Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery. The battery maintains an electrical connection between electrodes without using a firm case and can have an increased energy density at a reduced thickness while exhibiting excellent charge and discharge characteristics. The battery includes a plurality of electrode laminates each having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode active material layer and a positive electrode current collector. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer and a negative electrode current collector. This separator is impregnated with a lithium ion-containing electrolytic solution and is interposed between the electrodes in intimate contact. The positive electrode, negative electrode and separator are joined together in intimate contact with porous adhesive resin layers having through holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film of non-protonic electrolyte and electrolyte-immobilized liquid-film conductor, easily produced into a thin film and to have a large area, securely holding the non-protonic electrolytic solution over a wide temperature range, and showing stability for extended periods and improved mechanical strength. They comprise a polyolefin film with a solvent-resistant polyolefin as the basic component, which is impregnated with the non-protonic electrolytic solution to immobilize it. The polyolefin composition for the film contains a terminal-modified polypropylene having, in the terminal chain, a functional group showing an affinity for the solvent for the electrolytic solution for the thin film of non-protonic electrolyte, and further contains an electron-conductive substance in addition to the terminal-modified polypropylene for the electrolyte-immobilized liquid-film conductor. As a result, the polyolefin film stably holds the solvent for the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique for enhancing an ionic conductivity of a polymer electrolyte composition composed of a matrix polymer containing at its backbone or side chain a Lewis base functional group; and a metal salt containing a metal ion and a counter ion; and optionally a plasticizer by mixing a promoter polymer therein. The promoter polymer contains a hydrogen-bond-forming functional group. The hydrogen-bond-forming functional group forms a hydrogen bond with said Lewis base functional group, creating an enhanced basicity of said Lewis base functional group and/or a reduced crystallinity of said matrix polymer, so that said ionic conductivity is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded solid electrolyte and molded electrode having excellent electrochemical properties and high procesability. As a binder for these molded articles, a hydrogenated block copolymer is used which is obtained by hydrogenating a straight chain or branched block copolymer containing a block (A) comprising polybutadiene whose 1,2-vinyl bond content is 15% or less and a block (B) comprising a butadiene (co)polymer consisting of 50 to 100% by weight of butadiene and 0 to 50% by weight of other monomers in which 1,2-vinyl bond content of butadiene portion is 20 to 90%, wherein (A)/(B)=5 to 70/95 to 30% by weight.

Abstract: A solid battery using a solid electrolyte obtained by dissolving a tetrafunctional high-molecular compound and an electrolyte salt in a solvent and crosslinking the solution by the irradiation of an actinic radiation and/or by heating, wherein the solid electrolyte is one obtained by using a tetrafunctional terminal acryloyl-modified alkylene oxide polymer having a high-molecular chain represented by following formula (I) as the above-described tetrafunctional high-molecular compound, compounding the solvent with the polymer at a ratio of from 220 to 1,900% by weight to the above-described tetrafunctional high-molecular compound, and crosslinking the compounded mixture: wherein R1 and R2 each represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; m and n each represents 0 or an integer of at least 1; in one high-molecular chain, m+n≧35.

Abstract: In an air-metal fuel cell battery (FCB) system, wherein metal-fuel tape, the ionically-conductive medium and the cathode structures are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points at which the ionically-conductive medium contacts the moving cathode structure and the moving metal-fuel tape during discharging and recharging modes of operation. In a first generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as an ionically-conductive belt, and the metal-fuel tape, ionically-conductive belt, and movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points which the ionically-conducing belt contacts the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure during system operation. In a second generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state (e.g. gelatinous) film layer integrated with the metal-fuel tape.

Abstract: A multi-phase solid electrolyte ion transport membrane comprising at least two phases wherein one of the phases comprises an oxygen ion single conductive material, or a mixed conductor. The other phase comprises an electronically-conductive metal or metal oxide that is incorporated into the membrane by deposition of the metal or metal oxide from a polymer made by polymerizing a chelated metal dispersion in a polymerizable organic monomer or prepolymer. The multi-phase composition advantageously comprises a first phase of a ceramic material and a second phase of a metal or metal oxide bound to a surface of the ceramic material. The multi-phase composition is advantageously prepared in an in-situ fashion before fabricating the membrane matrix. As another alternative, a preformed ceramic matrix is surface-coated with a metal or metal oxide.

Abstract: An ion-conducting polyelectrolyte moldable and flexible even at low temperatures is disclosed, comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and an ionic salt, the (meth)acrylic polymer comprising (A) 20 to 100 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylic monomer represented by formula (I): CH2═C(R1)COO—R2—R3  (I) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents an alkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and R3 represents (XR4)nXR5, wherein X represents —O— or —S—; R4 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 20; and R5 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, (B) 0 to 80 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylic monomer represented by formula (II): CH2═C(R1)COO—R6  (II) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R6 represents an alkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and (C) 0 to 30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of comp

Abstract: An electrolyte containing at least one of dihalodicarbonyl compounds, in which hydrogen atoms of a methylene group between the two carbonyl groups are substituted with halogen atoms, and an electric energy generator comprising the electrolyte, an active material for positive electrode and an active material for negative electrode. The electrolyte has high polarity, high resistance to oxidation and flame retardance, and thus possesses excellent characteristics as the electrolyte for electric energy generators.

Abstract: A polyelectrolytic battery wherein a porous film having a polyelectrolyte impregnated into its cavities is interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the porous film having a porosity of not less than 80% and the polyelectrolyte impregnated therein at a ratio of 20 to 90% by volume of the cavities thereof. Another polyelectrolytic battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode including a carbon material, and a polyelectrolytic film interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, the positive and negative electrodes each containing a polyelectrolyte composed of a high polymer having a polystyrene main chain and a side chain of polyethlene oxide and a lithium salt.

Abstract: An organic electrolyte containing an organic solvent mixture and a lithium (Li) salt, and a lithium secondary cell adopting the electrolyte. The organic electrolyte contains the organic solvent mixture comprising a solvent having a high dielectric constant, a solvent having a low viscosity and a compound expressed by the following chemical formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 linear or cyclic alkyl, and x is an integer from 1 to 4. The organic electrolyte for a lithium secondary cell is improved in ion conductivity, low-temperature storage characteristics, and a wide potential window region. Also, the lithium salt may be a mixture of inorganic lithium salts and organic lithium salts.

Abstract: In a rechargeable lithium battery including inter alia a lithium anode, a lithium ion reducible cathode bonded with a polymer, as well as a polymer electrolyte, potassium ions are introduced either in the cathode or in the electrolyte, or in both of them at the same time, so that potassium is distributed in the cathode and the electrolyte when the generator has reached equilibrium. This has the effect of stabilizing the performances of the battery during cycling in terms of energy and power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing polymer electrolytes for rechargeable lithium intercalation cells which contain a dissociable lithium salt dispersed in a polymeric matrix, the polymeric matrix being a self-supporting film of a copolymer of vinylidene difluoride and hexafluoropropylene, in which the plasticizer is exchanged for a solution of the dissociable lithium salt, so that the polymeric electrolyte 20 to 70 wt % of the solution of the dissociable lithium salt, and is characterized in that a plasticizer is used which is stable under the electrochemical conditions of a rechargeable lithium intercalation cell and is selected from the group consisting of hexylene carbonate, octylene carbonate or tributyl phosphate.

Abstract: Electrolytic solutions containing a malonate ester having no alpha-carbon hydrogen atoms are disclosed. The electrolytic solutions can be used in lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A nonaqueous polymer cell according to the present invention contains a lithium ion conductive polymer having a porosity in the range of 10% to 80%. In the cell of the present invention, the electrolyte is held not only in the pores of the microporous polymer but also within the polymer itself. Consequently, lithium ions can move not only through the pores of the microporous polymer film but through the polymer itself. The cell of the present invention, which contains a microporous polymer having interconnected pores, shows greatly improved high-rate charge/discharge characteristics especially when the microporous polymer is used in combination with an electrode comprising an active material which expands and contracts upon charge and discharge, because volume changes of the active material cause flows of the electrolyte through the pores of the microporous polymer and the flows carry lithium ions.

Abstract: Novel fluorinated boron-based compounds which act as anion receptors in non-aqueous battery electrolytes are provided. When added to non-aqueous battery electrolytes, the fluorinated boron-based compounds of the invention enhance ionic conductivity and cation transference number of non-aqueous electrolytes. The fluorinated boron-based anion receptors include borane and borate compounds bearing different fluorinated alkyl and aryl groups.

Abstract: An ion-conductive polymer electrolyte comprises an organic polymer, a soluble electrolyte salt and an organic solvent. The organic polymer is a compound obtained by crosslinking an organic compound having an average molecular weight of 500 to 50,000 and a structure of the following general formula 1,Z--[(E).sub.m --(A).sub.n --Y].sub.k 1in which Z is a residue of a compound having at least one active hydrogen; Y is an active hydrogen group or polymerizable functional group; k is an integer of 1 to 12; E is a structure of the following general formula 2, ##STR1## wherein p is an integer of 0 to 25 and R is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; A is --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O)--; m is an integer of 1 to 220; n is an integer of 1 to 240 and m+n.gtoreq.4; and E and A are random-copolymerized. The organic solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolan, 4,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan, .gamma.

Abstract: Rechargeable generator consisting of an anode of an alkali metal or a malleable alkali alloy, at least one polymer electrolyte which is conductive with respect to alkali cations and acts as separator, as well as at least one cathode which is reversible to cations of alkali metal and its current collector. The anode comprises a thin metallic sheet, which includes at the surface thereof a passivation film SEI capable of limiting reaction between the metal and the polymer electrolyte and to exchange lithium ions. The polymer electrolyte comprises a homogeneous separator which is capable of transmitting a pressure on the anode to resist against the dendridic strain of the metal of the anode by undergoing a rate of deformation lower than 35% of its thickness.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a solid electrolyte containing an alkane multifunctional acrylate polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, and preferably a viscosifier, as well as, electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.

Abstract: A flame retardant solid electrolyte comprising an ion conductive polymer matrix having moieties capable of imparting flame retardance to the polymer matrix and ether bonds in the molecule and an electrolyte salt dispersed in the polymer matrix. The flame retardant solid electrolyte may be one which comprises a non-ion-conductive polymer matrix and a liquid electrolyte consisting of an electrolyte salt dissolved in a solvent therefor, which is dispersed in the polymer matrix. The flame retardance-imparting moieties are derived from halogen or phosphorus-bearing compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to thin film solid state electrochemical cells consisting of a lithium metal anode, a polymer electrolyte and a cathode, where the lithium anode has been stabilized with a polymer film capable of transmitting lithium ions. Methods for making battery cells using the anode stabilizing films of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a nonaqueous electrolyte element for use in secondary battery cells which comprises an effective lithium stripping enhancing amount of one or more soluble materials, such as a lithium polysulfide, which increases the lithium stripping efficiency. Also provided is a secondary lithium battery cell comprising said nonaqueous electrolyte element. Such a nonaqueous electrolyte element can be advantageously used in the manufacture of secondary electric-current producing cell elements, and provides many advantages in achieving extended cycle life and increased safety of secondary lithium batteries.

Abstract: Cells, especially solid state rechargeable lithium ion-containing cells having significantly improved cell shelf-life, cycle life and reduced impedance growth. A non-cathode active lithium compound containing one or more non-metallic elements, such as Li.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and Li.sub.2 B.sub.4 O.sub.7, substantially insoluble in the non-aqueous electrolyte of the cell, is dispersed throughout the cathode and is further dispersed within at least one of the anode and separator.

Abstract: Composite layered solid or semi-solid state polymeric electrolytes which contain at least a first layer which is a tough, mechanically strong adhesive layer which is non-reactive with alkali metal and preferably polyalkylene oxide based such as PEO, which is applied to an anode, and a second layer applied to a cathode which is a moist, adhesive layer which may be reactive with alkali metal, is loaded with aprotic liquids and alkali metal salts which activates the first layer and maintains the cell integrity.

Abstract: An ionically conductive material which contains at least one ionic compound in solution in an aprotic solvent, wherein the ionic compound is selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formulae (1/mM).sup.61 ((ZY)2N).sup..crclbar., (1/mM).sup..sym. ((ZY).sub.3 C).sup..crclbar., or (1/mM).sup..sym. ((ZY).sub.2 CQ).sup..crclbar., wherein M, Z, Y and Q are as defined herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a safety feature for batteries comprising an integrated series of lithium-ion bi-cells. Each individual bi-cell comprises, sequentially, an anode, a film separator, a cathode, a film separator, and an anode. When multiple bi-cells are joined within a single package an insulator element, preferably an electrolyte permeable insulator element, is placed between anode elements of adjoining bi-cells. This insulator element appears to restrict internal shorting during crushing of the battery, thus avoiding undesirable effects of shorting such as thermal run-away and producing a safer battery.

Abstract: Improved polymer batteries and improved methods of manufacturing such polymer batteries are provided. One improved method of manufacture involves the formation of a laminated array structure that includes a number of individual battery cells. After formation of the laminated array the individual batteries are singulated from the array by cutting, shearing or stamping. Other manufacturing improvements include the use of a printing process (e.g. stenciling) to form the cathodes, the use of permanent mask layers to contain and insulate the cathodes and anodes, and the use of a molten lithium deposition process for forming the anodes.