| Sion Power Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20130095380 | ELECTRODE STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - Electrode structures, and more specifically, electrode structures for use in electrochemical cells, are provided. The electrode structures described herein may include one or more protective layers. In one set of embodiments, a protective layer may be formed by exposing a lithium metal surface to a plasma comprising ions of a gas to form a ceramic layer on top of the lithium metal. The ceramic layer may be highly conductive to lithium ions and may protect the underlying lithium metal surface from reaction with components in the electrolyte. In some cases, the ions may be nitrogen ions and a lithium nitride layer may be formed on the lithium metal surface. In other embodiments, the protective layer may be formed by converting lithium to lithium nitride at high pressures. Other methods for forming protective layers are also provided. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130059193 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL INCLUDING NITROGEN-CONTAINING COMPOUND, BATTERY INCLUDING THE CELL, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - An electrochemical cell including at least one nitrogen-containing compound is disclosed. The at least one nitrogen-containing compound may form part of or be included in: an anode structure, a cathode structure, an electrolyte and/or a separator of the electrochemical cell. Also disclosed is a battery including the electrochemical cell. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130017441 | PLATING TECHNIQUE FOR ELECTRODE - Articles and methods for forming protected electrodes for use in electrochemical cells, including those for use in rechargeable lithium batteries, are provided. In some embodiments, the articles and methods involve an electrode that does not include an electroactive layer, but includes a current collector and a protective structure positioned directly adjacent the current collector, or separated from the current collector by one or more thin layers. Lithium ions may be transported across the protective structure to form an electroactive layer between the current collector and the protective structure. In some embodiments, an anisotropic force may be applied to the electrode to facilitate formation of the electroactive layer. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20120276449 | LITHIUM ANODES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120082901 | LITHIUM-BASED ANODE WITH IONIC LIQUID POLYMER GEL - 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. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082872 | ADDITIVE FOR ELECTROLYTES - Spiro ammonium salts as an additive for electrolytes in electric current producing cells, in particular electric current producing cells comprising a Li-based anode, are provided. In some embodiments, the electric current producing cell comprises a cathode, a Li-based anode, and at least one electrolyte wherein the electrolyte contains at least one spiro ammonium salt. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120070746 | LOW ELECTROLYTE ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Electrochemical cells including components and configurations for electrochemical cells, such as rechargeable lithium batteries, are provided. The electrochemical cells described herein may include a combination of components arranged in certain configurations that work together to increase performance of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, such combinations of components and configurations described herein may minimize defects, inefficiencies, or other drawbacks that might otherwise exist inherently in prior electrochemical cells, or that might exist inherently in prior electrochemical cells using the same or similar materials as those described herein, but arranged differently. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120043940 | ELECTRODE PROTECTION IN BOTH AQUEOUS AND NON-AQUEOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS, INCLUDING RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM BATTERIES - Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery. Advantageously, electrochemical cells comprising combinations of structures described herein are not only compatible with environments that are typically unsuitable for lithium, but the cells may be also capable of displaying long cycle life, high lithium cycling efficiency, and high energy density. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20110256450 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS COMPRISING POROUS STRUCTURES COMPRISING SULFUR - The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110206992 | POROUS STRUCTURES FOR ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - The present invention relates to porous structures for energy storage devices. In some embodiments, the porous structure can comprise sulfur and be used in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell. Also, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structures and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be selected such that any suitable ratio of sulfur to support material can be achieved while maintaining mechanical stability in the electrode. The inventors have also unexpectedly discovered that the use of porous support structures comprising certain materials (e.g., metals such as nickel) can lead to relatively large increases in cell performance. In some embodiments, methods for forming sulfur particles within pores of a porous support structure allow for a desired relationship between the particle size and pore size. The sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can also be tailored such that the resulting electrode is able to withstand the application of an anisotropic force, while maintaining the structural integrity of the electrode. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110177398 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL - Electrochemical cells including components and configurations for electrochemical cells, such as rechargeable lithium batteries, are provided. The electrochemical cells described herein may include a combination of components arranged in certain configurations that work together to increase performance of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, such combinations of components and configurations described herein may minimize defects, inefficiencies, or other drawbacks that might otherwise exist inherently in prior electrochemical cells, or that might exist inherently in prior electrochemical cells using the same or similar materials as those described herein, but arranged differently. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110165471 | PROTECTION OF ANODES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110159376 | PROTECTION OF ANODES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110076560 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS COMPRISING POROUS STRUCTURES COMPRISING SULFUR - The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell. Also, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structures and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be selected such that any suitable ratio of sulfur to support material can be achieved while maintaining mechanical stability in the electrode. The inventors have also unexpectedly discovered that the use of porous support structures comprising certain materials (e.g., metals such as nickel) can lead to relatively large increases in cell performance. In some embodiments, methods for forming sulfur particles within pores of a porous support structure allow for a desired relationship between the particle size and pore size. The sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can also be tailored such that the resulting electrode is able to withstand the application of an anisotropic force, while maintaining the structural integrity of the electrode. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110070494 | Electrochemical cells comprising porous structures comprising sulfur - The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell. Also, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structures and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be selected such that any suitable ratio of sulfur to support material can be achieved while maintaining mechanical stability in the electrode. The inventors have also unexpectedly discovered that the use of porous support structures comprising certain materials (e.g., metals such as nickel) can lead to relatively large increases in cell performance. In some embodiments, methods for forming sulfur particles within pores of a porous support structure allow for a desired relationship between the particle size and pore size. The sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can also be tailored such that the resulting electrode is able to withstand the application of an anisotropic force, while maintaining the structural integrity of the electrode. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110070491 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS COMPRISING POROUS STRUCTURES COMPRISING SULFUR - The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell. Also, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structures and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be selected such that any suitable ratio of sulfur to support material can be achieved while maintaining mechanical stability in the electrode. The inventors have also unexpectedly discovered that the use of porous support structures comprising certain materials (e.g., metals such as nickel) can lead to relatively large increases in cell performance. In some embodiments, methods for forming sulfur particles within pores of a porous support structure allow for a desired relationship between the particle size and pore size. The sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can also be tailored such that the resulting electrode is able to withstand the application of an anisotropic force, while maintaining the structural integrity of the electrode. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110068001 | RELEASE SYSTEM FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Electrochemical cells, and more specifically, release systems for the fabrication of electrochemical cells are described. In particular, release layer arrangements, assemblies, methods and compositions that facilitate the fabrication of electrochemical cell components, such as electrodes, are presented. In some embodiments, methods of fabricating an electrode involve the use of a release layer to separate portions of the electrode from a carrier substrate on which the electrode was fabricated. For example, an intermediate electrode assembly may include, in sequence, an electroactive material layer, a current collector layer, a release layer, and a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate can facilitate handling of the electrode during fabrication and/or assembly, but may be released from the electrode prior to commercial use. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110059361 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS COMPRISING POROUS STRUCTURES COMPRISING SULFUR - The present invention relates to the use of porous structures comprising sulfur in electrochemical cells. Such materials may be useful, for example, in forming one or more electrodes in an electrochemical cell. For example, the systems and methods described herein may comprise the use of an electrode comprising a conductive porous support structure and a plurality of particles comprising sulfur (e.g., as an active species) substantially contained within the pores of the support structure. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that, in some embodiments, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be tailored such that the contact between the electrolyte and the sulfur is enhanced, while the electrical conductivity and structural integrity of the electrode are maintained at sufficiently high levels to allow for effective operation of the cell. Also, the sizes of the pores within the porous support structures and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can be selected such that any suitable ratio of sulfur to support material can be achieved while maintaining mechanical stability in the electrode. The inventors have also unexpectedly discovered that the use of porous support structures comprising certain materials (e.g., metals such as nickel) can lead to relatively large increases in cell performance. In some embodiments, methods for forming sulfur particles within pores of a porous support structure allow for a desired relationship between the particle size and pore size. The sizes of the pores within the porous support structure and/or the sizes of the particles within the pores can also be tailored such that the resulting electrode is able to withstand the application of an anisotropic force, while maintaining the structural integrity of the electrode. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110014524 | PROTECTION OF ANODES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110008531 | POROUS ELECTRODES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The present invention relates to electrochemical cells, electrodes, and related methods. In some embodiments, a removable filler material may be employed during fabrication of an electrochemical cell, or component thereof, to produce electrochemical devices having improved cell performance and rate capability. Electrochemical cells may exhibit enhanced utilization of electroactive species and/or increased accessibility of electroactive species within the electrochemical cell during operation. In some cases, the invention may provide electrodes which advantageously possess both high loading of an electroactive species (e.g., greater than 1.5 mg/cm2), while also maintaining the stability and good mechanical properties of the electrode. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100327811 | ELECTRODE PROTECTION IN BOTH AQUEOUS AND NON-AQUEOUS ELECTROMECHANICAL CELLS, INCLUDING RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM BATTERIES - Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery. Advantageously, electrochemical cells comprising combinations of structures described herein are not only compatible with environments that are typically unsuitable for lithium, but the cells may be also capable of displaying long cycle life, high lithium cycling efficiency, and high energy density. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100294049 | HERMETIC SAMPLE HOLDER AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING MICROANALYSIS UNDER CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE ENVIRONMENT - A hermetic sample holder for use in performing microanalysis of a sample under a controlled atmosphere environment. The sample holder comprises a sample holder body with a sample cavity to receive the sample and a cover movably mounted to the holder body between an open position to allow access to the cavity and a closed position to seal the cavity. The cover is secured in and released from the closed position at least in part by a pressure differential between the cavity and the ambient atmosphere. The cover may be biased toward the open position. The cover may be pivotally mounted about an axis that is perpendicular to a sealing surface of the cover and/or movable in a direction along the pivot axis. A valve may be provided to allow direct evacuation of the cavity to create a pressure differential. An adjustable clamp may be located in the cavity to secure the sample. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100291442 | PRIMER FOR BATTERY ELECTRODE - Primer arrangements that facilitate electrical conduction and adhesive connection between an electroactive material and a current collector are presented. In some embodiments, primer arrangements described herein include first and second primer layers. The first primer layer may be designed to provide good adhesion to a conductive support. In one particular embodiment, the first primer layer comprises a substantially uncrosslinked polymer having hydroxyl functional groups, e.g., polyvinyl alcohol. The materials used to form the second primer layer may be chosen such that the second primer layer adheres well to both the first primer layer and an electroactive layer. In certain embodiments including combinations of first and second primer layers, one or both of the first and second primer layers comprises less than 30% by weight of a crosslinked polymeric material. A primer including only a single layer of polymeric material is also provided. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100239914 | CATHODE FOR LITHIUM BATTERY - The present invention relates to cathodes used in electrochemical cells. A force, or forces, applied to portions of an electrochemical cell as described in this application can reduce irregularity or roughening of an electrode surface of the cell, improving performance. The cathodes described herein may possess enhanced properties that render them particularly suitable for use in electrochemical cells designed to be charged and/or discharged while a force is applied. In some embodiments, the cathode retains sufficient porosity to charge and discharge effectively when a force is applied to the cell. Cathodes described herein may also comprise relatively high electrolyte-accessible conductive material (e.g., carbon) areas. The cathode may comprise a relatively low ratio of the amount of binder and/or mass of electrolyte to cathode active material (e.g., sulfur) ratio in some instances. In some embodiments, electrochemical cells comprising the cathodes described herein may achieve relatively high specific capacities and/or relatively high discharge current densities. In addition, the cathode described herein may exhibit relatively high cathode active material (e.g., sulfur) utilization during charge and discharge. In still further cases, the electrical conductivity between conductive material in the cathode (e.g., carbon) may be enhanced during the application of the force. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100104948 | PROTECTION OF ANODES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100035128 | APPLICATION OF FORCE IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - The present invention relates to the application of a force to enhance the performance of an electrochemical cell. The force may comprise, in some instances, an anisotropic force with a component normal to an active surface of the anode of the electrochemical cell. In the embodiments described herein, electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge/discharge cycle involving deposition of metal (e.g., lithium metal) on a surface of the anode upon charging and reaction of the metal on the anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. The uniformity with which the metal is deposited on the anode may affect cell performance. For example, when lithium metal is redeposited on an anode, it may, in some cases, deposit unevenly forming a rough surface. The roughened surface may increase the amount of lithium metal available for undesired chemical reactions which may result in decreased cycling lifetime and/or poor cell performance. The application of force to the electrochemical cell has been found, in accordance with the invention, to reduce such behavior and to improve the cycling lifetime and/or performance of the cell. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20090291353 | ELECTRODE PROTECTION IN BOTH AQUEOUS AND NON-AQUEOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS, INCLUDING RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM BATTERIES - Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery. Advantageously, electrochemical cells comprising combinations of structures described herein are not only compatible with environments that are typically unsuitable for lithium, but the cells may be also capable of displaying long cycle life, high lithium cycling efficiency, and high energy density. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090200986 | Protective circuit for energy-storage device - A method and apparatus for protecting an energy-storage device (ESD), such as a rechargeable battery, is provided. A protective circuit protects an ESD from adverse charging and loading conditions including overcharging, overdischarging, charging at an excessive rate and discharging at an excessive rate. The protective circuit selectively disables charging and discharging based on the present terminal conditions. A plurality of ESDs and protective circuits can be interconnected to protect a multi-cell ESD device. Embodiments of the protective circuit are adapted to protect a lithium cell operating around 2 volts. The protective circuit may also protect the ESD from adverse temperature conditions. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090055110 | LITHIUM SULFUR RECHARGEABLE BATTERY FUEL GAUGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for accurately determining the state of charge and the relative age of lithium sulfur batteries are provided. The cell resistance and taper input charge of a particular type of lithium sulfur battery are respectively measured to determine the state of charge and age of the battery. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090035646 | Swelling inhibition in batteries - The present invention relates generally to electrochemical cells, and more specifically, to additives for electrochemical cells which may enhance the performance of the cell. In some cases, the additive may advantageously interact with at least one component or species of the cell to increase the efficiency and/or lifetime of the cell. The incorporation of certain additives within the electrolyte of the cell may improve the cycling lifetime and/or performance of the cell. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20080318128 | Lithium alloy/sulfur batteries - Electrochemical cells including anode compositions that may enhance charge-discharge cycling efficiency and uniformity are presented. In some embodiments, alloys are incorporated into one or more components of an electrochemical cell, which may enhance the performance of the cell. For example, an alloy may be incorporated into an electroactive component of the cell (e.g., electrodes) and may advantageously increase the efficiency of cell performance. Some electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge/discharge cycle involving deposition of metal (e.g., lithium metal) on the surface of the anode upon charging and reaction of the metal on the anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. In some cases, the efficiency and uniformity of such processes may affect cell performance. The use of materials such as alloys in an electroactive component of the cell have been found to increase the efficiency of such processes and to increase the cycling lifetime of the cell. For example, the use of alloys may reduce the formation of dendrites on the anode surface and/or limit surface development. | 12-25-2008 |
