum salt, calcium salt and magnesium salt.

Abstract: Batteries including a lithium anode stabilized with a metal-lithium alloy and battery cells comprising such anodes are provided. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell having an anode and a sulfur electrode including at least one of elemental sulfur, lithium sulfide, and a lithium polysulfide is provided. The anode includes a lithium core and an aluminum-lithium alloy layer over the lithium core. In another embodiment, a surface coating, which is effective to increase cycle life and storageability of the electrochemical cell, is formed on the anode. In a more particular embodiment, the anode is in an electrolyte solution, and, more particularly, an electrolyte solution including either elemental sulfur, a sulfide, or a polysulfide where the surface coating is composed of Al2S3.

Abstract: A ceramic composite containing alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina and an oxygen-ion conductor is fabricated by converting &agr;-alumina to alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina. A ceramic composite with continuous phases of &agr;-alumina and the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic, such as zirconia, is exposed to a vapor containing an alkali-metal oxide, such as an oxide of sodium or potassium. Alkali metal ions diffuse through alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina converted from &agr;-alumina and oxygen ions diffuse through the oxygen-ion conducting ceramic to a reaction front where &agr;-alumina is converted to alkali-metal-&bgr;- or &bgr;″-alumina. A stabilizer for alkali-metal-&bgr;″-alumina is preferably introduced into the &agr;-alumina/oxygen-ion conductor composite or introduced into the vapor used to convert the &agr;-alumina to an alkali-metal-&bgr;″-alumina.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery, which comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing a lithium ion-storable/dischargeable negative electrode-active material and a lithium ion conductive, non-aqueous electrolytic solution or polymer electrolyte can have distinguished charging/discharging characteristics and a higher safety, when the negative electrode material contains particles comprising carbonaceous materials and at least one of elements capable of forming a compound with Li; the elements have a melting point of at least 900° C. and a thermal expansion coefficient of not more than 9 ppm/K at room temperature; the particles are embedded in a plurality of layers of the carbonaceous materials; the particles being subjected to a mechanical treatment to make particle sizes of the particles smaller than the initial particle size in advance.

Abstract: A rechargeable hybrid battery/supercapacitor electrical storage system capable of providing high energy and high power densities comprises a negative intercalation electrode (17) and a positive capacitor electrode (13) comprising an anion-adsorbing component and a cation-intercalating material combined with a separator (15) and electrically-conductive current collector elements (11, 19) to form a unitary cell structure (10). An electrolyte solution of a dissociable salt absorbed into the porous structure of the separator (15) provides complementary ion species which, supplemented by cations supplied from the positive electrode intercalation material in order to increase the energy density capability of the system, respectively reversibly intercalate into the negative electrode (17) and capacitively adsorb at the surface of the positive electrode (13) upon the application of charging current.

Abstract: from Groups 2, 3, 12, 13, or 14 of the Periodic Table. Preferred embodiments include those having where c=1, those where c=2, and those where c=3. Preferred embodiments include those where a ≦1 and c=1, those where a=2 and c=1, and those where a≧3 and c=3. This invention also provides electrodes comprising an electrode active material of this invention, and batteries that comprise a first electrode having an electrode active material of this invention; a second electrode having a compatible active material; and an electrolyte.