Abstract: A nickel-zinc galvanic cell is provided, having a pasted zinc oxide negative electrode, a pasted nickel oxide positive electrode, and an alkaline electrolyte. Chemical additives are placed in each of the negative and positive electrodes. The positive nickel hydroxide electrode contains a mixture of co-precipitated cobalt oxide in the range of 1% to 10%, and freely added, finely divided cobalt metal in the range of 1% to 5%, by weight. The negative zinc oxide electrode contains oxides other than the oxide of zinc, which have redox potentials which are negative of 0.73 volts. Also, the metal oxide additives to the negative zinc oxide electrode are such as to inhibit release of soluble cobalt from the nickel oxide negative electrode prior to a formation charge being applied to the electrochemical cell. The nickel-zinc cell contains 1% to 15% of the defined metal oxides, having a solubility less than 10−4M in the alkaline electrolyte.

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

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

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent, the positive electrode active material is a mixture of a lithium-manganese composite oxide and a lithium-nickel composite oxide represented by LiNiaM11- aO2 (M1 being at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Mg, Al, Ti, Mn, V, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo and In, and a being 0<a≦1) and/or a lithium-cobalt composite oxide represented by LiCobM21- bO2 (M2 being at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Mg, Al, Ti, Mn, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo and In, and being 0<b≦1), and the nonaqueous electrolyte contains a phosphoric ester and an ether or an ester having a halogen substituted phenyl.

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

Abstract: An anode paste material for use in zinc-based batteries that is designed to reduce zinc ion diffusion and resultant electrode shape change as well as zinc dendrite formation while optionally allowing for hydrogen permeability through the matrix comprising a regenerated cellulose film containing domains of hydrogen permeable polymer, particles of zinc and zinc oxide surrounded by hydrocarbon beads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new organic-inorganic (PDMcT+PANI)/V2O5 composites electrode material in which two different organic polymers are intercalated into the V2O5 interlayer, which shows higher discharge capacity than each isolated polymers and V2O5. Therefore, it can be used as a cathode in secondary lithium battery.

Abstract: An anodic zinc electrode for use in an electrochemical cell comprising: a current collector; and an active material composition applied to the current collector, wherein the active material composition includes Zn and ZnO, and wherein the weight ratio of the Zn to ZnO ranges from approximately 1-2 to approximately 1 which enables the anodic zinc electrode to be associated with an electrochemical cell assembled in a charged or discharged state.

Abstract: Methods for the deposition of zinc, particularly for the fabrication of a zinc anode that is useful in a Zn-air battery or a fuel cell. The method can be selected from electrodeposition, deposition and reduction of ZnO, physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: Because of the composition represented by General Formula: Li1+x+&agr;Ni(1−x−y+&dgr;)/2Mn(1−x−y−&dgr;)/2MyO2 (where 0≦x≦0.05, −0.05≦x+&agr;≦0.05, 0≦y≦0.4; −0.1≦&dgr;≦0.1 (when 0≦y≦0.2) or −0.24≦&dgr;≦0.24 (when 0.2≦y≦0.4); and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Ge and Sn), a high-density lithium-containing complex oxide with high stability of a layered crystal structure and excellent reversibility of charging/discharging can be provided, and a high-capacity non-aqueous secondary battery excellent in durability is realized by using such an oxide for a positive electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising a composite oxide represented by the general formula (1): (Li1−xMx)a(Co1−yMy)bOc where lithium and cobalt are partly replaced with element M in the crystal structure of LiCoOc, wherein element M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca, Ba and Sr, and 0.02≦x+y≦0.15, 0.90≦a/b≦1.10, and 1.8≦c≦2.2 are satisfied.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery having an anode comprising a powdery composite material, said powdery composite material comprising a plurality of powdery composites having a structure comprising a core whose surface is covered by a coat layer, said core comprising an alloy particle of an alloy capable of reversibly storing and releasing hydrogen as a main component, said alloy containing at least one kind of a metal element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Ti and V as a main constituent element, and said coat layer comprising a hydrous oxide (including a hydroxide) of a metal element having an affinity with oxygen which is greater than that of any of said metal elements as the main constituent element of said alloy.

Abstract: A nickel zinc alkaline cell has a zinc oxide negative electrode supported on a conductive substrate, an alkaline electrolyte, and a positive electrode having nickel hydroxide paste supported on a conductive substrate. The positive electrode further comprises 0.01% to 1% by weight of a fluoride salt, which is a salt of a metal chosen from the group consisting of: potassium, sodium, lithium, rubidium, caesium, a group II metal, a group III metal, a d-block transition metal, an f-block lanthanide, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the fluoride salt is potassium fluoride.

Abstract: A rechargeable, thin film lithium battery cell (10) is provided having an aluminum cathode current collector (11) having a transition metal sandwiched between two crystallized cathodes (12). Each cathode has an electrolyte (13) deposited thereon which is overlaid with a lithium anode (14). An anode current collector (16) contacts the anode and substantially encases the cathode collector, cathode, electrolyte and anode. An insulator (18) occupies the spaces between the components and the anode current collector.

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

Abstract: An anode paste material for use in zinc-based batteries that is designed to reduce zinc ion diffusion and resultant electrode shape change as well as zinc dendrite formation while optionally allowing for hydrogen permeability through the matrix comprising a regenerated cellulose film containing domains of hydrogen permeable polymer, particles of zinc and zinc oxide surrounded by hydrocarbon beads.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided having a positive electrode, an alkaline electrolyte solution, a separator, and a negative electrode. The negative electrode comprises zinc powder, zinc oxide, gelling agent, and anolyte. The total zinc oxide is in the amount of 2.5 to 11 percent by weight of the negative electrode, The gelling agent is in an amount of 0.35 to 0.85 percent by weight of the negative electrode. The anolyte comprises potassium hydroxide in the amount of 30 to 37 percent by weight of the anolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided that comprises an anode comprising a zinc alloy active material and elemental sulfur. Also provided is a method of making an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of providing a cathode, an electrolyte, and an anode, adding elemental sulfur to the anode, and putting the anode and cathode in contact with the electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.

Abstract: A sealed alkaline storage battery using, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide including Mn as a solid-solution element and having a &ggr; ratio of 65 through 100%; a sealed alkaline storage battery using, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide including as an additive or coated with a rare earth element and/or a rare earth compound in a ratio measured based on the rare earth element of 0.05 through 5 wt %; and a sealed alkaline storage battery including, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide having a half-width of a peak in a lattice plane (003) in an X-ray diffraction pattern of 0.8° or more. The pressure within the battery is not largely increased for a long period of charge-discharge cycles, and hence, the electrolyte hardly leaks.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed alkaline-zinc storage battery including a tubular positive electrode containing, as an active material, a material having reversibility in a charge-discharge reaction; a separator; a negative electrode disposed within the tubular positive electrode with the separator sandwiched therebetween; and an alkaline electrolyte, in which the positive electrode has a capacity smaller than a capacity of the negative electrode at least in initial charge-discharge cycles, and the amounts of an uncharged active material and zinc to be packed in the negative electrode in manufacture of the sealed alkaline-zinc storage battery are set so that a theoretical capacity P of the uncharged active material existing in the negative electrode can be 0.3 through 1.8 times as large as a battery capacity in a completely charged state in the initial charge-discharge cycles, and that a theoretical capacity Q of zinc existing in the negative electrode can be 0.6 through 2.

Abstract: The photo-semiconducting electrode of the present invention comprises a semiconducting substrate, a chemically adsorbed film formed thereon composed of at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by the formulas: formulas (I) R.sup.1 M.sup.1 Y.sub.1.sub.3, (II) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1.sub.2, (III) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1 and (IV) R.sup.1 --SH, respectively, and a dye which is fixed to the surface of the chemically adsorbed film and has a functional group capable of reacting with a halogen atom. Because of this, the photo-semiconductor electrode of the present invention is capable of efficiently absorbing solar light and performing energy conversion and superior in photoelectric conversion efficiency, stability and durability. In addition, it can be easily produced.

Abstract: A current collector for an electrode with two halves. The current collector has a first layer positioned on the first half of the electrode, a second layer positioned on the second half of said electrode, and a third layer positioned between the first and the second halves of the electrode.

Abstract: A zinc active material containing a calcium-zincate constituent is formed external of a battery. The zinc active material is used as the active material for a zinc electrode used in the battery.

Abstract: Substantial improvements to the cycle life of silverzinc cells were obtained by the addition of small amounts of bismuth oxide (Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3) to the negative zinc electrode, in conjunction with cadmium oxide (CdO) and lead oxide (PbO). These improvements, which can be extended to other zinc-based alkaline batteries, especially nickel-zinc and zinc-air, can also be realized in conjunction with other metal oxides and hydroxides, particularly indium hydroxide ?In(OH).sub.3 !, which, like Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, has the additional advantage of being non-toxic.

Abstract: An improved non-sintered type nickel positive electrode comprising a nickel hydroxide powder as an active material and a cobalt hydroxide powder for improving the utilization of the active material, and an alkaline storage battery configured with the positive electrode are disclosed. In the non-sintered type nickel positive electrode, at least part of the surfaces of the particles of the cobalt hydroxide powder is covered with a stabilizing agent of at least one member selected from the group consisting of a higher carboxylic acid, an ester of carboxylic acid, an aldehyde, a phenol and a vitamin.

Abstract: A potassium polyacrylate superabsorbent polymer made by modified bulk polymerization and characterized as described herein is a superior gelling agent when provided at a suitable concentration in a gelled anode for an alkaline electrochemical cell. Suitable gelled anodes, alkaline electrochemical cells containing such gelled anodes, and methods for making and using same are also described.

Abstract: An alkali-zinc secondary battery, employing zinc anode and alkali electrolyte solution comprising barium fluoride, which is much improved in cycle life as well as in efficiency of charge and discharge.

Abstract: The zinc active powder for a mercury-free rechargeable electrochemical cell is coated with a surfactant, and separately with an aqueous solution of indium sulphate. Without any subsequent filtering, washing or drying, the powder is assembled into an electrochemical cell. The cell can include a hydrogen recombination catalyst in contact with the electrochemically active material of the cathode.

Abstract: A manganese dry battery includes an anode zinc can made of a zinc alloy containing 0.001-0.5 wt. % of titanium and at least one element selected from the group consisting of 0.001-0.05 wt. % of indium and 0.001-0.05 wt. % of bismuth, or a zinc alloy further containing 0.01-0.4 wt. % of lead. Even without heavy metals such as Hg and Cd, the zinc alloy anode can has a corrosion-resistant property and mechanical strength equivalent to or greater than those of the conventional zinc anode can, thereby giving a low pollution zinc-carbon battery having a storage characteristic equivalent or superior to that of the conventional zinc anode can.

Abstract: A sulfur/aluminum battery in which an aluminum anode and an aqueous alkaline/polysulfide electrolytic solution are in direct contact. At high polysulfide concentrations, parasitic chemical reactions between the aluminum and sulfur are minimized, allowing for efficient oxidation of the aluminum anode, and resulting in a battery having high energy and power densities.

Abstract: There is provided an alkaline cell without mercury comprising zinc as a negative electrode active material and an electrolytic solution characterized in that a bismuth compound is added to the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is made with two asymmetric electrodes and a solid polymer electrolyte. The anode is made from materials such metal hydrides, metals, metal hydroxides or metal oxides. The cathode is made from metal hydrides, metals, metal hydroxides or metal oxides. A solid polymer electrolyte is in intimate contact with and situated between the anode and the cathode. The solid polymer electrolyte is made from a polymeric binder such as polyethylene oxide, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylamide, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(2-vinylpyridine), poly(4-vinylpyridine) and polyethyleneimine. The polymeric binder has H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or H3PO4 dispersed within it.

Abstract: A light weight zinc electrode made of(1) a mat of nickel metal coated graphite fibers; and(2) a composite material of zinc active material and a hydrogel dispersed a solid, impervious, inert polymer matrix,wherein the composite material surrounds the individual nickel metal coated graphite fibers of the sintered mat which support the composite material and provide paths of electrical conductivity throughout the composite material.

Abstract: Lithium based electrical cells having a new anode electrode construction are described. The cells have a sandwich construction of lithium sheet, conductive foil and lithium sheet, wherein the anode tab is welded directly onto the conductive foil not onto the lithium. Alternatively, the tab is connected onto the lithium in an area where the lithium does not dissolve during discharge, so that the tab will not become disconnected from the anode sheet.

Abstract: A light weight zinc electrode made of(1) a sintered mat of copper metal coated graphite fibers; and(2) a composite material of zinc active material and a hydrogel dispersed a solid, impervious, inert polymer matrix,wherein the composite material surrounds the individual copper metal coated graphite fibers of the sintered mat which support the composite material and provide paths of electrical conductivity throughout the composite material.

Abstract: The zinc powder for alkaline batteries having a residual lead content of less than 30 ppm, an indium content of from 10 to 10,000 ppm, and preferably from 100 to 1,000 ppm, a gallium content of from 0 to 1,000 ppm and a content of alkali and/or alkaline earth metals of up to 1,000 ppm additionally contains from 10 to 10,000 ppm, and preferably from 100 to 1,000 ppm, of bismuth.

Abstract: A positive electrode for alkaline storage cells is disclosed. The active material for the positive electrode is a double hydroxide of the formula[M.sup.2+.sub.(1-x) Fe.sup.3+.sub.x (OH).sub.2 ].sup.x+ [(x/n)X.sup.n-..sub.y H.sub.2 O].sup.x-wherein x is in the range 0.05.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.4, M.sup.2+ is an oxidizable and reducible, and X.sup.n- is at least one anion. The double hydroxide has a pyroaurite-like double layer structure and is electrochemically resistant to iron poisoning. In a preferred embodiment, the double hydroxide comprises [Ni.sub.4 Fe(OH).sub.10 ].sup.30 [NO.sub.3.sup.-.yH.sub.2 O].sup.31 . Methods for preparing positive electrodes having the double hydroxide active material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a zinc electrode in an electrolyte solution wherein the electrode is formed from a zinc powder compacted to a density of at least about 6.5 g/cc to substantially reduce the corrosion of the zinc electrode and the consequent evolution of hydrogen gas without resorting to the addition of mercury to the electrode.

Abstract: A process is provided for stabilizing a primary electrochemical generator comprising at least one reactive anode made from a metal chosen from the group comprising zinc, aluminium and magnesium, characterized in that to said electrode is added a percentage of 0.01% to 1% by weight with respect to the metal, of at least one perfluorated organic compound of the ethoxylated fluoroalcohol type. It also relates to an anode obtained by the above mentioned process and a primary electrochemical generator, with alkaline or saline electrolyte, comprising an anode of this type.

Abstract: A battery system having a zinc containing anode in an alkaline electrolyte produced in a manner to substantially avoid dendritic growth and anode shape change with additives added to the electrolyte and/or anode to assist therein.

Abstract: An improved zinc electrode for use in rechargeable nickel-zinc electrochemical cells having greatly enhanced cycle life is disclosed, which comprises in admixture Zn, ZnO, HgO and an organic liquid binder produced via the reaction of diacetone acrylamide (DAA) and acrylic acid, which mixture has been formed into a paste and uniformly applied to a suitable current collector, wherein the ZnO component has an average surface area of about 9-10 m.sup.2 /gr and contains about 0.001 to 0.002 percent by weight Cd and about 0.001 to 0.002 percent by weight Pb.

Abstract: A zinc electrode comprising at least one active portion is improved due to the fact that the active portion has an open porosity of at least 60% and comprises electron-conductive fibers and due to the fact that the active material or materials are distributed practically uniformly throughout the active portion.

Abstract: An improved shape-stable zinc electrode is described for use in a zinc/nickel oxide cell and comprises a diatomaceous calcium silicate material to retain zincate ions in the area that they form for subsequent recovery there of the zinc.

Abstract: A zinc electrode comprised of a zinc active material which includes an additive material selected from the group consisting of zinc fluoride and zinc titanate.

Abstract: A zinc or zinc oxide anode having at the center thereof a body of an inert absorptive material which establishes an anolyte reservoir within the anode itself. This reservoir is sandwiched between two laminates, each of which is preferably a three-layer integral laminate comprising a current collector, a zinc or zinc oxide active layer and a separator which presents the outside surface of the laminate. The anode displays low shape change in comparison to conventional anodes.

Abstract: An improved zinc electrode for use in rechargeable nickel-zinc electrochemical cells having greatly enhanced cycle life is disclosed, which comprises in admixture Zn, ZnO, HgO and an organic liquid binder produced via the reaction of diacetone acrylamide (DAA) and acrylic acid, which mixture has beem formed into a paste and uniformly applied to a suitable current collector, wherein the ZnO component has an average surface area of about 3.5-4.0 m.sup.2 /gr and contains about 0.08 to 0.11 percent by weight Cd and about 0.05 to 0.08 percent by weight Pb, and has a generally rod-like particle structure.

Abstract: A zinc electrode comprising at least one active portion is improved due to the fact that the active portion has an open porosity of at least 60% and comprises electron-conductive fibers and due to the fact that the active material or materials are distributed practically uniformly throughout the active portion.

Abstract: A mercury-free negative zinc electrode is described for use in secondary alkaline electrochemical cells. It contains an active zinc material and lead acetate or cadmium acetate substantially homogeneously dispersed in a non-ionic binder which is an hydroxy alkyl cellulose. The aforementioned constituents are typically admixed to form a paste which is compressed against opposing sides of a current collector to form a zinc electrode.

Abstract: An improved rechargeable cell having an anode structure which in its uncharged state comprises a coherent metallic porous body with its pores substantially filled with oxidized zinc and alkaline electrolyte. This anode structure is generated in situ, within the cell, by exposing a predetermined admixture of active zinc metal and an oxide of a metal less anodically active than zinc to an aqueous alkaline electrolyte.