Abstract:
An alkali metal/oxyhalide cell which provides greatly enhanced low temperature performance and increased safety during operation, is described. The preferred cell includes a novel combination of halogens and/or interhalogens incorporated into the lithium/SOCl 2 system.
Abstract:
An electrochemical cell having plate electrodes (16) housed inside mating "clam shell" casing components (12,14). Also, the present casing design allows for indentation structures (30,32) in the casing components by virtue of them being stamped metal parts. Such indentations are not possible with traditional cylindrical and prismatic casing designs. When mated together, the casing components are form-fitting with respect to the internal battery structure so as to reduce the overall size of the electrochemical package. This provides the cell with the greatest amount of energy per unit size.
Abstract:
A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one nitrate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a solvent mixture that includes ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. The preferred additive is an organic alkyl nitrate compound.
Abstract:
A mixed metal oxide, such as silver vanadium oxide, prepared by sequential decomposition and combination reactions is described. In the case of silver vanadium oxide, the product material is produced from a decomposable salt of silver and vanadium oxide first heated above the decomposition temperature of the silver salt followed by cooling and then a second heating above the decomposition temperature. The product silver vanadium oxide material is coupled with a lithium anode and activated with a nonaqueous electrolyte to provide an improved high energy density electrochemical cell having increased pulse voltages and a reduction in voltage delay.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a cathode active material consisting of a single phase of mixed metal oxide, such as a single phase silver vanadium oxide. The synthesis technique involves first heating the starting materials to melt a decomposable starting constituent. This first heating temperature is held for a period of time sufficient to enable the decomposable starting constituent to melt and completely flow throughout and within the other starting materials. Then, the thusly produced melt impregnated reaction admixture is preferably ground to ensure complete homogeneity of the starting materials, followed by heating to the decomposition temperature of the decomposable starting constituent. To finish the synthesis, the decomposed admixture is heated to an elevated temperature above the decomposition temperature to provide the single phase mixed metal oxide.
Abstract:
A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one nitrate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a solvent mixture that includes ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. The preferred additive is an organic alkyl nitrate compound.
Abstract:
An electrode component for an electrochemical cell or a capacitor is described wherein the electrode is produced by physical vapor depositing an electrode active material onto a substrate to coat the substrate. The thusly produced electrode is useful as a cathode in a primary electrochemical cell and as a cathode and an anode in a secondary cell, and as an electrode in an electrochemical capacitor and an electrolytic capacitor.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an unexpected benefit in a lithium cell which may be derived from using a combination of silver vanadium oxide prepared in a temperature range of about 450°C to about 500°C activated with a nonaqueous electrolyte having a passivation inhibitor additive selected from a nitrite, a nitrate, a carbonate, a dicarbonate, a phosphonate, a phosphate, a sulfate and hydrogen fluoride, and mixtures thereof. The benefits may include additional battery life resulting from a reduction in voltage delay and RDC build-up. A preferred electrolyte is 1M LiAsF 6 in a 50:50 mixture, by volume, of PC and DME having dibenzyl carbonate added therein.
Abstract:
A method for improving the electrical conductivity of a substrate of metal, metal alloy or metal oxide comprising depositing a small or minor amount of metal or metals from Group VIIIA metals (Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt) or from Group IA metals (Cu, Ag, Au) on a substrate of metal, metal alloys and/or metal oxide from Group IVA metals (Ti, Zr, Hf), Group VA metals (V, Nb, Ta), Group VIA metals (Cr, Mo, W) and Al, Mn, Ni and Cu. The native oxide layer of the substrate is changed from electrically insulating to electrically conductive. The step of depositing is carried out by a low temperature arc vapour deposition process. The deposition may be performed on either treated or untreated substrate. The substrate with native oxide layer made electrically conductive is useable in the manufacture of electrodes for devices such as capacitors and batteries.
Abstract:
A rechargeable alkali metal electrochemical cell, and preferably a lithium-ion secondary cell, constructed of low magnetic susceptibility materials, is described. The non-magnetic characteristics enable the secondary cell to be used within the confines of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging system. A secondary electrochemical cell wherein the length and width of the negative electrode extend beyond the length and width of the positive electrode to provide the positive electrode bounded by the negative electrode.