Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus – product – and – Current producing cell – elements – subcombinations and... – Electrode
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-29
2001-05-01
Kalafut, Stephen (Department: 1745)
Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and
Current producing cell, elements, subcombinations and...
Electrode
C429S137000, C029S623500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06225008
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to electrode materials, and more particularly, to an electrode associated with an overlayment material which, among other things, modifies the surface properties of the electrode and, in turn, increases the compatability of the electrode with an associated electrolyte. The present invention is further directed to a process for fabricating an electrode having such an overlayment.
2. Background Art
Lithium ion batteries have been known in the art for several years. Furthermore, high performance, multi-component electrodes associated with electrolytes for use in lithium ion batteries are likewise well known. While the performance characteristics of such electrodes associated with various electrolytes have been commercially acceptable, the compatability characteristics between the electrodes and electrolytes remain problematic. Such incomparability is indicative of poor adhesion/contact between the electrode and the electrolyte, which, among other things, adversely affects the electrochemical performance of an associated cell.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a process for fabricating an electrode as well as an electrochemical cell. The process for fabricating the electrochemical cell comprises the steps of fabricating a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein fabricating at least one of the first and second electrodes includes the steps of: a) associating a current collector with an active material having a surface; b) applying an overlayment material to a substrate; c) associating the overlayment material with the surface of the active material; d) alternatively curing the active material; e) removing the substrate and, in turn transferring the overlayment material to the active material; and f) associating an electrolyte with the first electrode.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the process further comprises the step of associating a second electrode adjacent the electrolyte.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of transferring the overlayment material includes the step of modifying the surface properties of the electrode, and the step of modifying includes the step of increasing adhesion/compatability of the electrode with an associated electrolyte.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of associating the overlayment material with the surface of the active material includes the step of interacting the overlayment material with a solvent contained within the active material.
In an additional preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of applying the overlayment material to a substrate includes the step of doping the overlayment material with an additive. In this embodiment the additive is preferably a salt, polymerization initiator or a SEI forming additive.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the overlayment material is substantially inert with the remainder of the electrode.
The present invention is also directed to an electrode as well as an electrochemical cell. The electrode generally comprises a current collector, an electrode active material having a surface, an overlayment material associated with at least a portion of the active material, and means for increasing compatability of the electrode with an associated electrolyte.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overlayment material is doped with an additive. In this embodiment, the additive is preferably a salt, polymerization initiator or a SEI forming additive.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the overlayment material is substantially inert with the remainder of the cell.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6013386 (2000-01-01), Lewin et al.
Fauteux Denis G.
Kolb Eric S.
Factor & Partners
Kalafut Stephen
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Wills M.
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