Abstract: A unique discontinuous cathode sheet structure is incorporated within thin-film electrochemical halfcells and full cells. A thin-film electrochemical cell structure includes a cathode sheet layer comprising a series of discontinuous cathode sheets. In a monoface configuration, each of the cathode sheets includes one cathode layer in contact with a current collector layer. In a biface configuration, each of the cathode sheets includes a pair of cathode layers each contacting a current collector layer. A gap is defined between adjacent ones of the cathode sheets. A solid electrolyte layer contacts a surface of one or both cathode layers, depending on the configuration, and extends across the gaps defined between the adjacent cathode sheets. The cathode sheets may be arranged in a number of rows to define a matrix of the cathode sheets.

Abstract: A proton conductor mainly contains a carbonaceous material derivative, such as, a fullerene derivative, a carbon cluster derivative, or a tubular carbonaceous material derivative in which groups capable of transferring protons, for example, —OH groups or —OSO3H groups are introduced to carbon atoms of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is produced typically by compacting a powder of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is usable, even in a dry state, in a wide temperature range including ordinary temperature. In particular, the proton conductor mainly containing the carbon cluster derivative is advantageous in increasing the strength and extending the selection range of raw materials. An electrochemical device, such as, a fuel cell, that employs the proton conductor is not limited by atmospheric conditions and can be of a small and simple construction.

Abstract: A wireless communication architecture (100) includes a first wireless communication system (123) operating in the vicinity of a second wireless communication system (173). A System Locator (155) provides at least one operational parameter (330) of the first wireless communication system (123) to at least one dual-mode wireless subscriber communication unit (172) when operating in said second wireless communication system (173) via said second wireless communication system (173). The operational parameter (330) is based on a determined location of the at least one dual-mode wireless subscriber communication unit (172) for use by the at least one dual-mode wireless subscriber communication unit (172) in searching for and/or switching its operation to the first wireless communication system (123). The first system may be a TETRA or iDEN system and the second system may be a GSM system.

Abstract: A battery (100) comprises a cell having a cathode compartment (120) that includes an element that is oxidized during charging of the battery (100), wherein the oxidized element forms a salt with an acid and thereby increases the H+ concentration in the cathode compartment (120) sufficient to promote an H+ flux into the anode compartment (110) across the separator (130), wherein the H+ flux across the separator (130) is sufficient to disintegrate a zinc dendrite proximal to the separator (130).

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition comprising from 20 to 99% by weight, based on the composition, of at least one non-functionalized polymer as matrix and from 80 to 1% by weight, based on the composition, of at least one inorganic or organic low-molecular-weight solid or at least one inorganic or organic polymeric solid, each of which is capable of taking up and releasing protons, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A secondary cell employs a non-aqueous electrolyte solution including a non-aqueous solvent and a salt, and a flame retardant material that is a liquid at room temperature and pressure and substantially immiscible in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution is formed by dissolving a salt, preferably an alkali metal salt, in a non-aqueous solvent. The non-aqueous solvent preferably includes a cyclic carbonate and/or a linear carbonate. The cyclic carbonate preferably contains an alkylene group with 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and the linear carbonate preferably contains a hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Preferred salts include LiPF6 and LiBF4 at a concentration from about 0.1 to about 3.0 moles/liter in the non-aqueous solvent.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrochemical cell is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a negative pole layer and a positive pole layer one with the other or with an optional layer interposed therebetween. The pole layers and the optional layer therebetween are selected so as to self-form an interfacial separator layer between the pole layers upon such contacting.

Abstract: A non-perfluoropolymer is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group and optionally at least one additional polymer. Preferably, the polymers are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolyte for an electrochemical device. This electrolyte includes a first compound that is an ionic metal complex represented by the general formula (1); and at least one compound selected from special second to fourth compounds, fifth to ninth compounds respectively represented by the general formulas Aa+(PF6−)a, Aa+(ClO4−)a, Aa+(BF4−)a, Aa+(AsF6−)a, and Aa+(SbF6−)a, and special tenth to twelfth compounds, The electrolyte is superior in cycle characteristics and shelf life as compared with conventional electrolytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolyte for an electrochemical device. This electrolyte includes a first compound that is an ionic metal complex represented by the general formula (1). The electrolyte may further include at least one compound selected from second to sixth compounds respectively represented by the general formulas Aa+(PF6−)a, Aa+(ClO4−)a, Aa+(BF4−)a, Aa+(AsF6−)a, and Aa+(SbF6−)a, and special seventh to twelfth compounds. The electrolyte can be superior in heat resistance, hydrolysis resistance, cycle characteristics and shelf life as compared with conventional electrolytes.

Abstract: A proton conductor mainly contains a carbonaceous material derivative, such as, a fullerene derivative, a carbon cluster derivative, or a tubular carbonaceous material derivative in which groups capable of transferring protons, for example, —OH groups or —OSO3H groups are introduced to carbon atoms of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is produced typically by compacting a powder of the carbonaceous material derivative. The proton conductor is usable, even in a dry state, in a wide temperature range including ordinary temperature. In particular, the proton conductor mainly containing the carbon cluster derivative is advantageous in increasing the strength and extending the selection range of raw materials. An electrochemical device, such as, a fuel cell, that employs the proton conductor is not limited by atmospheric conditions and can be of a small and simple construction.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte cell in which oxidative decomposition of electrolyte components is suppressed to maintain the superior cell performance. The solid electrolyte includes a negative electrode 9 having a negative electrode current collector 7 and a negative electrode active material 8, a positive electrode 12 having a positive electrode current collector 10 and a positive electrode active material 11 and a solid electrolyte 13 arranged between the negative electrode 9 and the positive electrode 12 and which is comprised of an electrolyte salt dispersed in a matrix polymer. A diene compound is contained in at least one of the positive electrode 12 and the solid electrolyte 13.

Abstract: A composite comprises at least one first layer which includes a composite comprising (a) from 1 to 99% by weight of a solid (I) with a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 100 &mgr;m or a mixture made from at least two solids, (b) from 99 to 1% by weight of a polymeric binder (II) obtainable by polymerizing b1) from 5 to 100% by weight, based on the binder (II), of a condensation product III made from at least one compound IV which is capable of reacting with a carboxylic acid or with a sulfonic acid or with a derivative or with a mixture of two or more of these, and at least one mol per mole of compound IV of a carboxylic or sulfonic acid V which has at least one functional group capable of free-radical polymerization, or of a derivative of these or of a mixture of two or more of these and b2) from 0 to 95% by weight, based on the binder (II), of another compound VII with an average molecular weight (number average) of at least 5000 having polyether segments in a main or side chain, where the at lea

Abstract: An ionic conducting device comprising a nanostructured material layer. The nanostructured layer has a microstructure confined to a size less than 100 nm. The ion conductivity of the nanostructured layer is higher than the ion conductivity of a layer of equivalent composition and size having a micron-sized microstructure. Nano-ionic compositions taught include ceramics, polymers, lithium containing compounds, sodium containing compounds, ion defect structures, silver containing compounds, Applications of nano-ionics to fuel cells, sensors, batteries, electrochemical devices, electrocatalysts are taught.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a thin film solid electrolyte including lithium ion conductive inorganic substance. The thin film solid electrolyte has thickness of 20 &mgr;m or below and is formed directly on an electrode material or materials for the positive electrode and/or the negative electrode. The thin film solid electrolyte has lithium ion conductivity of 10−5 Scm−1 or over and contains lithium ion conductive inorganic substance powder in an amount of 40 weight % or over in a polymer medium. The average particle diameter of the inorganic substance powder is 0.5 &mgr;m or below. According to a method for manufacturing the lithium ion secondary battery, the thin film solid electrolyte is formed by coating the lithium ion conductive inorganic substance directly on the electrode material or materials for the positive electrode and/or the negative electrode.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a lithium secondary battery of high output. According to the present invention, there is provided a lithium secondary battery having a positive electrode and a negative electrode which reversibly intercalate and deintercalate lithium and an electrolyte containing an ion conductive material and an electrolytic salt, where said electrolyte contains an electrolytic salt and a boron-containing compound represented by the following formula (1) or a polymer thereof, or a copolymer of the compounds of the following formulas (2) and (3).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a lithium secondary battery of high output. According to the present invention, there is provided a lithium secondary battery having a positive electrode and a negative electrode which reversibly intercalate and deintercalate lithium and an electrolyte containing an ion conductive material and an electrolytic salt, where said electrolyte contains an electrolytic salt and a boron-containing compound represented by the following formula (1) or a polymer thereof, or a copolymer of the compounds of the following formulas (2) and (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing lithium complex salts and their intermediaries and to the use of these in electrolytes.

Abstract: A battery includes an anode comprising a metal, a cathode comprising an active oxygen species, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein oxidation of the metal and reduction of the active oxygen species provides the current of the battery.

Abstract: A polymer battery is provided with a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode active material layer placed in opposition to the positive electrode active material layer, a polymer electrolyte layer disposed between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, and a distance defining member included in the polymer electrolyte layer to define a distance between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer.

Abstract: A composite comprising: A) at least one separator layer Aa which comprises a mixture Ia, comprising a mix IIa consisting of: (a) from 1 to 95% by weight of a solid III having a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 20 &mgr;m; and (b) from 5 to 99% by weight of a polymeric composition IV; B) at least one cathode layer B which comprises an electron-conducting, electrochemically active compound which is able to release lithium ions on charging, and C) at least one anode layer C which comprises an electron-conducting, electrochemical compound which is able to take up lithium ions on charging.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition comprising a polymer compound formed by polymerizing an ionic liquid crystal monomer containing at least one polymerizable group. Also disclosed are an electrochemical cell, a nonaqueous secondary cell and a photoelectrochemical cell, each comprising the electrolyte composition.

Abstract: Polymer solid electrolytes with good film strength, high ionic conductivity and excellent processability are provided, comprising a resin composition for polymer solid electrolytes containing 0.5-5.0% by weight of a curable resin having a specific structure (A), a plasticizer and (B) an electrolyte (C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical element, specifically an electrochemical element with improved energy density comprising multiply stacked electrochemical cells. In order to achieve such objects, the present invention provides an electrochemical element comprising electrochemical cells which are multiply stacked, said electrochemical cells formed by stacking full cells having a cathode, a separator layer, and an anode sequentially as a basic unit, and a separator film interposed between each stacked full cell wherein, said separator film has a unit length which is determined to wrap the electrochemical cells and folds inward every unit length to wrap each electrochemical cell starting from the center electrochemical cell to the outermost electrochemical cell continuously.

Abstract: Novel conductive polyanionic polymers and methods for their preparion are provided. The polyanionic polymers comprise repeating units of weakly-coordinating anionic groups chemically linked to polymer chains. The polymer chains in turn comprise repeating spacer groups. Spacer groups can be chosen to be of length and structure to impart desired electrochemical and physical properties to the polymers. Preferred embodiments are prepared from precursor polymers comprising the Lewis acid borate tri-coordinated to a selected ligand and repeating spacer groups to form repeating polymer chain units. These precursor polymers are reacted with a chosen Lewis base to form a polyanionic polymer comprising weakly coordinating anionic groups spaced at chosen intervals along the polymer chain. The polyanionic polymers exhibit high conductivity and physical properties which make them suitable as solid polymeric electrolytes in lithium batteries, especially secondary lithium batteries.

Abstract: Thin films of inexpensive composite polymer electrolyte membranes containing inorganic cation exchange materials including various clay based fillers are fabricated by solution casting. The membranes exhibit higher ion exchange capacity, proton conductivity and/or lower gas crossover. In general, the composite membranes exhibit excellent physicochemical properties and superior fuel cell performance in hydrogen oxygen fuel cells.

Abstract: A lithium polymer secondary battery which comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and polymer electrolyte layers united respectively with the two electrodes and differing in viscoelastic behavior. In this battery, conformation to the expansion and shrinkage accompanying charge/discharge is easy and the interfacial resistance between each electrode and the polymer electrolyte is kept low.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery which comprises:

Abstract: Graphite sheeting having a thickness of less than 250 micrometers and in-plane conductivity of at least 100 S/cm when employed as a cathode current collector in a lithium or lithium ion cell containing a fluorinated lithium imide or methide electrolyte salt imparts high thermal resistance, excellent electrochemical stability, and surprisingly high capacity retention at high rates of discharge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte capable of obtaining an excellent quality of electrolyte, and a battery using the electrolyte. A battery device in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked with a separator being interposed therebetween is enclosed inside an exterior member. The separator is impregnated with an electrolyte. The electrolyte contains a high polymer, a plasticizer, a lithium and at least either carboxylic acid or carboxylate. Therefore, when preparing a high polymer by means of polymerization of monomers, the polymerization of monomers can be smoothly processed even if there is a factor for inhibiting reaction such as copper. As a result, the amount of non-reacted monomers remained in the electrolyte can be suppressed to be extremely small. Therefore, decomposition and reaction of monomers are suppressed even after repeating charging/discharging, so that the deterioration in the charging/discharging efficiency and the charging/discharging characteristic can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery comprising preparing a positive electrode (3) where a positive electrode active material (7) is joined with a positive electrode collector (6), a negative electrode (5) where a negative electrode active material (9) is joined with a negative electrode collector (10), and a separator (4) for retaining the electrolytes including lithium ions, being arranged between the positive electrode (3) and the negative electrode (5), the process of supplying adhesive solution applied on the separator with a second solvent different from a first solvent after applying the adhesive resin solution, where adhesive resin (11) is dissolved in the above first solvent, to the separator (4), and the process of forming an electrode laminate by sticking the positive electrode (3) and the negative electrode (5) to the separator (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to an tonically conductive material, to its preparation and to its uses. The material includes at least one ionic compound in solution in an aprotic solvent, chosen from the compounds (1/mM)+[(ZY)2N]−, (1/mM)+[(ZY)3C]− and (1/mM)+[(ZY)2CQ]−, in which Y denotes SO2 or POZ, Q denotes —H, —COZ or Z, each substituent Z independently denotes a fluorine atom or an optionally perfluorinated organic group which optionally contains at least one polymerizable functional group, at least one of the substituents Z denoting a fluorine atom, and M denotes a cation. Application to electrochemical generators, supercapacities, to the doping of polymers and to electrochromic devices.

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.

Abstract: A solid molecular composite polymer-based electrolyte is made for batteries, wherein silicate compositing produces a electrolytic polymer with a semi-rigid silicate condensate framework, and then mechanical-stabilization by radiation of the outer surface of the composited material is done to form a durable and non-tacky texture on the electrolyte. The preferred ultraviolet radiation produces this desirable outer surface by creating a thin, shallow skin of crosslinked polymer on the composite material. Preferably, a short-duration of low-medium range ultraviolet radiation is used to crosslink the polymers only a short distance into the polymer, so that the properties of the bulk of the polymer and the bulk of the molecular composite material remain unchanged, but the tough and stable skin formed on the outer surface lends durability and processability to the entire composite material product.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte containing (I) a crosslinked material obtainable by crosslinking a composition containing (i) a polyether copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight within a range from 105 to 107 and having 5 to 95 mol % of repeating unit derived from a glycidyl compound, and 95 to 5 mol % of repeating unit derived from ethylene oxide, (ii) a crosslinking agent selected from organic peroxides and azo compounds, and (iii) a crosslinking aid which is an organic compound having a carbon-carbon double bond and an imide group, (II) an electrolyte salt compound, and (III) a plasticizer, is excellent in mechanical properties and ionic conductivity.

Abstract: Provided are a polymeric electrolyte or a nonaqueous electrolyte that can improve a transport rate of charge carrier ions by adding a compound having boron atoms in the structure, preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following general formulas (1) to (4), and an electric device such as a cell or the like using the same. wherein R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R21, R22, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R31, R32, R33, R34, R35, R36, R37, R38, R39, R310, R41, R42, R43, R44, R45, R46, R47, R48, R49, R410, R411 and R412 each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a monovalent group, or represent groups bound to each other to form a ring, and Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd each represent a group having a site capable of being bound to boron atoms which are the same or different.

Abstract: A gel composition comprising a reversible gelling agent, an irreversible gelling agent, an electrolyte salt and a solvent for the electrolyte salt; a preparation process for the gel composition which comprises a first step of heating a gel mixture of a reversible gelling agent, an irreversible gelling agent, an electrolyte salt and a solvent for the electrolyte salt to a first temperature region at which the reversible gelling agent functions, to transform the gel into sol and molding the sol into a desired shape; and a second step of heating the sol to a second temperature region at which the irreversible gelling agent functions, to gel irreversibly; and a gel electrolyte composition comprising the above-described gel composition and a process for the preparation thereof. The gel composition can be handled as a solid electrolyte, can be adhered closely with the surface of an electrode and can be used as an electrochemical element in a desired shape.

Abstract: All-solid-state electrochemical cells and batteries employing very thin film, highly conductive polymeric electrolyte and very thin electrode structures are disclosed, along with economical and high-speed methods of manufacturing. A preferred embodiment is a rechargeable lithium polymer electrolyte battery. New polymeric electrolytes employed in the devices are strong yet flexible, dry and non-tacky. The new, thinner electrode structures have strength and flexibility characteristics very much like thin film capacitor dielectric material that can be tightly wound in the making of a capacitor. A wide range of polymers, or polymer blends, characterized by high ionic conductivity at room temperature, and below, are used as the polymer base material for making the solid polymer electrolytes. The preferred polymeric electrolyte is a cationic conductor. In addition to the polymer base material, the polymer electrolyte compositions exhibit a conductivity greater than 1×10−4 S/cm at 25° C.

Abstract: A secondary battery having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator that is arranged between the two electrodes. A porous adhesive resin layer has through holes and the resin layer is formed between the separator and one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode to bond the separator to the one of positive and negative electrodes.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte produced using a layer-by layer (LBL) assembly process. The solid electrolyte is assembled on a substrate by alternating exposure to dilute solutions of polycation and polyanion or hydrogen-bonding donor and hydrogen-bonding acceptor. Ethylene oxide content is introduced into the LBL film by 1) covalent grafting onto a polyionic species, 2) inclusion of an ethylene oxide (e.g. PEO) polymer as one of the two component species of a LBL assembly, or 3) the addition of ethylene oxide-containing small molecule, oligomer, or polymer to a fully assembled LBL polymer matrix. The prepared films were to be ultrathin SPE films with sound mechanical properties and ion conductivity to meet the needs of current applications, such as batteries, fuels cells, sensors and electrochromic devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for fabricating solid-state alkaline polymer Zn-air battery, which consists of a zinc-gel anode, an air cathode electrode, and alkaline polymer electrolyte. The formulation of said zinc gel anode is similar to that of alkaline Zn—MnO2 battery. The zinc gel anode contains a mixture of electrolytic dendritic zinc powders, KOH electrolyte, gelling agent and small amount of additives. The air cathode electrode is made by carbon gas diffusion electrode, which comprises two layers, namely gas diffusion layer and active layer. The active layer on the electrolyte side uses a high surface area carbon for oxygen reduction reaction and potassium permanganate and MnO2 as catalysts for oxygen reduction. The diffusion layer on the air side has high PTFE content to prevent KOH electrolyte from weeping or climbing. Due to adequate amount of fresh air and oxygen supply, the air cathode electrode can run continuously.

Abstract: An organic electrolyte electric cell includes a first electrode having the superposition of a first layer containing an electrochemically active material and a porous second layer constituted by a polymeric material and having a free face. A second electrode is provided with a porous layer having at least one free face and containing an electrochemically active material, and the electrodes are assembled by adhesive bonding. The bonding is carried out by coating an adhesive onto the free face of the porous layer of one of the two electrodes and then bringing the free face coated with a film of adhesive into contact with the free face of the porous layer of the other electrode to form an electrochemical couple.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary cell comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a solid electrolyte and a fiber layer provided in an interface between the solid electrolyte and the positive electrode and/or in an interface between the solid electrolyte and the negative electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery comprising a cathode electrode containing a lithium complex oxide; an anode electrode containing metal lithium or its alloy, or carbon material; and a nonaqueous organic electrolyte containing a nonaqueous organic solvent, a lithium salt and an aromatic ether that can react to form dimers or polymers above a certain temperature and voltage and that can be expressed by Formula 1 below: wherein, R1 is independently a single bond or an alkylene group with less than or equal to 2 carbons and R2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with less than or equal to 2 carbons. The lithium secondary battery has the advantage that its characteristics are maintained, even if it is left in its fully charged state at a high temperature for a long time and, at the same time, its reliability and stability have been improved.

Abstract: A lithium secondary cell comprising a safe aqueous-solution electrolyte free from danger of firing and explosion and capable of supplying a high voltage of more than 3 V. The cell includes a positive plate having an active material absorbing/desorbing lithium ions and exhibiting a high voltage, a negative plate having an active material exhibiting a low voltage, a polymer solid electrolyte having a lithium-ionic conductivity, and an aqueous-solution electrolyte. The positive and negative plates are coated with a polymer solid electrolyte having an ionic conductivity and therefore isolated from the aqueous-solution electrolyte by the plate coating layers.

Abstract: A wide range of solid polymer electrolytes characterized by high ionic conductivity at room temperature, and below, are disclosed. These all-solid-state polymer electrolytes are suitable for use in electrochemical cells and batteries. A preferred polymer electrolyte is a cationic conductor which is flexible, dry, non-tacky, and lends itself to economical manufacture in very thin film form. Solid polymer electrolyte compositions which exhibit a conductivity of at least approximately 10−3-10−4 S/cm at 25° C. comprise a base polymer or polymer blend containing an electrically conductive polymer, a metal salt, a finely divided inorganic filler material, and a finely divided ion conductor.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly comprising a composite membrane having a first major surface area and a second major surface area comprising a porous polymeric matrix containing ionically conductive solid and ionomeric binder, at least one protective layer disposed adjacent to the porous polymeric matrix membrane comprising an ionomeric binder and an ionically conductive solid, an anode comprising an oxidizing catalyst adjacent said first major surface area of said composite membrane and a cathode comprising a reducing catalyst adjacent said second major surface area of said composite membrane, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a rechargeable polymer battery. First, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a polymer electrolyte, and a separator film are provided. Then, the positive electrode, negative electrode and separator film are coated with the polymer electrolyte and winded together to form a rechargeable polymer battery. The coating and winding can be conducted simultaneously, or, alternatively, the winding can be conducted after coating.

Abstract: A composite comprises at least one layer which includes a composite comprising (a) from 1 to 99% by weight of a solid (I) with a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 100 &mgr;m or a mixture made from at least two solids, (b) from 99 to 1% by weight of a polymeric binder (II) which includes: (IIa) from 1 to 100% by weight of a polymer or copolymer (IIa) which has, along the chain, terminally and/or laterally, reactive groups (RG) which are capable of crosslinking reactions when exposed to heat and/or UV radiation, and (IIb) from 0 to 99% by weight of at least one polymer or copolymer (IIb) which is free from reactive groups RG, where the at least one layer has been applied to at least one second layer comprising at least one conventional separator.

Abstract: A cathode composition for lithium ion and lithium metal batteries includes a transitional metal oxide, the transitional metal oxide comprising a plurality of compositionally defective crystals. The defective crystals have an enhanced oxygen content as compared to a bulk equilibrium counterpart crystal. An oxygen-rich lithium manganese oxide composition can provide an improved cathode which allows formation of rechargeable batteries having enhanced characteristics. Cathodes can exhibit high capacity (>150 mAh/gm), long cycle life (less than 0.05% capacity loss per cycle for 700 cycles), and high discharge rates (>25 C for a 25% capacity loss).