A miniature electrochemical cell having a volume of less than 0.5 cc is described. The cell has a casing of first and second ceramic substrates that are hermetically secured to each other to provide an internal space housing an electrode assembly. First and second conductive pathways extend through the ceramic substrates. The pathways have respective inner surfaces that are conductively connected to the respective anode and cathode current collectors and respective outer surfaces that provide for connection to a load. An electrolyte in the internal space of the housing activates the electrode assembly.

A method comprises determining a first pressure increase in an electrochemical energy storage unit based on a first repetition rate, detecting that the first pressure increase has exceeded a first threshold value, determining a second pressure increase in the energy storage unit based on a second repetition rate, the second repetition rate being greater than the first repetition rate, detecting that the second pressure increase exceeds a second threshold value, and outputting a signal to a control unit based on detecting that the second pressure increase has exceeded the second threshold value.

A method comprises determining a first pressure increase in an electrochemical energy storage unit based on a first repetition rate, detecting that the first pressure increase has exceeded a first threshold value, determining a second pressure increase in the energy storage unit based on a second repetition rate, the second repetition rate being greater than the first repetition rate, detecting that the second pressure increase exceeds a second threshold value, and outputting a signal to a control unit based on detecting that the second pressure increase has exceeded the second threshold value.

A lithium-ion battery includes: 1) an anode; 2) a cathode; and 3) an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode and including lithium ions. The anode includes a graphene framework film including interconnected graphene sheets, and the graphene framework film has a specific surface area of 600 m.sup.2 g.sup.−1 or more.

A lithium-ion battery includes: 1) an anode; 2) a cathode; and 3) an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode and including lithium ions. The anode includes a graphene framework film including interconnected graphene sheets, and the graphene framework film has a specific surface area of 600 m.sup.2 g.sup.−1 or more.

A cathode material of a lithium-ion battery and a fabricating method thereof, and a lithium-ion battery are described. The cathode material of the lithium-ion battery has hexaazatriphenylene embedded quinone (HATAQ) and/or its derivative small molecules, which have multiple redox-active sites and can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form a graphite-like layered structure. When HATAQ and/or its derivative small molecules are used as a cathode material, a stable structure can be maintained during a charge and discharge process and during lithium ions entering and exiting.

A cathode material of a lithium-ion battery and a fabricating method thereof, and a lithium-ion battery are described. The cathode material of the lithium-ion battery has hexaazatriphenylene embedded quinone (HATAQ) and/or its derivative small molecules, which have multiple redox-active sites and can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form a graphite-like layered structure. When HATAQ and/or its derivative small molecules are used as a cathode material, a stable structure can be maintained during a charge and discharge process and during lithium ions entering and exiting.

Solid-state lithium ion electrolytes of lithium metal nitride based compounds are provided which contain an anionic framework capable of conducting lithium ions. Materials of specific formulae are provided and methods to alter the materials with inclusion of aliovalent ions shown. Lithium batteries containing the composite lithium ion electrolytes are provided. Electrodes containing the lithium metal nitride based composites are also provided.

Solid-state lithium ion electrolytes of lithium metal nitride based compounds are provided which contain an anionic framework capable of conducting lithium ions. Materials of specific formulae are provided and methods to alter the materials with inclusion of aliovalent ions shown. Lithium batteries containing the composite lithium ion electrolytes are provided. Electrodes containing the lithium metal nitride based composites are also provided.

Provided is a binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode with which it is possible to form an electrode having excellent electrolyte solution injectability and process adhesiveness. The binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode contains a particulate polymer formed by a polymer that includes a block region composed of an aromatic vinyl monomer unit and has a tetrahydrofuran-insoluble content of not less than 5 mass % and not more than 40 mass %. The binder composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery electrode preferably further contains a water-soluble polymer that includes a hydrophilic group and has a weight-average molecular weight of not less than 15,000 and not more than 500,000.