A method is provided for forming a metal battery electrode with a pyrolyzed coating. The method provides a metallorganic compound of metal (Me) and materials such as carbon (C), sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and combinations of the above-listed materials, expressed as Me.sub.XC.sub.YN.sub.ZS.sub.XXO.sub.YY, where Me is a metal such as tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), or lead (Pb), or a metal alloy. The method heats the metallorganic compound, and as a result of the heating, decomposes materials in the metallorganic compound. In one aspect, decomposing the materials in the metallorganic compound includes forming a chemical reaction between the Me particles and the materials. An electrode is formed of Me particles coated by the materials. In another aspect, the Me particles coated with a material such as a carbide, a nitride, a sulfide, or combinations of the above-listed materials.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to electrochemical cells having pre-lithiated semi-solid electrodes, and particularly to semi-solid electrodes that are pre-lithiated during the mixing of the semi-solid electrode slurry such that a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is formed in the semi-solid electrode before the electrochemical cell formation. In some embodiments, a semi-solid electrode includes about 20% to about 90% by volume of an active material, about 0% to about 25% by volume of a conductive material, about 10% to about 70% by volume of a liquid electrolyte, and lithium (as lithium metal, a lithium-containing material, and/or a lithium metal equivalent) in an amount sufficient to substantially pre-lithiate the active material. The lithium metal is configured to form a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on a surface of the active material before an initial charging cycle of an electrochemical cell that includes the semi-solid electrode.

A method is provided for fabricating a battery using an anode preloaded with consumable metals. The method forms an ion-permeable membrane immersed in an electrolyte. A preloaded anode is immersed in the electrolyte, comprising Me.sub.aX, where X is a material such as carbon, metal capable of being alloyed with Me, intercalation oxides, electrochemically active organic compounds, and combinations of the above-listed materials. Me is a metal such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and combinations of the above-listed metals. A cathode is also immersed in the electrolyte and separated from the preloaded anode by the ion-permeable membrane. The cathode comprises M1.sub.YM2.sub.Z(CN).sub.N.MH.sub.2O. After a plurality of initial charge and discharge operations are preformed, an anode is formed comprising Me.sub.bX overlying the current collector in a battery discharge state, where 0b<a.

An electrolytic solution including a solvent including 4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one. The content of 4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one is preferably within a range from 5 wt % to 50 wt % In the case where 4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one is mixed and used with 4-fluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, the content of 4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one is preferably within a range from 5 vol ppm to 2000 vol ppm.

A method is presented for fabricating an anode preloaded with consumable metals. The method provides a material (X), which may be one of the following materials: carbon, metals able to be electrochemically alloyed with a metal (Me), intercalation oxides, electrochemically active organic compounds, and combinations of the above-listed materials. The method loads the metal (Me) into the material (X). Typically, Me is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or a combination of the two. As a result, the method forms a preloaded anode comprising Me/X for use in a battery comprising a M1.sub.YM2.sub.Z(CN).sub.N.MH.sub.2O cathode, where M1 and M2 are transition metals. The method loads the metal (Me) into the material (X) using physical (mechanical) mixing, a chemical reaction, or an electrochemical reaction. Also provided is preloaded anode, preloaded with consumable metals.

Methods for producing nanostructures from copper-based catalysts on porous substrates, particularly silicon nanowires on carbon-based substrates for use as battery active materials, are provided. Related compositions are also described. In addition, novel methods for production of copper-based catalyst particles are provided. Methods for producing nanostructures from catalyst particles that comprise a gold shell and a core that does not include gold are also provided.

Provided are a negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery and a method of manufacturing the same. The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a silicon-based material doped with lithium having a content A, iron having a content B, and aluminum having a content C, wherein, by ICP analysis, 5,000 ppmA150,000 ppm, 5 ppmB1,500 ppm, 2.5 ppmC1,000 ppm.

Methods for producing nanostructures from copper-based catalysts on porous substrates, particularly silicon nanowires on carbon-based substrates for use as battery active materials, are provided. Related compositions are also described. In addition, novel methods for production of copper-based catalyst particles are provided. Methods for producing nanostructures from catalyst particles that comprise a gold shell and a core that does not include gold are also provided.