The Electrolyte Is Solid Patents (Class 429/304)
  • Patent number: 7585587
    Abstract: The invention relates to an incombustible separator for a non-aqueous electrolyte cell in which the separator itself does not burn even if the temperature inside the cell becomes high, and more particularly to a separator for a non-aqueous electrolyte cell made of a microporous film formed by a phosphazene derivative and/or an isomer of a phosphazene derivative to a polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kanno, Masashi Otsuki, Shinichi Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20090214956
    Abstract: A lithium-ion battery having an anode including an array of nanowires electrochemically coated with a polymer electrolyte, and surrounded by a cathode matrix, forming thereby interpenetrating electrodes, wherein the diffusion length of the Li+ ions is significantly decreased, leading to faster charging/discharging, greater reversibility, and longer battery lifetime, is described. The battery design is applicable to a variety of battery materials. Methods for directly electrodepositing Cu2Sb from aqueous solutions at room temperature using citric acid as a complexing agent to form an array of nanowires for the anode, are also described. Conformal coating of poly-[Zn(4-vinyl-4?methyl-2,2?-bipyridine)3](PF6)2 by electroreductive polymerization onto films and high-aspect ratio nanowire arrays for a solid-state electrolyte is also described, as is reductive electropolymerization of a variety of vinyl monomers, such as those containing the acrylate functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Amy L. Prieto, James M. Mosby, Timothy S. Arthur
  • Patent number: 7578990
    Abstract: A proton conductor, a method for manufacturing the same, and an electrochemical device using the proton conductor are provided. The proton conductor includes a carbon derivative which has a carbon material selected from the group consisting of a fullerene molecule, a cluster consisting essentially of carbon, a fiber-shaped carbon anPlease do not hesitate to contact us with any questions d a tube-regarding this matter shaped carbon, and mixtures thereof, and at least a proton dissociative group, the proton dissociative group being bonded to the carbon material via a cyclic structure of tricyclic or more. The method includes the steps of obtaining the carbon derivative, hydrolyzing the derivative with alkali hydroxide, subjecting the hydrolyzed product to ion exchange, and forming a group with proton-dissociating properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yong Ming Li, Koichiro Hinokuma
  • Patent number: 7579112
    Abstract: An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignees: A123 Systems, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet Ming Chiang, William Douglas Moorehead, Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew Loxley, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Michael S. Viola
  • Publication number: 20090185327
    Abstract: A composite electrode is created by forming a thin conformal coating of mixed metal oxides on a highly porous carbon structure. The highly porous carbon structure performs a role in the synthesis of the mixed oxide coating and in providing a three-dimensional, electronically conductive substrate supporting the thin coating of mixed metal oxides. The metal oxide mixture shall include two or more metal oxides. The composite electrode, a process for producing said composite electrode, an electrochemical capacitor and an electrochemical secondary (rechargeable) battery using said composite electrode are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Fraser Wade Seymour
  • Patent number: 7563850
    Abstract: An inexpensive and durable polyelectrolyte composition includes both an aromatic polymer containing carbonyl linkages and/or sulfonyl linkages in the backbone chain and bearing cation-exchange groups and a fused salt exhibits a high ionic conductivity even in the absence of water or a solvent. The aromatic polymer is preferably an aromatic polyether sulfone comprising specific structural units and bearing cation-exchange groups, an aromatic polyether ketone comprising specific structural units and bearing cation-exchange groups, an aromatic polyether sulfone block copolymer consisting of at least one hydrophilic segment bearing cation-exchange groups and at least one hydrophobic segment free from cation-exchange groups, and/or an aromatic polyether ketone block copolymer consisting of at least one hydrophilic segment bearing cation-exchange groups and at least one hydrophobic segment free from cation-exchange groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kinouchi, Tetsuji Hirano, Nobuharu Hisano
  • Patent number: 7553584
    Abstract: The effective ionic conductivity in a composite structure is believed to decrease rapidly with volume fraction. A system, such as a bipolar device or energy storage device, has structures or components in which the diffusion length or path that electrodes or ions must traverse is minimized and the interfacial area exposed to the ions or electrons is maximized. The device includes components that can be reticulated or has a reticulated interface so that an interface area can be increased. The increased interfacial perimeter increases the available sites for reaction of ionic species. Many different reticulation patterns can be used. The aspect ratio of the reticulated features can be varied. Such bipolar devices can be fabricated by a variety of methods or procedures. A bipolar device having structures of reticulated interface can be tailored for the purposes of controlling and optimizing charge and discharge kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Benjamin Hellweg
  • Publication number: 20090148742
    Abstract: Electrode materials systems for planar solid oxide fuel cells with high electrochemical performance including anode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases and cathode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in oxygen-containing gases. The anode materials may comprise a cermet in which the metal component is a cobalt-nickel alloy. These anode materials provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases, e.g., in SOFCs with sulfur contaminated fuels. The cermet also may comprise a mixed-conducting ceria-based electrolyte material. The anode may have a bi-layer structure. A cerium oxide-based interfacial layer with mixed electronic and ionic conduction may be provided at the electrolyte/anode interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Day, Scott L. Swartz, Matthew M. Seabaugh, Paul H. Matter, Jared R. Archer
  • Patent number: 7544445
    Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a microporous polymer membrane having pores penetrating through the opposite sides thereof. The microporous polymer membrane holds a mixture of a polymer and a molten salt at a weight ratio of 1/99 to 99/1 and/or a molten salt. The polymer electrolyte membrane is inexpensive, durable, excellent in mechanical strength, excellent in structural retention in high temperatures, and capable of stably holding a molten salt in its porous polymer membrane structure, shows high heat resistance, and secures high ionic conductivity in the absence of water or a solvent and is therefore useful in fuel cells, secondary batteries, electric double layer capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kinouchi, Tetsuji Hirano, Nobuharu Hisano
  • Publication number: 20090136853
    Abstract: A battery is provided containing increased binding energy hydrogen compounds as oxidants of the battery cathode half reaction. The oxidant compounds are provided comprising at least one neutral, positive, or negative hydrogen species having a binding energy greater than its corresponding ordinary hydrogen species, or greater than any hydrogen species for which the corresponding ordinary hydrogen species is unstable or is not observed. The oxidant compounds comprise at least one increased binding energy hydrogen species and at least one other atom, molecule, or ion other than an increased binding energy hydrogen species. The oxidant compound may comprise a cation Mn+ (where n is an integer) bound to an increased binding energy hydride ion such that the binding energy of the cation or atom M(n?1)+ is less than the binding energy of the hydride ion H - ? ( 1 p ) may serve as the oxidant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Randell L. Mills
  • Publication number: 20090123847
    Abstract: An all-solid-state cell has a fired solid electrolyte body, a first electrode layer integrally formed on one surface of the fired solid electrolyte body by mixing and firing an electrode active material and a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode layer integrally formed on the other surface of the fired solid electrolyte body by mixing and firing an electrode active material and a solid electrolyte. The first and the second electrode layers are formed by mixing and firing the electrode active material and the amorphous solid electrolyte, which satisfy the relation Ty>Tz (wherein Ty is a temperature at which the capacity of the electrode active material is lowered by reaction between the electrode active material and the solid electrolyte material, and Tz is a temperature at which the solid electrolyte material is shrunk by firing).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicants: Kyushu University, NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeto Okada, Eiji Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Toshihiro Yoshida, Yosuke Sato
  • Publication number: 20090123846
    Abstract: An all-solid-state cell contains a combination of an electrode active material and a solid electrolyte, and has a plate-shaped fired solid electrolyte body of a ceramic containing a solid electrolyte, a first electrode layer (e.g. a positive electrode) integrally formed on one surface of the fired solid electrolyte body by mixing and firing an electrode active material and a solid electrolyte, and a second electrode layer (e.g. a negative electrode) integrally formed on the other surface of the fired solid electrolyte body by mixing and firing an electrode active material and a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte materials added to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer comprise an amorphous polyanion compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicants: Kyushu University, NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeto OKADA, Eiji KOBAYASHI, Kazuhiro YAMAMOTO, Toshihiro YOSHIDA, Yosuke SATO
  • Publication number: 20090104500
    Abstract: Proton conductivity has been shown in acceptor-doped rare earth orthoniobates and tantalates (LnNbO4 and LnTaO4) at high temperatures and in a humid atmosphere. The use of the materials as an electrolyte in a laboratory-scale fuel cell and water vapour sensor has been demonstrated. Results for Ca-doped LaNbO4 are given as examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITETET I OSLO
    Inventors: Truls Norby, Reidar Haugsrud, Stefan Marion, Mari-Ann Einarsrud, Kjell Wiik, Oystein Andersen, Ruth Astrid Strom, Tor Grande
  • Patent number: 7517616
    Abstract: A sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolyte that suppresses the reaction between silicon sulfide and metallic lithium even when the electrolyte is in contact with metallic lithium, a method of forming the electrolyte, and a lithium battery's member and lithium secondary battery both incorporating the electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises Li, P, and S without containing Si. It is desirable that the oxygen content vary gradually from the electrolyte to the lithium-containing material at the boundary zone between the two members when analyzed by using an XPS having an analyzing chamber capable of maintaining a super-high vacuum less than 1.33×10?9 hPa and that the oxygen-containing layer on the surface of the lithium-containing material be removed nearly completely. The electrolyte can be formed such that at least part of the forming step is performed concurrently with the step for etching the surface of the substrate by irradiating the surface with inert-gas ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kugai, Nobuhiro Ota
  • Publication number: 20090092881
    Abstract: A proton conductive electrolyte (20) is made of AB(1?x)MxO3 structure perovskite, and is characterized in that: the B is Ce; the M is a metal having valence that is smaller than +4; and an average of an ion radius of the M is less than an ion radius of Tm3+ and more than 56.4 pm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Naoki Ito, Hiroshige Matsumoto, Tatsumi Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7514181
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte including Li, O, P and a transition metal element. In the solid electrolyte, because the transition metal element T is reduced prior to phosphorus atoms, it is possible to prevent the valence of phosphorus atoms from decreasing. Thereby, the decomposition of the solid electrolyte resulting from the decrease of valence of phosphorus atoms is prevented, and therefore high ion conductivity is retained even in a wet atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Ugaji, Shinji Mino, Yasuyuki Shibano, Shuji Ito
  • Patent number: 7510800
    Abstract: An all-solid battery having a high output power is provided which exhibits high safety and is capable of being produced at a low cost is provided. The all-solid battery includes an internal electrode body having a cathode comprising a cathode material, an anode comprising an anode material, and a solid electrolyte layer comprising a solid electrolyte. The cathode material, the anode material, and the solid electrolyte are phosphoric acid compounds. The internal electrode body is integrated by firing the cathode, the anode, and the solid electrolyte layer, and the internal electrode body contains water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., Kyushu University
    Inventors: Toshihiro Yoshida, Hiroyuki Katsukawa, Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Shigeto Okada
  • Patent number: 7488559
    Abstract: The solid electrolyte of the present invention is composed of an organic/inorganic composite material having pores with a mean pore diameter of 1 to 30 nm and having a skeleton comprising a metal atom, an oxygen atom bonded to the metal atom, and an organic group having at least one carbon atom bonded to the metal atom or the oxygen atom, and a functional group having an ion exchange function and bonded to the organic group inside the pores. As a result, even if the relative pressure of the water vapor in the atmosphere is less than 1.0, it is still possible to achieve a solid electrolyte with a sufficiently high ion conductivity at a lower temperature than with a conventional solid electrolyte such as stabilized zirconia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Shinji Inagaki, Shiyou Guan, Yoshiaki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20090011338
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of readily manufacturing a lithium secondary battery including a solid electrolyte layer having space for accommodating deposited lithium. A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode element, a negative electrode element and a solid electrolyte layer placed between them. A method of manufacturing the battery includes a first step of stacking at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles to form the solid electrolyte layer, the second group of particles having an average particle diameter larger than that of the first group of particles, and a second step of stacking the positive and negative electrode elements on the solid electrolyte layer such that the negative electrode element is in contact with a surface of the second group of particles in the solid electrolyte layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Kenji Kimura
  • Publication number: 20080299436
    Abstract: A composite ceramic electrolyte is provided. The composite ceramic electrolyte has a microstructure, which comprises a first ceramic composition comprising a plurality of nano-dimensional microcracks, and a second ceramic composition substantially embedded within at least a portion of the plurality of nano-dimensional microcracks. The first and the second compositions are different. A solid oxide fuel cell comprising a composite ceramic electrolyte having such a microstructure is provided. A method of making a composite ceramic electrolyte is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd-Michael Striker, James Anthony Ruud, Stephane Renou
  • Publication number: 20080274412
    Abstract: A chip battery includes an element body including a solid electrolyte layer, a positive electrode layer, and a negative electrode layer. Current collectors are provided on the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer, respectively, of the element body using a conductive material, such as Pt. In addition, protective films are provided on both end surfaces of the element body and on the current collectors so that the current collectors are exposed near the respective ends in the longitudinal direction of the element body. Further, protective films are provided on the side surfaces of the element body to define a base body. Further, terminal electrodes are provided on the base body so as to be brought into surface contact with the exposed surfaces of the current collectors on both end sides in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lamination direction of the element body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20080261098
    Abstract: A method for making a proton-conducting membrane is described. The method includes the steps of combining a protonated, layered inorganic material with a proton-conducting organic polymer in a liquid medium; exfoliating the layered inorganic material, so that individual layers of the inorganic material are suspended in the liquid medium and spaced from each other; and the polymer is absorbed onto the surface of the individual layers. In this manner, a polymer-inorganic composite is formed. The liquid can then be removed, to recover the resulting membrane. Related electrolysis and fuel cell devices are also described, which incorporate the proton-conducting membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Patrick Lemmon, Malgorzata Iwona Rubinsztajn, Richard Louis Hart
  • Patent number: 7438837
    Abstract: A method of producing a solid electrolyte (3, 13) is disclosed wherein solid electrolyte material is prepared having a composition expressed by a formula: (1-x) ZrO2 {xSc2O3 (where x is a number equal to or greater than 0.05 and equal to or less than 0.15), and a spark plasma method is carried out to sinter solid electrolyte material, resulting in a solid electrolyte. Such spark plasma method is executed by applying first compression load, equal to or less that 40 MPa, to solid electrolyte material, to sinter the solid electrolyte material to obtain sintered material, which is then cooled by applying second compression load, less than first compression load, to the sintered material, resulting in a solid electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Masaharu Hatano, Mitsugu Yamanaka, Makoto Uchiyama, Kenji Furuya, Yoshio Akimune, Masaya Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20080254362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-composite structure containing nanostructured carbon and nanoparticles. Also disclosed are methods of making the nano-composite structures. The present invention also relates to a lithium ion battery, a capacitor, a supercapacitor, a battery/capacitor, or a fuel cell containing the nano-composite structures of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ryne P. Raffaelle, Brian J. Landi, Cory D. Cress
  • Publication number: 20080248395
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte is formed, and then a paste for forming an intermediate layer is applied thereto by printing, etc. The paste contains a mixed powder of a ceria-based oxide powder and a sintering aid powder containing at least one of Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn, preferably a nitrate salt thereof. It is preferred that the sintering aid content is 0.5 to 5 mol %, and the ratio of the mixed powder to the paste is 40% to 80% by weight. The paste is burned preferably at 800° C. to 1500° C., more preferably 1100° C. to 1350° C., to form the intermediate layer having a thickness of 0.5 to 3 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ushio Harada, Takayuki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080241665
    Abstract: An all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary battery has an anode, a cathode, a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the anode and the cathode, and at least one of a first mixed region formed at an interface between the anode and the solid electrolyte layer and containing a constituent material of the anode and a constituent material of the solid electrolyte layer, and a second mixed region formed at an interface between the cathode and the solid electrolyte layer and containing a constituent material of the cathode and a constituent material of the solid electrolyte layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Sano
  • Publication number: 20080241698
    Abstract: A non-aqueous lithium secondary battery capable of maintaining high capacity even when preserved under a high temperature circumstance or put to charge/discharge repetitively, the battery having an electrode in which at least one of a positive electrode or a negative electrode contains less than 5 wt % of a lithium ion conductive inorganic solid electrolyte powder and using an ion conductive non-aqueous electrolyte, and an electrode for use in the lithium secondary battery using an ion conducting non-aqueous electrolyte containing less than 5 wt % of a lithium ion conductive inorganic solid electrolyte powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: OHARA INC.
    Inventor: Takashi KATOH
  • Publication number: 20080220334
    Abstract: A lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte includes an ion conductive inorganic solid and, in a part or all of the pores of the inorganic solid, a material of a composition which is different from the composition of the inorganic solid exists. A method for manufacturing this lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte includes a step of forming an ion conductive inorganic solid to a predetermined form and a step of thereafter filling a material of a composition which is different from the composition of the inorganic solid in pores of the inorganic solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: OHARA INC.
    Inventor: Yasushi INDA
  • Patent number: 7422826
    Abstract: A single step, in situ curing method for making gel polymer lithium ion rechargeable cells and batteries is described. This method used a precursor solution consisting of monomers with multiple functionalities such as multiple acryloyl functionalities, a free-radical generating activator, nonaqueous solvents such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate, and a lithium salt such as LiPF6. The electrodes are prepared by slurry-coating a carbonaceous material such as graphite onto an anode current collector and a lithium transition metal oxide such as LiCoO2 onto a cathode current collector, respectively. The electrodes, together with a highly porous separator, are then soaked with the polymer electrolyte precursor solution and sealed in a cell package under vacuum. The whole cell package is heated to in situ cure the polymer electrolyte precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Weibing Xing, Esther S. Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20080213672
    Abstract: Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Terje A. Skotheim, Christopher J. Sheehan, Yurly V. Mikhaylik, John Affinito
  • Patent number: 7416815
    Abstract: Affords high-stability, high-safety lithium secondary batteries of high energy density and superlative charge/discharge cyclability, in which shorting due to the growth of dendrites from the metallic-lithium negative electrode is kept under control. A lithium secondary battery negative-electrode component material, formed by laminating onto a substrate a metallic lithium film and an inorganic solid-electrolyte film, the lithium secondary battery negative-electrode component material characterized in that the inorganic solid-electrolyte film incorporates lithium, phosphorous, sulfur, and oxygen, and is represented by the compositional formula noted below. aLi·bP·cS·dO (Li: lithium; P: phosphorous; S: sulfur; O: oxygen), wherein the ranges of the atomic fractions in the composition are: 0.20?a?0.45; 0.10?b?0.20; 0.35?c?0.60; 0.03?d?0.13; (a+b+c+d=1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Ota, Nobuyuki Okuda, Hiryoyuki Ueki, Tomohiko Ihara
  • Patent number: 7410729
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte cell that excels in the high-temperature cycle characteristics and that is without the possibility of solution leakage. The non-aqueous electrolyte cell includes a polymer electrolyte. This polymer electrolyte is a polymerization of a prepolymer included in a prepolymer electrolyte that includes a non-aqueous solvent, an electrolyte salt, and the prepolymer. The prepolymer includes a polyester-based monomer. The polymer electrolyte further includes a vinylene carbonate derivative and cyclic acid anhydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kentaro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7402356
    Abstract: A solid oxide electrolyte material comprising an electrolyte material 50 using oxygen ions as carriers as a base material and a lithium-containing compound 60 added to the base material as a sintering additive is sintered at a sintering temperature of 1300° C. or lower to produce a solid oxide electrolyte 100. This solid oxide electrolyte material can reduce the sintering temperature to extend the range of choices of components of a solid oxide fuel cell and suppress reactions between other components to reduce the manufacturing cost. This solid oxide electrolyte material further can produce a solid oxide electrolyte with sufficient denseness and high gas tightness capable of suppressing fuel leak to improve the electromotive force and output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Okamoto, Shunsuke Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7396615
    Abstract: A method for producing a polyelectrolyte membrane, including the step of immersing a basic polymer such as a polybenzimidazole in a strong acid having a concentration sufficient to impregnate the basic polymer with six or more strong acid molecules per polymer repeating unit of the basic polymer at a temperature of not less than 30° C. for a period of 5 h or less, as well as a fuel battery having the polyelectrolyte membrane. Hence, the times required to immerse the basic polymers in the strong acids can be shortened and the proton conductivity of the polyelectrolyte membranes can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbH
    Inventor: Tetsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7389580
    Abstract: A method and system for fabricating solid-state energy-storage devices including fabrication films for devices without an anneal step. A film of an energy-storage device is fabricated by depositing a first material layer to a location on a substrate. Energy is supplied directly to the material forming the film. The energy can be in the form of energized ions of a second material. Supplying energy directly to the material and/or the film being deposited assists in controlling the growth and stoichiometry of the film. The method allows for the fabrication of ultrathin films such as electrolyte films and dielectric films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Cymbet Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenson, Victor H. Weiss
  • Patent number: 7384707
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has an electrode and an electrolyte layer. The electrode includes a collector having a lot of fine pores on its surface, and a membrane layer made of an electrode active material provided along the surface shape of the fine pores of the collector. By this structure, the battery can manifest an excellent performance even in charging and discharging at high speed without using a binder and conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mori Nagayama, Kouichi Nemoto
  • Patent number: 7377948
    Abstract: Methods of the present invention are provided for forming a plurality of electrochemical cell layers, each cell layer generally including a pair of electrodes and a separator electrically insulating the pair of electrodes. Cells of a desired size are formed by slicing the laminar sheet through both opposing major surfaces. In certain embodiments, individual cells are defined by fill regions, filled with removable substances. Thus, when the cells are sliced, individual cells and in certain embodiments current collectors or conductors are exposed with minimal or no further processing. In other embodiments, fluid access channels or porous layers are filled with removable substances. Thus, when the cells are sliced, structural support is provided for the intended void regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Reveo, Inc.
    Inventor: Sadeg M. Faris
  • Publication number: 20080107969
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a novel pentafluorophenyloxy compound, a method for producing same, a nonaqueous electrolyte solution capable of forming a lithium secondary battery having excellent battery characteristics such as electrical capacity, cycling property and storage property, and a lithium secondary battery. [Means for Solution] A pentafluorophenyloxy compound represented by the general formula (I) shown below, a method for producing same, a nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing same and a lithium secondary battery: wherein R1 represents a —COCO— group, a S?O group or a S(?O)2 group, R2 represents an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group with the proviso that at least one of the hydrogen atoms of R2 may be each substituted with a halogen atom and that R2 does not represent an aryl group when R1 represents a —COCO— group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Koji Abe, Takaaki Kuwata, Manabu Takase
  • Patent number: 7368095
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composite oxide for a high performance solid oxide fuel cell which can be fired at a relatively low temperature, and which has little heterogeneous phases of impurities other than the desired composition. The composite oxide is the one having a perovskite type crystal structure containing rare earth elements, and having constituent elements homogeneously dispersed therein. A homogeneous composite oxide having an abundance ratio of heterogeneous phases of at most 0.3% by average area ratio, and a melting point of at least 1470° C., is obtained by using metal carbonates, oxides or hydroxides, and reacting them with citric acid in an aqueous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Seimi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Munakata, Kenji Furuya, Masaharu Hatano, Yoshinori Fujie, Manabu Suhara
  • Patent number: 7368068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sulfonic group-containing polyarylene block copolymer superior to the perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymers in cost, conductive properties and proccessability, a process for producing the copolymer, a solid polymer electrolyte and a proton conductive membrane. The sulfonic group-containing polyarylene block copolymer includes a polymer segment with an ion conductive component represented by the formula (A) and at least one polymer segment without an ion conductive component represented by the formulae (B-1), (B-3) and the like and containing an aromatic ring bonded at the meta-positions or ortho-positions: wherein X is a single bond, —CO—, —SO2— or the like; W is a single bond, —CO—, —SO2— or the like; Q is a single bond, —O—, —S— or the like; J is a single bond, —CO—, —SO2— or the like; and R1 to R24 are each a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, an alkyl group or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: JSR Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Okada, Mayumi Shinoda, Kimihiko Yoshii, Yousuke Konno, Toshihiro Otsuki, Kohei Goto
  • Patent number: 7361430
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a carbon nanotube (SWNT)-polymer composite actuator and method to make such actuator. A series of uniform composites was prepared by dispersing purified single wall nanotubes with varying weight percents into a polymer matrix, followed by solution casting. The resulting nanotube-polymer composite was then successfully used to form a nanotube polymer actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas Gennett, Ryne P. Raffaelle, Brian J. Landi, Michael J. Heben
  • Patent number: 7354531
    Abstract: A composition for use as a polymer electrolyte, wherein said composition includes one or more polar materials and one or more polyesters of formula III, wherein each unit A may be identical or different and is of the structure IV, wherein each unit B may be identical or different and is of the structure V, wherein R and R1 are each, independently, hydrogen, optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or an inert functional group; a process for preparing said composition; the use of said composition as a polymer electrolyte in coulometers, displays, smart windows, cells or batteries; and a cell and/or battery having said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Wynham Henry Boon, Thomas Clayton Forschner, David Eric Gwyn, James R. MacCallum, Christopher John Smith, Michael John Smith
  • Patent number: 7344801
    Abstract: An electrochemical device such as a battery and a fuel cell having two electrolytes between the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical device is preferably arranged with an alkaline electrolyte in contact with the anode and an acidic electrolyte in contact with the cathode. The electrolytes are separated by a bipolar membrane that preferably also provides ionic conductivity between the two electrolytes and also generates a supply of protons and hydroxide anions. The electrochemical device achieves fifty percent higher operating voltage and power compared to fuel cells with a single electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Shao-An Cheng, Kwong-Yu Chan
  • Patent number: 7306867
    Abstract: A material such as imidazole (nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound), which has at least one lone pair, is dispersed in a basic solid polymer such as polybenzimidazole. The mole number of imidazole per gram of polybenzimidazole is less than 0.0014 mol, preferably less than 0.0006 mol. The basic solid polymer is impregnated with an acidic inorganic liquid such as phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid to prepare a proton conductive solid polymer electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruaki Komiya
  • Patent number: 7307772
    Abstract: A method of producing an electrochromic device, includes the steps of: providing a first electron conducting layer on a substrate, providing a working electrode in communication with the first electron conducting layer, providing an ion conducting layer in communication with the working electrode, providing an ion storage electrode in communication with the ion conducting layer, and providing a second electron conducting layer in communication with the ion storage electrode, wherein at least one and less than all of the providing steps include(s) plasma chemical vapor deposition. An electrochromic device produced by the method of the invention is disclosed, as is an apparatus adapted to perform the method of the invention, including plasma CVD devices and vacuum sputtering devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Diwakar Garg, Philip Bruce Henderson
  • Patent number: 7282291
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming a water-free electrolyte membrane useful in fuel cells. Also provided is a water-free electrolyte membrane comprising a quaternized amine salt including poly-4-vinylpyridinebisulfate, a poly-4-vinylpyridinebisulfate silica composite, and a combination thereof and a fuel cell comprising the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Shiao-Pin S. Yen
  • Patent number: 7273682
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte including a composition represented by Formula 1 below is provided: aLi2O-bB2O3-cM-dX (1) wherein M is at least one selected from the group consisting of TiO2, V2O5, WO3, and Ta2O5; X is at least one selected from LiCl and Li2SO4; 0.4<a<0.55; 0.4<b<0.55; 0.02<c<0.05; a+b+c=1, and 0?d<0.2. A method for preparing the solid electrolyte and a battery using the solid electrolyte are also provided. The solid electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity. Lithium and thin film batteries using the solid electrolyte are improved in charge/discharge rate, power output, and cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-sin Park, Jong-heun Lee, Young-gu Jin, Seok-soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7270913
    Abstract: To offer excellent hermeticity inside a battery having high productivity and being covered with package members by means of solving a problem such as sealing failures caused by gaps between sides of lead electrodes and the package members in sealing parts, in which the lead electrode to be disposed. During a step of sealing between ends of the package members and the lead electrodes by fusing the sealing members, or during a step of adhering the fused sealing members to the lead electrodes, stripping sheets made of a material such that the fused sealing members does not adhere to heaters, are inserted between the package members, or the sealing members and the heaters. Accordingly, even if the fused sealing members are forced out from ends of the package members, or leaked toward the outside, the sealing members does not adhere to surfaces of the heaters or crumble their shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sugiyama, Tatsuo Onozaki, Takashi Ono
  • Patent number: 7264902
    Abstract: A battery system of the present invention includes one or more cell groups, each having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a solid electrolyte layer, and one or more heat mediating structures adjacent to the cell groups. The cell groups and the heat mediating structures are alternately stacked. A solid electrolyte is applied to the electrolyte layer. The respective cell groups have a thin plate shape, and adjacent thereto, the heat mediating structures are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Horie, Yasuhiko Ohsawa
  • Publication number: 20070202400
    Abstract: An all-solid battery having a high output power, exhibiting high safety, and capable of being produced at a low cost is provided. The all-solid battery (8) includes an internal electrode body (6) having a cathode (1) comprising a cathode material, an anode (2) comprising an anode material, and a solid electrolyte layer (3) comprising a solid electrolyte, the cathode material, the anode material, and the solid electrolyte being phosphoric acid compounds, the internal electrode body (6) being integrated by firing the cathode (1), anode (2), and solid electrolyte layer (3), and the internal electrode body (6) containing water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicants: NGK Insulators, Ltd., Kyushu University
    Inventors: Toshihiro YOSHIDA, Hiroyuki Katsukawa, Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Shigeto Okada