Process for preparing a metal containing layer, the process comprising (i) at least one step of co-vaporization, at a pressure which is lower than 10.sup.2 Pa, of a) at least one first metal selected from Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs and b) at least one second metal selected Mg, Zn, Hg, Cd and Te from a metal alloy provided in a first vaporization source which is heated to a temperature between 100 C. and 600 C., and (ii) at least one subsequent step of deposition of the first metal on a surface having a temperature which is below the temperature of the first vaporization source, wherein in step (i), the alloy is provided at least partly in form of a homogeneous phase comprising the first metal and the second metal, electronic devices comprising such materials and process for preparing the same.

Electrochemical devices, and associated materials and methods, are generally described. In some embodiments, an electrochemical device comprises an electroactive material. The electroactive material may comprise an alloy having a solid phase and a liquid phase that co-exist with each other. As a result, such a composite electrode may have, in some cases, the mechanical softness to permit both high energy densities and an improved current density as compared to, for example, a substantially pure metal electrode.

According to one implementation, a magnesium-lithium alloy contains not less than 10.50 mass % and not more than 16.00 mass % lithium, not less than 5.00 mass % and not more than 12.00 mass % aluminum, and not less than 2.00 mass % and not more than 8.00 mass % calcium. According to one implementation, a rolled stock is made of the above-mentioned magnesium-lithium alloy. According to one implementation, a processed product includes the above-mentioned magnesium-lithium alloy as a material.

According to one implementation, a magnesium-lithium alloy contains not less than 10.50 mass % and not more than 16.00 mass % lithium, not less than 5.00 mass % and not more than 12.00 mass % aluminum, and not less than 2.00 mass % and not more than 8.00 mass % calcium. According to one implementation, a rolled stock is made of the above-mentioned magnesium-lithium alloy. According to one implementation, a processed product includes the above-mentioned magnesium-lithium alloy as a material.

The present technology described relates to lithium-based alloy electrode materials used for the production of anode in lithium accumulators and processes for obtaining same. The alloy comprises metallic lithium, a metallic component X.sup.1 selected from magnesium and aluminum and a metallic component X.sup.2 selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earths, zirconium, copper, silver, bismuth, cobalt, zinc, aluminum, silicon, tin, antimony, cadmium, mercury, lead, manganese, boron, indium, thallium, nickel, germanium, molybdenum and iron. Processes for preparing electrode materials thus obtained and their uses are also described.

The present technology described relates to lithium-based alloy electrode materials used for the production of anode in lithium accumulators and processes for obtaining same. The alloy comprises metallic lithium, a metallic component X.sup.1 selected from magnesium and aluminum and a metallic component X.sup.2 selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earths, zirconium, copper, silver, bismuth, cobalt, zinc, aluminum, silicon, tin, antimony, cadmium, mercury, lead, manganese, boron, indium, thallium, nickel, germanium, molybdenum and iron. Processes for preparing electrode materials thus obtained and their uses are also described.

An anode of a battery comprises lithium metal, and a dopant, in the lithium metal. The anode has a thickness of at most 50 m, and the dopant is a metal with an electronegativity greater than lithium.

Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for processing a powder alloy to improve its microstructure. The methods for processing the powder alloy can include introducing the powder alloy into a powder vessel having an inert atmosphere, uniformly heat treating the powder alloy inside the powder vessel at its solutionizing temperature, and cooling the heat treated powder alloy at a rate of at least 5 C./s to form treated particles. The treated particles obtained from the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein can be used in any suitable manufacturing process, such as in cold gas dynamic spray.

Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for processing a powder alloy to improve its microstructure. The methods for processing the powder alloy can include introducing the powder alloy into a powder vessel having an inert atmosphere, uniformly heat treating the powder alloy inside the powder vessel at its solutionizing temperature, and cooling the heat treated powder alloy at a rate of at least 5 C./s to form treated particles. The treated particles obtained from the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein can be used in any suitable manufacturing process, such as in cold gas dynamic spray.

The invention relates to a stabilized lithium metal powder and to a method for producing the same, the stabilized, pure lithium metal powder having been passivated in an organic inert solvent under dispersal conditions with fatty acids or fatty acid esters according to the general formula (I) RCOOR, in which R stands for C.sub.10-C.sub.29 groups and R for H or C.sub.1-C.sub.8 groups.