Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.

A method for configuring a non-lithium-intercalation electrode includes intercalating an insertion species between multiple layers of a stacked or layered electrode material. The method forms an electrode architecture with increased interlayer spacing for non-lithium metal ion migration. A laminate electrode material is constructed such that pillaring agents are intercalated between multiple layers of the stacked electrode material and installed in a battery.

A high density slurry comprising encapsulated sulfur particles, carbon nanofibers and activated carbon black suitable for use in forming the active material of an electrode. A method for forming the high density sulfur slurry is also provided. A cathode containing the particles and a battery constructed with the cathode as well as methods for their formation are also provided.

A lithium ion battery component includes a support selected from the group consisting of a current collector, a negative electrode, and a porous polymer separator. A lithium donor is present i) as an additive with a non-lithium active material in a negative electrode on the current collector, or ii) as a coating on at least a portion of the negative electrode, or iii) as a coating on at least a portion of the porous polymer separator. The lithium donor has a formula selected from the group consisting of Li.sub.8-yM.sub.yP.sub.4, wherein M is Fe, V, or Mn and wherein y ranges from 1 to 4; Li.sub.10-yTi.sub.yP.sub.4, wherein y ranges from 1 to 2; Li.sub.xP, wherein 0<x3; and Li.sub.2CuP.

The disclosure relates to an anode or an electrolytic capacitor electrode including an active anode material containing a chalcogen-containing-germanium composition in which the germanium:chalcogen atom ratio is between 80:20 and 98:2. The disclosure also relates to an anode including an active anode material containing a lithium and germanium-containing alloy wherein the lithium:germanium atom ratio is 22:5 or less. The anode also includes a non-cycling lithium chalcogenide. The disclosure further relates to lithium ion batteries including such anodes. The disclosure additionally relates to capacitor electrodes containing similar materials and capacitors containing such electrodes.

The present invention relates to a quantum battery (1) for storing and supplying energy, comprising one or more clusters (2) for storing energy, each one comprising at least one quantum cell (3), wherein each quantum cell (3) has one or more quantum energy units (31), wherein each quantum energy unit (31) is a quantum system having a plurality of energy levels (|.sub.0)A.sub.j,k, |.sub.0)A.sub.j,k, . . . , |.sub.d-1)A.sub.j,k) to store energy. The present invention also relates to a method for charging and discharging a quantum battery (1).

Described are a solid material which has ionic conductivity for lithium ions, a process for preparing said solid material, a use of said solid material as a solid electrolyte for an electrochemical cell, a solid structure selected from the group consisting of a cathode, an anode and a separator for an electrochemical cell comprising the solid material, and an electrochemical cell comprising such solid structure.

Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.

A positive-electrode active material particle for an all-solid battery which includes a sulfide-based solid electrolyte includes an active material core and a reaction-inhibiting layer which contains carbon and with which the active material core is coated.

An electrode material for an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium ion battery or a lithium sulfur battery, is provided. The electrode may be a negative anode. The electrode material comprises a composite comprising a porous matrix comprising a carbonized material. The electrode material further comprises a plurality of silicon particles homogeneously dispersed in the porous matrix of carbonized material. Each silicon particle of the plurality has an average particle diameter of greater than or equal to about 5 nanometers and less than or equal to about 20 micrometers.