Abstract: A separator for use in zinc/bromine secondary batteries comprising a polyethylene having an overall viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 350,000 and not more than 2,000,000 containing not less than 10 wt. % and not more than 80 wt. % of a polyethylene having a molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more and fine particulate silica, wherein the ratio by weight of polyethylene/fine particulate silica is more than 1 and less than 1.5, and the ratio of the number of silicon atoms (Si) to the number of carbon atoms (C), Si/C, exposed on the surfaces of said separator excluding cross-sectioned surfaces thereof is not less than 0.01 and less than 0.2 as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Abstract: A separator for metal/halogen batteries is provided which is excellent in thermal resistance, resistance to stress-cracking and electric properties. A separator for metal/halogen batteries comprising a polyolefin having a viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 350,000 and not more than 2,000,000, in which polyolefin the proportion by weight of a polyolefin having a molecular weight of not less than 1,000,000 is not less than 15% and not more than 80%, and a hydrophilic fine particulate inorganic material(s), wherein the weight ratio of the polyolefins to the hydrophilic fine particulate inorganic material(s) is not less than 0.55 and less than 1, said separator having a pore volume of not less than 900 mm3/g and a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A membrane comprising a composition including (a) 1 to 99 wt-% of at least one polyurethane elastomer comprising at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment, and (b) 99 to 1 wt-% of a solid, wherein said solid is incorporated in said at least one polyurethane elastomer.

Abstract: A separator for a valve regulated lead acid battery is composed mainly of fine glass fibers and also contains inorganic powder, beaten natural pulp, and heat-weldable organic fibers. The heat-weldable organic fibers have a fineness of 1.5 d (deniers) or less and a fiber length of 1 mm or more, and the amount of the heat-weldable organic fibers is from 3% to 15% by weight. A valve regulated lead acid battery employs the separator.

Abstract: Glass fibers are disclosed. The glass fibers can be used, for example, in a lead acid battery.

Abstract: The present application discloses a lithium-ion battery using heat-activatable microporous membrane which comprises a hot-melt adhesive, an engineering plastics, a tackifier and a filler. It also discloses methods of preparing such microporous membrane and the lithium-ion batteries. The battery built with the use of the microporous membrane of the present invention shows high rate capability, long cycle life, and low as well as stable impedance during charge-discharge cycling. The microporous membrane of the present invention also shows thermal shutdown behavior.

Abstract: A separator for a valve regulated lead acid battery is composed mainly of fine glass fibers 1 and also contains inorganic powder 3, beaten natural pulp 2, and heat-weldable organic fibers 4. The heat-weldable organic fibers 4 have a fineness of 1.5 d (deniers) or less and a fiber length of 1 mm or more, and the amount of the heat-weldable organic fibers is from 3% to 15% by weight. The separator is excellent in resistance against a short circuit between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate of the battery such as an electrochemical short circuit, for example a short circuit due to lead penetration, and a mechanical short circuit. The separator is also excellent in folding endurance, in durability against repetition of folding, and in tearing strength, and allows easy formation of envelope-like separator, thus preventing active materials from being coming off at the sides thereof.

Abstract: The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention comprises, e.g., a positive electrode 6, a negative electrode 5, a polymer membrane 1 containing carbon powder or the like, and a separating membrane layer 7 for preventing shortcircuiting. A carbon powder, silicon powder, tin powder or aluminum powder 2 contained in the polymer membrane 1 containing carbon powder or the like absorbs as a lithium-absorbing material metallic lithium powders 3 or metallic lithium dendrite 4 which has been produced from the negative electrode 5 due to charge or discharge and takes no part in charge or discharge. This lithium-absorbing material is less reactive than the metallic lithium powders 3 or metallic lithium dendrite 4 and thus enhances the safety of the battery and controls shortcircuiting between the positive electrode and the negative electrode due to metallic lithium dendrite, making it possible to drastically improve charge and discharge cycle life performance.

Abstract: A battery comprising a positive electrode (10), a negative electrode (20) and a separator (31) provided interposed between the positive electrode (10) and the negative electrode (20), characterized in that at least one surface of said separator (31) is bonded to said positive electrode (10) or negative electrode (20) via a porous resin layer (41, 33) containing a solid filler. This battery can provide a battery which exhibits a high energy density and an excellent cycle life performance even if the electricity-storing element is received in a flexible material case.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a method for preparing a composite graphite-silicon negative electrode material whereby an essentially dry mixture of graphite carbon powder and an element or elements selected from the new IUPAC Group Number 12-15 of the Periodic Table of Elements that can form alloys or compounds with lithium is prepared to provide an electrochemically active mixture. A mechanical agitation process serves to mix the constituent materials and to produce a fine dispersion with intimate contact between graphite and the Group 12-15 materials. A lithium ion battery negative electrode of this composition takes synergistic advantage of the high lithium capacity of some IUPAC Group materials and the long cycle-life of graphite negative electrode materials.

Abstract: New and novel copolymers of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene containing up to 24% by weight hexafluoropropylene having lower DSC melting temperatures at 8 weight percent or greater nominal HFP content, and having improved solution clarity and fluidity, longer gel times and lower extractables than prior art vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymers of comparable HFP content whose syntheses are disclosed in sufficient detail to duplicate, to novel compositions of matter and articles of manufacture containing such copolymers, processes for the preparation and use of the copolymers, of the compositions of matter containing such copolymers and of the articles of manufacture containing such copolymers are disclosed. Improved electrochemical cells based on the new and novel copolymers are particularly disclosed.

Abstract: A Li-ion polymer battery and methods for its fabrication. A first and second layer, of a polymer/particulate material composition, separate and bind each anode and cathode. The polymer of the first layer and its associated solvent differ from the polymer of the second layer and its associated solvent. Solubility requirements are such that the polymer of the first layer is non-soluble in the solvent of the second layer, and the polymer of the second layer is non-soluble in the solvent of the first layer. The polymers and particulate materials of the layers form a porous structure for containing the electrolyte of the battery so as to eliminate the need for a substantial case for enclosing the battery.

Abstract: A separator for a valve-regulated lead acid battery consists mainly of fine glass fibers. The separator includes inorganic powder in an amount of 5 to 30% by weight and natural pulp in an amount of 3 to 20% by weight, and has a density of not less than 0.165 g/cm3. The separator sufficiently suppresses the occurrence of electrical short circuits between the positive and negative electrode plates.

Abstract: A positive electrode of a lithium-sulfur battery, a method of producing the same, and a lithium-sulfur battery include, as the positive electrode, a current collector, a positive active material layer on the current collector, and a polymer layer on the positive active material on the current collector.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator is molded from a resin composition containing specific amounts of graphite, thermosetting resin and internal release agent. The graphite is a synthetic graphite powder prepared by graphitizing lump coke. The thermosetting resin is a mixture of phenolic novolac, benzoxazine and polycarbodiimide resins. The molded separator does not need to be machined, has a significantly improved electrical conductivity, heat resistance and mechanical strength, and even when very thin is resistant to breakage during molding and fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: An inexpensive composite electrolyte for use in electrochemical fuel cells includes (i) an inorganic cation exchange material, (i) a silica-based binder; and (ii) a polymer-based binder. The cation exchange material includes aluminosilicate clays. The composite electrolyte can be fabricated with a tape casting apparatus.

Abstract: A process for production of nickel oxyhydroxide by electrolytic oxidation of nickel hydroxide in the presence of an alkali metal halide. The nickel oxyhydroxide is produced by adding nickel hydroxide particles to an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide and stirring the mixture to prepare a nickel hydroxide slurry, and then converting a portion of the nickel hydroxide to nickel oxyhydroxide by electrolytic oxidation in the presence of the alkali metal halide.

Abstract: A battery separator favorably employable for lithium secondary battery comprises at least one porous film in which 100 to 40,000 ppm of particles of silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide or metal oxides containing at least two metal elements selected from the group consisting of Si, Al, Mg and Zn having a mean diameter of 0.1 to 10 &mgr;m are dispersed in a porous resin matrix.

Abstract: The invention provides a separator in lead acid battery, composed of fiber material and polymers; the polymers provide functions of increasing the mechanical strength for separators, avoiding shortage between positive and negative electrodes, and decreasing the thickness of separators. The invention also provides a manufacturing method of battery separators, whereby polymers are used to coat or absorb to porous separators through means of spraying, immersing, brushing, adhering or other similar means, thus acquiring thinner battery separators with increased mechanical strength.

Abstract: The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention comprises, e.g., a positive electrode 6, a negative electrode 5, a polymer membrane 1 containing carbon powder or the like, and a separating membrane layer 7 for preventing shortcircuiting. A carbon powder, silicon powder, tin powder or aluminum powder 2 contained in the polymer membrane 1 containing carbon powder or the like absorbs as a lithium-intercalating material lithium powders 3 or dendrite 4 which has been produced from the negative electrode 5 due to charge or discharge and takes no part in charge or discharge. This lithium-intercalating material is less reactive than the lithium powders 3 or dendrite 4 and thus enhances the safety of the battery and controls shortcircuiting between the positive electrode and the negative electrode due to dendrite, making it possible to drastically improve charge and discharge cycle life performance.

Abstract: A separator for use in zinc/bromine secondary batteries comprising a polyethylene having an overall viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 350,000 and not more than 2,000,000 containing not less than 10 wt. % and not more than 80 wt. % of a polyethylene having a molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more and fine particulate silica, wherein the ratio by weight of polyethylene/fine particulate silica is more than 1 and less than 1.5, and the ratio of the number of silicon atoms (Si) to the number of carbon atoms (C), Si/C, exposed on the surfaces of said separator excluding cross-sectioned surfaces thereof is not less than 0.01 and less than 0.2 as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Abstract: A mesoporous polymeric membrane for use as an ionically-conductive inter-electrode separator in a rechargeable battery cell contains a like distribution of mesopore voids throughout a membrane matrix. The porous membrane is capable of absorbing significant amounts of electrolyte solution to provide suitable ionic conductivity for use in rechargeable battery cells. The addition of inert particulate filler to the coating composition provides further strength in the body of the membrane and provides particulate support within the membrane mesopores which prevents collapse of the voids at cell fabrication laminating temperatures and thus maintains electrolyte absorption capability.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery separator comprising at least one microporous polymer layer and at least one fibrous layer, wherein said microporous polymer layer comprises micropores with an average pore size of less than 1 &mgr;m and a number of holes with a diameter which is greater than the average diameter of the pores of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery separator comprising at least one first fibrous layer, at least one second fibrous layer, and at least one microporous polymer layer which is sandwiched between at least two fibrous layers, wherein said microporous polymer layer has an average pore size of less than 1 &mgr;m and wherein said at least one first fibrous layer has a thickness of at least 0.6 mm.

Abstract: A novel microporous membrane comprising a hot-melt adhesive and an engineering plastics, the methods of preparing such microporous membrane and the uses of the microporous membrane in, e.g., batteries, super capacitors, fuel cells, sensors, electrochromic devices or the like.

Abstract: A separator for sealed cells is provided which attains a high degree of intimate contact with electrode plates, enables the cell to have reduced internal resistance, is less apt to suffer a fatigue phenomenon even upon repetitions of charge/discharge, and improves the life of the cell. Fine rubber particles are adhered to the surface of fibers of a non-woven fabric constituting the separator so that the fine rubber particles are present among the fibers. These fine rubber particles function as elastic bodies to absorb relative positional changes of the fibers and improve the compressive repulsion of the separator.

Abstract: An oxidation resistant, microporous polyolefin web exhibiting high-strength mechanical and low electrical resistance properties is a solid matrix that includes an ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin component and a friable precipitated silica component. The ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin component provides high-strength mechanical properties to the web. The friable precipitated silica component is broken down into predominately discrete silica aggregates dispersed throughout the microporous web to maintain a low electrical resistance in the presence of an electrolyte. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a polyethylene web includes an antioxidant coating that is applied to the separator web following extraction of the majority of the process oils and drying of the extraction fluid from the separator pores. The resultant “sheath” of antioxidant protects the mechanical integrity of the polyethylene separator by suppressing polyethylene degradation.

Abstract: A valve-regulated lead-acid cell utilizes an absorptive glass mat separator having a glass fiber surface which is modified by treatment with at least one particular polymer, as by treatment with a polymer emulsion to coat at least part of the glass fiber surface and then sintering to dry the coating, the polymers including polyolefins, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylchlorides, polyacrylonitriles, polyesters, amphiphilic block and graft copolymers, hydrophilic and amphiphilic nitrogen-containing polymers and polyorgano-silica compounds such as polysilanes and polysiloxanes.

Abstract: A separator for use in zinc/bromine secondary batteries comprising a polyethylene having an overall viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 350,000 and not more than 2,000,000 containing not less than 10 wt. % and not more than 80 wt. % of a polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more and fine particulate silica, wherein the ratio by weight of polyethylene/fine particulate silica is more than 1 and less than 1.5, and the ratio of the number of silicon atoms (Si) to the number of carbon atoms (C), Si/C, exposed on the surfaces of said separator excluding cross-sectioned surfaces thereof is not less than 0.01 and less than 0.2 as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Abstract: In a lead-acid battery, a positive active material includes tin in an amount of from not less than 0.2% to not more than 5% based on the weight thereof. The density of the positive active material after formation is from not less than 3.75 g/cc to not more than 5.0 g/cc. When the lead-acid battery is produced by a battery container formation, a time required between the injection of an electrolyte and the beginning of battery container formation is from not less than 0.1 hours to not more than 3 hours.

Abstract: A glass fiber separator material is disclosed. The separator is composed of a mass of intermeshed glass fibers substantially all of which have a fiber diameter not greater than about 20 &mgr;m, and at least 5 percent w/w of which have a fiber diameter less than 1 &mgr;m, and, distributed through the glass fibers, and from 0.2 percent w/w to 20 percent w/w of cellulose fibrils. The fibrils are from a slurry having a Canadian freeness sufficiently low that the separator material has a tensile strength greater than an otherwise identical separator where glass fibers having an average diameter greater than 1 &mgr;m replace the cellulose fibrils.

Abstract: A sealed lead-acid battery includes a separator made from hydrophilic treated sheet made from synthetic fiber which wraps at least either one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A mat type separator made from fine glass fiber is disposed between the wrapped electrode and its opposite electrode. This structure is adopted in a battery which uses a paste type electrode where an expanded grid having no outer frame on both edges is used, thereby prolonging cycle life even after cycling of charge and deep discharge.

Abstract: The separator 10a for use in the alkaline storage battery of the invention comprises densely and uniformly formed over the entire separator and entrained from the surface to the back plane of the separator, first fine paths (pores) 15 rendered hydrophilic and second fine paths (pores) 16 rendered non-hydrophilic. In this manner, the gas generated in the vicinity of the first fine paths (pores) 15 can immediately reach the second fine paths (pores) 16 formed in the vicinity of the first fine paths (pores) 15 and transferred. On the other hand, the ions that attempt passing through the second fine paths (pores) 16 can readily reach the first fine paths (pores) 15 formed in the vicinity of the second fine paths (pores) 16, and hence, the ions can be transferred through the first fine paths (pores) 15.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium-ion battery element which is chosen from the separator and the electroactive layers and which results from the forming of a microcomposite powder comprising a fluoropolymer in the form of particles between 0.1 and 0.5 &mgr;m in size and fillers.

Abstract: The invention provides a separator for an energy cell which includes a compressible web made from a blend of elastomeric material and cross-linking agent, the elastomeric material being selected from natural rubber and a mixture of natural rubber and synthetic rubber. The blend is expanded, cast and cured to form a web containing micropores so that the resulting web comprises an open cell structure having a thickness ranging from about 40 to about 150 mils, an alcohol porosity of from about 45 to about 90% and a compressibility of at least about 20%. Lead-acid battery cells containing the separators have the advantage of significantly improved life as a result of the improved strength and resiliency of the separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode comprising a carbonaceous material, an organic electrolyte comprising a lithium salt and a solvent, and a separator. The solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), a chain carbonate and phenylethylene carbonate, the content of the chain carbonate, ethylene carbonate (EC) and the propylene carbonate (PC) are from 50 to 90 vol %, from 5 to 45 vol % and from 5 to 45 vol %, respectively, based on the total volume of the ethylene carbonate (EC), the propylene carbonate and the chain carbonate, and the content of the phenylethylene carbonate is from 0.1 to 5.0 wt % based on the total weight of the electrolyte. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the invention exhibits a great discharge capacity, an excellent cycle life performance and an excellent low-temperature discharge performance.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery separator comprising a heat-resistant nitrogen-containing aromatic polymer and a ceramic powder.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery and the corresponding battery. The separator includes a ceramic composite layer and a polymeric microporous layer. The ceramic layers includes a mixture of inorganic particles and a matrix material. The ceramic layer is adapted, at least, to block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting. The polymeric layer is adapted, at least, to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode in the event of thermal runaway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a microbattery that uses silicon as the structural component, packaging component, and semiconductor to reduce the weight, size, and cost of thin film battery technology is described. When combined with advanced semiconductor packaging techniques, such a silicon-based microbattery enables the fabrication of autonomous, highly functional, integrated microsystems having broad applicability.

Abstract: A battery separator assembly for use in a high-power recombinant battery has increased puncture resistance, mechanical integrity, and oxygen inhibition and includes an absorptive non-woven layer of material adhered to a microporous polymeric layer. The absorptive non-woven layer of material preferably includes absorbent glass mat (AGM), and the microporous polymeric layer preferably includes ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In a first preferred embodiment, the absorptive non-woven layer of material is positioned adjacent to an electrode of a positive type. In a second preferred embodiment, the microporous polymeric layer is positioned adjacent to an electrode of a negative type.

Abstract: A separator for a Li-ion polymer battery comprised of a plurality of separator layers that are laminated together. The plurality of separator layers including a first layer formed of a first separator material, and a second layer formed of a second separator material, wherein the second layer is compositionally and structurally different from the first layer.

Abstract: An invention is described through which it is possible to reduce in quantity the coloured, mostly dark, and frequently adhesive deposits which form in lead accumulators with separators of filled poly-olefins during formation and operation. The essential feature is that the separators contain as plasticizer a process oil with a CA value of ≦6%, a sulphur content of ≦2000 ppm and a polar part of ≦1%. Preferred process oils to be used as plasticizers are relatively naphthenic and naphthenic oils.

Abstract: A separator for a valve-regulated lead acid battery consists mainly of fine glass fibers. The separator includes inorganic powder in an amount of 5 to 30% by weight and natural pulp in an amount of 3 to 20% by weight, and has a density of not less than 0.165g/cm3. The separator sufficiently suppresses the occurrence of electrical short circuits between the positive and negative electrode plates.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided. the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive associated with a plate that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: A recombinant battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having an additive associated with the separator that improves the overall efficiency of the lead acid battery.

Abstract: A valve regulated lead-acid battery having a plurality of negative and positive electrode plates, a plurality of separators soaked with electrolyte interleaved between the plates, a negative strap and positive strap interconnecting the respective plurality of negative and positive electrodes includes separator material soaked with electrolyte disposed adjacent to the negative strap to thereby increase oxygen reduction.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous composite separator layer for an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of printing a thin layer of a separator precursor solution on the surface of one of the electrochemical cell electrodes, curing the thin layer of separator precursor solution so that it transforms into a microporous composite separator structure. In the preferred embodiment, the separator precursor solution is formulated as an ink comprising a silica aerogel filler material dispersed in a solution of chlorinated polyolefin binder which is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The process allows the manufacture of thin and flexible composite separators which are conformally bonded to the underlying electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous battery separators based on an essentially homogeneous mixture of a thermoplastic polymer, an inert filler and optionally a plasticizer. The separators contain, as filler, pyrogenic silica in a quantity of more than 20 vol. % and optionally one or more further fillers, so that the filler content overall is more than 60 up to a maximum of 82 vol.-%. The separators are suitable in particular for the manufacture of sealed accumulators.