Described herein is crystalline PbSO.sub.4 comprising tabular and/or diamond-shaped crystals having an average crystal size, as determined by dynamic light scattering and particle imaging using a transmission electron microscope, in the range of about 10 nm to about 2 ?m, wherein at least about 80% of the PbSO.sub.4 crystals have diameters within about ?20% of the average diameter. Also described herein electrodes, lead-acid electrochemical cells, and lead-acid batteries comprising the crystalline PbSO.sub.4.

A lead acid battery comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode comprising lead oxide, an electrolyte in physical contact with the negative electrode and the positive electrode, an optional separator positioned between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, wherein the negative electrode comprises a plurality of particulates of graphene-protected lead or lead alloy, wherein at least one of the particulates is formed of a single or a plurality of graphene sheets and a single or a plurality of fine lead or lead alloy particles having a size smaller than 10 m, and the graphene sheets and the particles are mutually bonded or agglomerated into the particulate with at least a graphene sheet embracing or wrapping around the particulate, and wherein graphene is in an amount of at least 0.01% but less than 99% by weight based on the total weight of the particulate.

A lead acid battery comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode comprising lead oxide, an electrolyte in physical contact with the negative electrode and the positive electrode, an optional separator positioned between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, wherein the negative electrode comprises a plurality of particulates of graphene-protected lead or lead alloy, wherein at least one of the particulates is formed of a single or a plurality of graphene sheets and a single or a plurality of fine lead or lead alloy particles having a size smaller than 10 m, and the graphene sheets and the particles are mutually bonded or agglomerated into the particulate with at least a graphene sheet embracing or wrapping around the particulate, and wherein graphene is in an amount of at least 0.01% but less than 99% by weight based on the total weight of the particulate.

The invention concerns a high-performance tungsten-based super battery system, which relates to an integrated design and a construction method of a corresponding material, a structure and a process. In the technology, a tungsten-based material is used a negative electrode, and a high-specific-surface-area carbon or lead oxide is used as a positive electrode to assemble four types of super batteries comprising: 1) a tungsten-carbon super battery, 2) a tungsten-tungsten super battery, 3) a tungsten-lead oxide super battery, and 4) a super battery system of a hybridized tungsten super battery (comprising lead oxide, lead, and a carbon material) on which the foregoing two types of super batteries are hybridized in use. The introduction of the tungsten-based material endows a novel class of super batteries with higher power density, higher energy density, longer cycling life, high durability and reliable safety. This will enable a broad range of applications.

The invention concerns a high-performance tungsten-based super battery system, which relates to an integrated design and a construction method of a corresponding material, a structure and a process. In the technology, a tungsten-based material is used a negative electrode, and a high-specific-surface-area carbon or lead oxide is used as a positive electrode to assemble four types of super batteries comprising: 1) a tungsten-carbon super battery, 2) a tungsten-tungsten super battery, 3) a tungsten-lead oxide super battery, and 4) a super battery system of a hybridized tungsten super battery (comprising lead oxide, lead, and a carbon material) on which the foregoing two types of super batteries are hybridized in use. The introduction of the tungsten-based material endows a novel class of super batteries with higher power density, higher energy density, longer cycling life, high durability and reliable safety. This will enable a broad range of applications.

Fiber-containing mats for lead acid batteries are described. The mats may include a plurality of fibers, a binder holding the plurality of fibers together, and one or more additives incorporated into the mat, where the additives may include one or more compounds selected from benzyl benzoate and a glycol ester. Additional fiber-containing mats include a plurality of woven or non-woven fibers and the one or more additives. The fiber-containing mats having the one or more additives may be used in lead-acid batteries that include a positive and negative electrode, a separator, and one or more pasting mats.

Fiber-containing mats for lead acid batteries are described. The mats may include a plurality of fibers, a binder holding the plurality of fibers together, and one or more additives incorporated into the mat, where the additives may include one or more compounds selected from benzyl benzoate and a glycol ester. Additional fiber-containing mats include a plurality of woven or non-woven fibers and the one or more additives. The fiber-containing mats having the one or more additives may be used in lead-acid batteries that include a positive and negative electrode, a separator, and one or more pasting mats.

In an aspect, a method of making a composition, comprising forming a solvent mixture comprising a polymer and a solvent; precipitating the solvent mixture with a non-solvent to form the composition comprising the filler in a fibrillated polymer matrix, wherein the composition is in the form of a particulate and at least one of the solvent and the non-solvent comprises a filler; and separating the composition from the solvent and the non-solvent to isolate the composition. In another aspect, a porous material wherein the filler particles are mechanically bonded together by the polymer and wherein the polymer is present as filaments adhering to and connecting the filler particles across interstitial spaces between the filler particles. In another aspect, a precipitated polymer solution produced by a phase inversion where the majority of the liquids can be mechanically removed.

A method of making an active layer for an activated carbon anode in a lead carbon battery includes forming a solvent mixture including poly(vinylidene fluoride) and a solvent; combining the solvent mixture with a non-solvent to form a precipitate comprising an activated carbon in a fibrillated poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix; separating the precipitate from the solvent and the non-solvent; and forming the active layer from the precipitate. An active layer is formed by the method. A lead carbon battery includes an activated carbon anode comprising the active layer and a current collector, wherein the active layer is in electrical contact with the current collector; a lead oxide cathode that is in electrical contact with a cathode side current collector; an acid located in between the activated carbon anode and the cathode; and a casing encapsulating the activated carbon anode, the cathode, and the acid.

A lead-based alloy containing alloying additions of bismuth, antimony, arsenic, and tin is used for the production of doped leady oxides, lead-acid battery active materials, lead-acid battery electrodes, and lead-acid batteries.