Abstract: The invention concerns novel ionic compounds with low melting point whereof the onium type cation having at least a heteroatom such as N, O, S or P bearing the positive charge and whereof the anion includes, wholly or partially, at least an ion imidide such as (FX1O)N−(OX2F) wherein X1 and X2 are identical or different and comprise SO or PF, and their use as solvent in electrochemical devices. Said composition comprises a salt wherein the anionic charge is delocalized, and can be used, inter alia, as electrolyte.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention deals with sulfonated polyphosphazene-based cation-exchange membranes for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells where the polyphosphazene is crosslinked, non-crosslinked, suitably blended with one or more additional polymers, and/or impregnated into the void volume of an inert microporous membrane support and where the membranes operate in a hydrated state that is characterized by a high proton conductance and low water and methanol permeation rates. In particular, the invention relates to the use of poly[bis(3-methylphenoxy)phosphazene] as the base polymer, with sulfonated ion-exchange groups, for direct liquid-feed methanol fuel cells.

Abstract: A method employing a bonding layer is used to form active metal electrodes having barrier layers. Active metals such as lithium are highly reactive in ambient conditions. The method involves fabricating a lithium electrode or other active metal electrode without depositing the barrier layer on a layer of metal. Rather a smooth barrier layer is formed on a smooth substrate such as a web carrier or polymeric electrolyte. A bonding or alloying layer is formed on top of the barrier layer. Lithium or other active material is then attached to the bonding layer to form the active metal electrode. A current collector may also be attached to the lithium or active metal during the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ionic compound corresponding to the formula [R1X1(Z1)—Q−—X2(Z2)—R2]m Mm+ in which Mm+ is a cation of valency m, each of the groups Xi is S═Z3, S═Z4, P—R3 or P—R4; Q is N, CR5, CCN or CSO2R5, each of the groups Zi is ═O, ═NC≡N, ═C(C≡N)2, ═NS(═Z)2R6 or ═C[S(═Z)2R6]2, each of the groups Ri, is Y, YO—, YS—, Y2N— or F, Y represents a monovalent organic radical or alternatively Y is a repeating unit of a polymeric frame. The compounds are useful for producing ion conducting materials or electrolytes, as catalysts and for doping polymers.

Abstract: In solid polymer electrolyte having high-durability, comprising a polymer electrolyte material having a hydrocarbon part, a chelate group and an electrolyte group are introduced into the polymer electrolyte material. The chelate group contains a phosphonic acid group, nitrogen, both of nitrogen and a phosphonic acid group (one or more selected from the group consisting of alkylamino monophosphonic acid groups, alkylamino diphosphonic acid groups, dialkylamino monophosphonic acid groups, alkylalkylene diamine triphosphonic acid groups, and alkylimino phosphonic acid groups) or, both of nitrogen and a carboxylic acid group (one or more selected from the group consisting of alkylamino monocarboxylic acid groups, alkylamino dicarboxylic acid groups, dialkylamino monocarboxylic acid groups, alkylalkylene diamine tricarboxylic acid groups, and alkylimino carboxylic acid groups).

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel polar solvents and novel electrolytic compositions comprising such solvents, and having a high range of stability, as required for applications in the field of electrochemistry. The present solvents have a highly polar amide function, and preferably combine with a salt soluble in the solvent and having an anion with a delocalized charge, and at least one polymer, to form an electrolytic composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aprotic electrolytic composition located in the separator and in at least one composite electrode containing a powder of an active electrode material, and if necessary an electronic conduction additive of an electrochemical generator The electrolytic composition comprises a first polymer matrix consisting of a polyether and at least a second polymer matrix, macroscopically separated, and also at least an alkaline salt as well as a polar aprotic solvent: The polymer matrices are capable of being swollen by at least one of the polar aprotic solvents. The solvent or mixture of solvents is unevenly distributed between the polymer matrices. The invention also concerns an electrochemical generator comprising a negative electrode and positive electrode reversible to alkaline ions and a separator with polymer electrolyte, the electrolytic component of which is the composition described above.

Abstract: An electrolyte is provided having a backbone that includes a plurality of aromatic constituents coupled together by at least one atom having a &pgr;-cloud, and in which a halogen atom and an ion exchange group are covalently bound directly to the backbone. Furthermore, the electrolyte is high temperature resistant and may comprise perhalogenated polymers, including perhalogenated polyphenylenes, perhalogenated polyamides, perhalogenated aromatic polyesters, perhalogenated polyimide, etc. Still further, the electrolyte may have acidic groups as ion exchange groups, including sulfonic acid groups, or phosphoric acid groups.

Abstract: A polymer-based electrolyte composition having excellent film-forming properties, flexibility, mechanical strength and high hydroxide conductivity is disclosed. The composition comprises an organic polymer having an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt structure; a nitrogen-containing, heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salt; and a metal hydroxide salt. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is cast in the form of a film that is suitable for use as an ion-conducting or other specialty membrane in a power source, such as for example an alkaline battery or fuel cell, that relies on hydroxide anion transport for its operation.

Abstract: High temperature polybenzazole and polyether polymer electrolytes are provided. High temperature polybenzazole polymer electrolytes may comprise a benzobisoxazole, a benzobisthiazole, a benzobisimidazole, a difluorodisulfonated phenyl ring or a sulfonated bisphenylether. High temperature polyether polymers comprise a persulfonated phenyl ring, and a substituted phenyl ring or a substituted bisphenylsulfonyl ring system.

Abstract: In one implementation, a reactive metal-water battery includes an anode comprising a metal in atomic or alloy form selected from the group consisting of periodic table Group 1A metals, periodic table Group 2A metals and mixtures thereof. The battery includes a cathode comprising water. Such also includes a solid polymer electrolyte comprising a polyphosphazene comprising ligands bonded with a phosphazene polymer backbone. The ligands comprise an aromatic ring containing hydrophobic portion and a metal ion carrier portion. The metal ion carrier portion is bonded at one location with the polymer backbone and at another location with the aromatic ring containing hydrophobic portion. The invention also contemplates such solid polymer electrolytes use in reactive metal/water batteries, and in any other battery.

Abstract: A class of organic redox shuttle additives is described, preferably comprising nitrogen-containing aromatics compounds, which can be used in a high temperature (85.degree. C. or higher) electrochemical storage cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a solid polymer electrolyte to provide overcharge protection to the cell. The organic redox additives or shuttles are characterized by a high diffusion coefficient of at least 2.1.times.10.sup.-8 cm.sup.2 /second and a high onset potential of 2.5 volts or higher. Examples of such organic redox shuttle additives include an alkali metal salt of 1,2,4-triazole, an alkali metal salt of imidazole, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, 1,3,5-tricyanobenzene, and a dialkali metal salt of 3-4-dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione.