Abstract: One aspect of the present application relates to a method of synthesizing a thermoplastic polymer. This method includes providing a depolymerized lignin product comprising monomers and oligomers and producing lignin (meth)acrylate monomers and oligomers from the depolymerized lignin product. A thermoplastic lignin (meth)acrylate polymer is then formed by free radical polymerization of the lignin (meth)acrylate monomers and oligomers. The present application also relates to a branched chain thermoplastic lignin (meth)acrylate polymer which includes a chain transfer agent. The thermoplastic lignin based polymers of the present application can be used to prepare carbon fibers, and engineering thermoplastics. Mixtures of lignin (meth)acrylate monomers and oligomers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to solid electrolytes comprising nanowhiskers. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosure relate to solid electrolytes comprising PEO6LiX crystalline complex and nanowhiskers to stabilize the PEO6LiX crystalline complex.

Abstract: There are provided an electrolyte-positive electrode structure which comprises a thin solid electrolyte and can develop excellent capacity and output, and a lithium ion secondary battery comprising the same. An electrolyte-positive electrode structure 7 comprises: a positive electrode 4 comprising a positive electrode active material layer 3 formed on a current collector 2; and a solid electrolyte 6 containing inorganic particles having lithium ion conductivity, an organic polymer, and a polymer gel, in which the organic polymer binds the inorganic particles and can be impregnated with the polymer gel, and the polymer gel holds an electrolyte solution and is impregnated into the organic polymer, wherein the positive electrode active material layer 3 is integrated with the solid electrolyte 6 using the organic polymer as a medium.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a non-aqueous electrolyte battery according to the present invention contains a non-aqueous organic solvent; a solute; and both of difluorobis(oxalato)phosphate and tetrafluoro(oxalate)phosphate as additives. A non-aqueous electrolyte battery according to the present invention uses the above electrolyte. By the composite effect of the difluorobis(oxalato)phosphate and tetrafluoro(oxalate)phosphate in the non-aqueous electrolyte and the non-aqueous electrolyte battery, it is possible to improve not only the cycle characteristics and high-temperature storage stability of the battery but also the low-temperature characteristics of the battery at temperatures of 0° C. or lower.

Abstract: A configuration includes at least three successive layers, the three layers having a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer, and an electrolyte layer situated between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer. At least the electrolyte layer and one of the top electrode layer or the bottom electrode layer have an organic matrix, and the organic matrix of the electrolyte layer has an ionic conductivity in a range of ?10?6 S/cm. Such a configuration is suitable in particular for forming a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and permits simple and cost-effective manufacturing and good adaptability to the desired application.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composition is made by hydrolyzing cellulose in a dissolution media to form a first mixture; then combining said first mixture with an antisolvent to form a precipitate; and then (in any order) separating said precipitate from excess antisolvent and excess dissolution media; optionally adjusting or neutralizing the pH of said precipitate; optionally washing said precipitate with water; combining said precipitate with an electrolyte salt and a hydrophilic polymer to form a wet polymer electrolyte composition; and then drying said wet polymer electrolyte composition to produce a solid polymer electrolyte composition. Solid polymer electrolyte compositions produced by the process, along with films formed therefrom and devices containing the same, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a solid electrolyte which is made of a material having high biocompatibility and which is capable of conducting a large electric current while performing a rectifying function; and an electrochemical element employing the same. The solid electrolyte is formed by stacking a first layer containing an acidic amino acid and a second layer containing a basic amino acid; and the electrochemical element is formed by disposing the solid electrolyte between a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

Abstract: Li-based anodes for use in an electric current producing cells having long life time and high capacity are provided. In certain embodiments, the Li-based anode comprises at least one anode active Li-containing compound and a composition comprising at least one polymer, at least one ionic liquid, and optionally at least one lithium salt. The composition may be located between the at least one Li-containing compound and the catholyte used in the electric current producing cell. In some embodiments, the at least one polymer may be incompatible with the catholyte. This configuration of components may lead to separation between the lithium active material of the anode and the catholyte. Processes for preparing the Li-based anode and to electric current producing cells comprising such an anode are also provided.

Abstract: For utilizing the chemical energy of a sugar directly as electric energy, electrolytic oxidation of a sugar on the negative electrode associated with cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond thereof is employed, thereby generating an electromotive force between the positive electrode and the negative electrode having an electrolyte therebetween. For an efficient oxidation of a sugar, it is effective for the negative electrode to have a component capable of forming a coordination compound with a sugar via a hydroxyl group thereof. Such a component may comprise a metal element capable of forming an amphoteric hydroxide. Use of an oxygen electrode as the positive electrode gives a battery capable of efficiently converting the chemical energy of a sugar into electric energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer electrolyte comprising a polymer, a metal salt and at least one plasticizer or solvent, wherein the polymer is an amphiphilic graft copolymer comprising a backbone carrying hydrophilic and hydrophobic grafts attached to different carbon atoms in the backbone, and further wherein the hydrophobic grafts are selected from the group of fluorinated chains or alkyl chains having at least 8 carbon atoms. The invention also relates to a battery cell comprising a polymer electrolyte and methods of producing a polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery with an electrolyte containing one or more alkai metal salts, one or more non-aqueous solvents and immobilized by a polymer selected from cellulose acetates, cellulose acetate butyrates, cellulose acetate propionates, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylenes and polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetates, the polymer preferably being used in an amount of at most 15% by weight based on the weight of the salts, solvents and polymer of the electrolyte system, with the proviso that in the case of polyvinlidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylenes, the polymer is present in an amount of at most 12% by weight based on the weight of the salts, solvents and polymer of the electrolyte system. The immobilized electrolyte does not cause problems with respect to leakage from the cell compartment and the elctrolyte also high conductivity implying a capacity utilization more closely approaching the utilization observed for batteries using liquid electrolyte.