Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sheet-form electrode for a secondary battery, comprising a current collector; an electrode active material layer formed on one surface of the current collector; and a first porous supporting layer formed on the electrode active material layer. The sheet-form electrode for a secondary battery according to the present disclosure has supporting layers on at least one surface thereof to exhibit surprisingly improved flexibility and prevent the release of the electrode active material layer from a current collector even if intense external forces are applied to the electrode, thereby preventing the decrease of battery capacity and improving the cycle life characteristic of the battery.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery can efficiently discharge the gas generated to the outside of the electrode and exhibits a low decrease in battery capacity even when used for a long period of time in the case of using an aqueous binder as the binder of a negative electrode active material. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode active material layer is formed on a surface of a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode active material layer is formed on a surface of a negative electrode current collector, and a separator, wherein the density of the negative electrode active material layer is from 1.3 to 1.6 g/cm3, the negative electrode active material layer contains an aqueous binder, and the surface center line average roughness (Ra) of a surface on a separator side of the negative electrode active material layer is from 0.5 to 1.0 ?m.

Abstract: Provided is a cathode active material including lithium transition metal oxide particles and composite particles, wherein the composite particles include any one selected from the group consisting of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC), lanthanum strontium gallate magnesite (LSGM), lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM), and nickel (Ni)—YSZ, or a mixture of two or more thereof, and the cathode active material includes the composite particles having a single-phase peak when analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). A cathode active material according to an embodiment of the present invention may not only minimize the reduction in capacity or output of a secondary battery, but may also further improve life characteristics.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separator includes (S1) preparing a porous substrate having pores, (S2) coating at least one surface of the porous substrate with a first solvent, (S3) coating the first solvent with a slurry containing inorganic particles dispersed therein and formed by dissolving a binder polymer in a second solvent, (S4) drying the first and second solvents simultaneously to form a porous organic-inorganic composite layer on the porous substrate. Since the phenomenon that the pores of the porous substrate are closing by the binder polymer is minimized, it is possible to prevent the resistance of the separator from increasing due to the formation of the porous organic-inorganic composite layer.

Abstract: A binder composition for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method of preparing the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same. The binder composition includes lithium polyacrylate and a solvent and has a viscosity of about 500 cps to about 5000 cps.

Abstract: A separator is provided and includes a functional resin layer containing a resin material and an inorganic oxide filler, having a porous interconnected structure in which many pores are mutually interconnected and having a contact angle against an electrolytic solution of not more than 11 degrees.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery 100 according to this invention includes a positive electrode 10, a negative electrode 20, a separator 40 interposed between the positive electrode 10 and the negative electrode 20, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. A porous heat-resistant layer 42 is additionally provided between the separator 40 and at least one electrode from among the positive electrode 10 and the negative electrode 20. The porous heat-resistant layer 42 includes hollow particles 44 made of an inorganic material, and a binder 46.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid electrolyte for a dye-sensitized solar cell, which includes a three-dimensional porous thin film made of a hydrophilic polymer material, and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a high-efficient dye-sensitized solar cell, in which polymer nanofibers having high specific surface area are used in an electrolyte layer to effectively induce an increase in photocurrent, thereby increasing the amount of electrolyte impregnated. When the porous film prepared by the method of the present invention is used as a solid electrolyte for a dye-sensitized solar cell, a process of forming an electrolyte inlet and sealing the inlet is not required, which simplifies the entire process, compared to an existing dye-sensitized solar cell using a liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a functional layer for a lithium cell, e.g., a protective layer for a lithium metal anode, the functional layer being lithium-ion conductive and including particles of at least one ceramic material, the particles of the at least one ceramic material being applied to a carrier by deposition.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator includes a substrate layer and a surface layer formed on at least one principal plane of the substrate layer, the surface layer contains polyvinylidene fluoride and an inorganic material particle, and an amount of deformation against pressure of the surface layer is larger than that of the substrate layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sheet-form electrode for a secondary battery, comprising a current collector; an electrode active material layer formed on one surface of the current collector; a conductive layer formed on the electrode active material layer and comprising a conductive material and a binder; and a first porous supporting layer formed on the conductive layer. The sheet-form electrode for a secondary battery according to the present disclosure has supporting layers on at least one surfaces thereof to exhibit surprisingly improved flexibility and prevent the release of the electrode active material layer from a current collector even if intense external forces are applied to the electrode, thereby preventing the decrease of battery capacity and improving the cycle life characteristic of the battery.

Abstract: A rechargable magnesium battery having an non-aqueous electrolyte is provided. The properties of the electrolyte include high conductivity, high Coulombic efficiency, and an electrochemical window that can exceed 3.5 V vs. Mg/Mg+2. The use of the electrolyte promotes the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of Mg without the use of any Grignard reagents, other organometallic materials, tetraphenyl borate, or tetrachloroaluminate derived anions. Other Mg-containing electrolyte systems that are expected to be suitable for use in secondary batteries are also described.

Abstract: A porous membrane contains a polyethylene resin, in a core layer, pores of sizes that are relatively larger than those of pores in each of skin layers on the opposite sides are distributed, and the skin layers on the opposite sides have substantially same pore characteristics. A method for manufacturing a porous membrane includes the steps of: obtaining a mixture of a liquid-type paraffin oil and a solid-type paraffin wax; adding the mixture to a polyethylene resin to obtain a raw material resin mixture; extruding and cooling the raw material resin mixture; stretching the raw material resin mixture; and immersing the stretched raw material resin mixture in an organic solvent to extract a mixture of the oil and the wax.

Abstract: A center pin for a secondary battery and a secondary battery having the same, which optimizes a void volume of the secondary battery. The center pin is inserted into an electrode assembly of the secondary battery. The center pin has a longitudinal hole and includes a sealing member to seal a portion of the hole. The sealing member can include walls disposed within the center pin, to seal the portion of the hole. The sealing member can include a second center pin, which is inserted into the hole, to seal the portion of the hole.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, and a non-aqueous electrolytic solution obtained by dissolving lithium salt to a non-aqueous solvent. The separator includes a porous substrate having pores; and a porous coating layer located on at least one surface of the porous substrate and having inorganic particles and a binder polymer, the inorganic particles being connected and fixed to each other by means of the binder polymer, the porous coating layer having pores therein formed by interstitial volumes among the inorganic particles. The non-aqueous solvent is a high-viscous non-aqueous solvent having a viscosity of 1.4 cP or above at 25° C. This lithium secondary battery gives improved safety and excellent charging/discharging characteristics since it has the high-viscous non-aqueous solvent and the separator with good wettability against the solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode whose surface includes an organic/inorganic composite porous coating layer comprising heat-absorbing inorganic particles and a binder polymer, wherein the heat-absorbing inorganic particle is at least one particle selected from the group consisting of antimony-containing compounds, metal hydroxides, guanidine-based compounds, boron-containing compounds and zinc tartrate compounds. A separator using the heat-absorbing inorganic particles as a component for forming or coating the separator, and an electrochemical device including the electrode and/or the separator are also disclosed. The separator using the heat-absorbing inorganic particles as a component for forming or coating the separator can ensure excellent thermal safety and minimizes degradation of the quality of a battery.

Abstract: There is provided a multilayer porous film that includes a covering layer formed from a coating liquid on at least one surface of a porous film. The coating liquid has high stability and coatability. The covering layer does not decrease the intrinsic high air permeability of the porous film and has high heat resistance and adhesiveness. The multilayer porous film has excellent handleability as a battery separator without causing curling. The multilayer porous film includes the covering layer on at least one surface of a porous polyolefin resin film. The covering layer is formed from a coating liquid and contains a filler and a resin binder. The multilayer porous film satisfies the following conditions 1) and 2): 1) the filler has an average circularity of 0.3 or more and less than 0.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a porous insulating layer, and nonaqueous electrolyte. The porous insulating layer is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The nonaqueous electrolyte is contained at least in the porous insulating layer. The mixture layer of the positive electrode and the porous insulating layer each include a structure retainer.

Abstract: A porous polymer separator for use in a lithium ion battery is formed by a temperature-induced phase separation method. The porous polymer separator includes a polymer matrix having opposed major faces and a network of pore openings that extends between the major faces and permits intrusion of a lithium-ion conducting electrolyte solution. As part of the temperature-induced phase separation method, a single phase polymer solution that includes a polymer material dissolved in a miscible mixture of a real polymer solvent and a polymer non-solvent is prepared at an elevated temperature above room temperature. A film is then formed from the single phase polymer solution and cooled to phase-separate the polymer material into a solid polymer precipitate. Additional polymer non-solvent is then used to remove the real polymer solvent from the solid polymer precipitate followed by drying.

Abstract: A separator includes a non-woven fabric substrate having pores, fine thermoplastic powder located inside the pores of the non-woven fabric substrate, and a porous coating layer disposed on at least one surface of the non-woven fabric substrate. The fine thermoplastic powder has an average diameter smaller than that of the pores and a melting point lower than the melting or decomposition point of the non-woven fabric substrate. The porous coating layer includes a mixture of inorganic particles and a binder polymer whose melting point is higher than the melting or decomposition point of the fine thermoplastic powder. In the porous coating layer, the inorganic particles are fixedly connected to each other by the binder polymer and the pores are formed by interstitial volumes between the inorganic particles. Previous filling of the large pores of the non-woven fabric substrate with the fine thermoplastic powder makes the porous coating layer uniform.

Abstract: A membrane includes a porous membrane or layer made of a polymeric material having a plurality of surface treated (or coated) particles (or ceramic particles) having an average particle size of less than about 1 micron dispersed therein. The polymeric material may be selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, co-polymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The particles may be selected from the group consisting of boehmite (AlOOH), SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, BaSO4, CaCO3, BN, and combinations thereof, or the particles may be boehmite. The surface treatment (or coating) may be a molecule having a reactive end and a non-polar end. The particles may be pre-mixed in a low molecular weight wax before mixing with the polymeric material. The membrane may be used as a battery separator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a separator and a lithium secondary battery including the same. The separator comprises a polyethylene-based powder or a polypropylene-based powder provided on or in the base film, wherein the polyethylene-based powder or the polypropylene-based powder is different from the base film.

Abstract: Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators.

Abstract: In various embodiments an improved binder composition, electrolyte composition and a separator film composition using discrete carbon nanotubes. Their methods of production and utility for energy storage and collection devices, like batteries, capacitors and photovoltaics, is described. The binder, electrolyte, or separator composition can further comprise polymers. The discrete carbon nanotubes further comprise at least a portion of the tubes being open ended and/or functionalized. The utility of the binder, electrolyte or separator film composition includes improved capacity, power or durability in energy storage and collection devices. The utility of the electrolyte and or separator film compositions includes improved ion transport in energy storage and collection devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell comprising an anodic current collector in contact with an anode. A cathodic current collector is in contact with a cathode. A solid electrolyte thin-film separates the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: An electrolyte for use in electrochemical cells is provided. The properties of the electrolyte include high conductivity, high Coulombic efficiency, and an electrochemical window that can exceed 3.5 V vs. Mg/Mg+2. The use of the electrolyte promotes the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of Mg without the use of any Grignard reagents, other organometallic materials, tetraphenyl borate, or tetrachloroaluminate derived anions. Other Mg-containing electrolyte systems that are expected to be suitable for use in secondary batteries are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator for an electrochemical cell, preferably a lithium ion battery, comprising a porous layer which comprises at least one block copolymer having three or more polymer blocks and at least one aluminum oxide or hydroxide, a lithium ion battery comprising such a separator, and a method for producing such a separator.

Abstract: A composite cathode active material, a cathode including the composite cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode. The composite cathode active material includes: a lithium transition metal oxide; and a lithium-containing impurity on a surface of the lithium transition metal oxide. The lithium-containing impurity includes free lithium in an amount of about 0.050 wt % or less based on a total weight of the composite cathode active material, and LiOH and Li2CO3 in a mole ratio of LiOH to Li2CO3 of about 0.50 or less.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free binder compositions are described. The binder compositions may include a polycarboxy compound, and an organic crosslinking agent, and a polyvalent metal compound. The compositions may also optionally include a cure catalyst. In addition, composite materials are described. The composite materials may include a mat of fibers and a binder composition. The binder composition may include a polycarboxy compound, an organic crosslinking agent, and a polyvalent metal compound.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte lithium secondary battery obtained by the present invention has a separator and a porous layer which contains an inorganic filler and a binder and which is formed on the separator, wherein a thickness of the separator ranges from 12 ?m to 18 ?m, a porosity of the separator ranges from 52% to 67%, a thickness of the porous layer ranges from 3 ?m to 15 ?m, a porosity of the porous layer ranges from 44% to 70%, and the porous layer-attached separator exhibits a film resistance equal to or lower than 1.35 ?·cm2 when impregnated with an electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A separator for non-aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries and a non-aqueous rechargeable lithium battery including the separator are provided. The separator includes a separator body and a composite including an organic compound and an inorganic compound supporting the separator body, where the organic compound has a higher melting point than that of the material composing the separator body, and the inorganic compound includes an element selected from the group consisting of 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 3B, and 5B elements from the periodic table, and combinations thereof, and at least one moiety selected from the group consisting of oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, nitrates, alkoxides, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing elements ultra-low diameter, ultra-high aspect ratio nanowires. A hierarchical template with ordered and arrayed nanopores either freestanding or on a support material is provided. The template can be pre-shaped. Optionally, one or more compounds can be layered within the nanopores to reduce the diameters thereof. The template is filled with material to form a nanostructure array configured as ultra-low diameter, ultra-high aspect ratio nanowires with a diameter of less than 10 nm. The optional layering is self-initiated by selectively adjusting pH of a coating material. The nanostructure array may be supported in a lower thermal conductivity material. The method can be used to produce elements that function as a phonon-confined thermoelectric device, a photovoltaic device and a battery.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a polypropylene resin composition for use in the formation of a microporous membrane having excellent heat resistance and strength. [Solution] A polypropylene resin composition for use in the formation of a microporous membrane according to the present invention comprises as an essential component an ultra-high-molecular-weight propylene homopolymer (A) that satisfies the following requirements (1) to (4): (1) the intrinsic viscosity [?] is 7 dl/g or more and less than 25 dl/g; (2) the mesopentad fraction ranges from 90.0% to 99.5%; (3) the melting point ranges from 153° C. to 167° C.; and (4) in an elution temperature-elution volume curve measured by temperature-rising elution fractionation (TREF), the maximum peak has a peak top temperature in the range of 116° C. to 125° C. and a half-width of 7.0° C. or less.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a polypropylene resin composition for use in the formation of a microporous membrane having excellent heat resistance and low thermal shrinkage ratio. [Solution] A polypropylene resin composition for use in the formation of a microporous membrane according to the present invention comprises as an essential component a propylene homopolymer (A) that satisfies the following requirements (1) to (4) and (7): (1) the intrinsic viscosity [?] is 1 dl/g or more and less than 7 dl/g; (2) the mesopentad fraction ranges from 94.0% to 99.5%; (3) the integral elution volume during heating to 100° C. is 10% or less; (4) the melting point ranges from 153° C. to 167° C.; and (7) in an elution temperature-elution volume curve, the maximum peak has a peak top temperature in the range of 105° C. to 130° C. and a half-width of 7.0° C. or less.

Abstract: Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Preferably, the inorganic oxide comprises an hydrated aluminum oxide of the formula Al2O3.xH2O, wherein x is less than 1.0, and wherein the hydrated aluminum oxide comprises organic substituents, preferably comprising a reaction product of a multifunctional monomer and/or organic carbonate with an aluminum oxide, such as pseudo-boehmite and an aluminum oxide. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators.

Abstract: This is to provide an all solid state secondary battery which can be produced by an industrially employable method capable of mass-production and has excellent secondary battery characteristics.

Abstract: Provided is a laminated porous film suitable as a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery separator, which includes a heat resistant layer excellent in morphological stability at a high temperature and ion permeability and more resistant to fall-off of a filler. A laminated porous film in which a heat resistant layer including a binder resin and a filler and a base porous film including a polyolefin as a principal component are laminated, wherein the filler included in the heat resistant layer substantially consists of an inorganic filler (a) having a primary particle diameter of 0.2 to 1 ?m and an inorganic filler (b) having a primary particle diameter of 0.01 to 0.1 ?m, and the particle diameter of secondary aggregates of the inorganic filler (b) is not more than 2 times the primary particle diameter of the inorganic filler (a) in the heat resistant layer.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of preparing a separator, comprising: producing a dispersion comprising inorganic particles, a polymer binder, polymer fibers and a solvent; applying the dispersion on the top surface of a substrate to form a non-woven fabric web as a layer comprising the inorganic particles, the polymer binder and the polymer fiber, in which the inorganic particles are positioned in gaps of the polymer fibers and adhered thereto by the polymer binder; and drying and compressing the non-woven fabric web to obtain a non-woven fabric substrate; a separator prepared by the method; and an electrochemical device comprising the separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating a substrate for a lithium secondary battery with inorganic particles, comprising charging the inorganic particles to form charged inorganic particles; transferring the charged inorganic particles on the substrate for a lithium secondary battery to form a coating layer; and fixing the coating layer with heat and pressure. Such a coating method according to one embodiment of the present invention uses electrostatic force without the addition of a solvent, and therefore, non use of a solvent can result in cost-reducing effects since there is no burden on the handling and storing of the solvent, and since a drying procedure after slurry coating is not needed, it allows for the preparation of a lithium secondary battery in a highly effective and rapid manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous film comprising: (a) a porous substrate having pores; and (b) a coating layer formed on at least one region selected from the group consisting of a surface of the substrate and a part of the pores present in the substrate, wherein the coating layer comprises styrene-butadiene rubber. An electrochemical device using the porous film as a separator is also disclosed. The porous film is coated with a styrene-butadiene polymer, whose rubbery characteristics can be controlled, and thus provides improved scratch resistance and adhesion to other substrates. When the porous film is used as a separator for an electrochemical device, it is possible to improve the safety of the electrochemical device and to prevent degradation in the quality of the electrochemical device.

Abstract: A lithium rechargeable battery, which includes a separator having excellent mechanical strength such as elastic strength, swelling resistance, heat resistance, and peel strength. The lithium rechargeable battery includes a cathode, an anode, a separator for separating both electrodes from each other, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the separator includes a porous membrane formed of a ceramic material and a binder, and the binder has an elongation ratio of 200 to 300%.

Abstract: A separator for an electrochemical device of the present invention includes a porous film including: a filler; an organic binder; and at least one resin selected from resin A that has a melting point of 80 to 140° C. and resin B that absorbs a non-aqueous electrolyte and swells upon heating and whose swelling degree increases with increasing temperature, and the filler contains boehmite having a secondary particle structure in which primary particles are connected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a separator. The method includes (S1) preparing a porous planar substrate having a plurality of pores, (S2) preparing a slurry containing inorganic particles dispersed therein and a polymer solution including a first binder polymer and a second binder polymer in a solvent, and coating the slurry on at least one surface of the porous substrate, (S3) spraying a non-solvent incapable of dissolving the second binder polymer on the slurry, and (S4) simultaneously removing the solvent and the non-solvent by drying. According to the method, a separator with good bindability to electrodes can be manufactured in an easy manner. In addition, problems associated with the separation of inorganic particles in the course of manufacturing an electrochemical device can be avoided.

Abstract: An electrode assembly and a secondary battery including the same. The electrode assembly includes: a positive electrode plate including a positive electrode active material applied to a positive electrode collector; a negative electrode plate including a negative electrode active material applied to a negative electrode collector; a separator disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and a ceramic layer disposed on a portion of the positive or negative electrode plate, adjacent to an outer surface of the electrode assembly. The positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, ceramic layer, and the separator are wound together. The ceramic layer prevents a short-circuit between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and extends along between about 40% and 90% of the length of the positive or negative electrode plate, from a winding end thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a separator for non-aqueous batteries not only having shutdown property but also achieving both higher output and short-circuit resistance. The separator comprising a laminate comprising: a low melting-point polymer fiber layer (A) having a melting point of 100 to 200° C., the low melting-point polymer fiber layer (A) comprising nanofibers having a fiber diameter of 1000 nm or smaller and formed from the low melting-point polymer; and a heat-resistant polymer fiber layer (B) positioned on the low melting-point polymer fiber layer (A) and comprising a high melting-point polymer having a melting point over 200° C. or a heat infusible polymer, the heat-resistant polymer fiber layer (B) comprising a mixture of nanofibers having a fiber diameter of 1000 nm or smaller and non-nanofibers having a fiber diameter over 1000 nm and both formed from heat-resistant polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a cell separator in which a protective layer mainly composed of at least one type of granular ceramic is formed on a surface of a porous sheet base material. The method includes preparation of a water-based paste obtained by mixing a solid material containing the granular ceramic and a binder with an aqueous solvent to which at least one type of alcohol has been added, and formation of a protective layer in a state in which the alcohol has been eliminated by coating the prepared water-based paste onto a surface of the porous sheet base material, and further includes formation of the protective layer so that the solids content in the protective layer is higher than the solids content in the water-based paste by an amount of elimination of the alcohol, and is at least 55% by mass.

Abstract: In a lithium ion battery, one or more chelating agents may be attached to a microporous polymer separator for placement between a negative electrode and a positive electrode or to a polymer binder material used to construct the negative electrode, the positive electrode, or both. The chelating agents may comprise, for example, at least one of a crown ether, a podand, a lariat ether, a calixarene, a calixcrown, or mixtures thereof. The chelating agents can help improve the useful life of the lithium ion battery by complexing with unwanted metal cations that may become present in the battery's electrolyte solution while, at the same time, not significantly interfering with the movement of lithium ions between the negative and positive electrodes.

Abstract: Object of the invention is to provide a binder for a separator which can be comprised by a non-aqueous electrolyte battery with improved battery properties and heat resistance; the separator comprising the binder; and the non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising the separator. More specifically, provided is a binder for a separator of a non-aqueous electrolyte battery, the separator comprising a 2-cyanoethyl group-containing polymer having bis-cyanoethyl ether content of 0.5% by weight or less as an impurity.

Abstract: A separator for batteries according to the present invention includes a multilayer porous film having a resin porous film containing a thermoplastic resin as a main component and a heat resistant porous layer containing heat resistant particles as a main component, and the heat resistant porous layer has a thickness of 1 to 15 ?m, and the 180° peel strength between the resin porous film and the heat resistant porous layer is 0.6 N/cm or more.

Abstract: Composite separators having a porous structure and including acid-stable, hydrophilic, inorganic particles enmeshed in a substantially fully fluorinated polyolefin matrix can be utilized in a number of applications. The inorganic particles can provide hydrophilic characteristics. The pores of the separator result in good selectivity and electrical conductivity. The fluorinated polymeric backbone can result in high chemical stability. Accordingly, one application of the composite separators is in redox flow batteries as low cost membranes. In such applications, the composite separator can also enable additional property-enhancing features compared to ion-exchange membranes. For example, simple capacity control can be achieved through hydraulic pressure by balancing the volumes of electrolyte on each side of the separator.