Disclosed herein is a separator for an electrochemical element, comprising a fibrous structure, wherein the fibrous structure has a first fibrous layer part in which short fibers and/or pulp-like fibers are intertwined with each other, and a second fibrous layer part; some of the short fibers and/or the pulp-like fibers constituting the first fibrous layer part penetrates the second fibrous layer part; and a pore diameter distribution of the fibrous structure satisfies the following formula: 0 μm<Dmax<18 μm, and 0 μm≤(Dmax−Dave)<13 μm, wherein Dmax is a maximum pore diameter (μm) of the fibrous structure, and Dave is an average pore diameter (μm) of the fibrous structure.

Provided herein are a porous film, a separator including the same, an electrochemical device including the separator, and a method of preparing the porous film. The porous film includes first cellulose nanofibers which is impregnated with a carbonate-based solvent-containing electrolyte solution and has a reaction heat of 150 J/g or less at a temperature ranging from about 30° C. to about 300° C., as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Provided is an LDH separator including a porous substrate and a layered double hydroxide (LDH) that fills up pores of the porous substrate. The LDH is composed of a plurality of hydroxide base layers containing Mg, Al, Ti, and OH group; and interlayers which are interposed between the plurality of hydroxide base layers and composed of anions and H.sub.2O.

In accordance with at least selected embodiments or aspects, the present invention is directed to improved, unique, and/or high performance ISS lead acid battery separators, such as improved ISS flooded lead acid battery separators, ISS batteries including such separators, methods of production, and/or methods of use. The preferred ISS separator may include negative cross ribs and/or PIMS minerals. In accordance with more particular embodiments or examples, a PIMS mineral (preferably fish meal, a bio-mineral) is provided as at least a partial substitution for the silica filler component in a silica filled lead acid battery separator (preferably a polyethylene/silica separator formulation). In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to new or improved batteries, separators, components, and/or compositions having heavy metal removal capabilities and/or methods of manufacture and/or methods of use thereof.

A battery separator for a lead acid battery addresses the issues of acid stratification and separator oxidation arising from contaminants. The separator includes a microporous membrane and a diffusive mat affixed thereto. The diffusive mat has a three hour wick of: at least about 2.5 cm. The diffusive mat may be made of synthetic fibers, glass fibers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The diffusive mat may include silica. The separator may include a rubber.

An alkaline battery comprises an anode, a cathode, a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode, a barrier layer disposed between the anode and the cathode, and an electrolyte in fluid communication with the anode, the cathode, and the separator. The barrier layer is at least one of: an organic polymer film or a porous inorganic layer or combinations thereof.

The present invention belongs to the technical fields of macromolecular materials and batteries, and particularly relates to a non-porous separator and the use thereof, more particularly to a non-porous separator having a gelation function and the use thereof. This non-porous separator is composed of two or more macromolecular materials, wherein at least one of the macromolecular materials can be gelled by an organic solvent. This non-porous separator can be used in batteries having an organic solvent-based electrolyte and a high energy density, such that not only can a micro-short circuit, generated due to the introduction of foreign matters such as metals, be prevented, leading to an improved qualification rate for the product, but also the safety performance and the cycle life of such a battery can be improved significantly.

Provided is a layered double hydroxide (LDH) separator including a porous substrate made of a polymeric material; and a hydroxide-ion conductive layered compound being a LDH and/or a LDH-like compound with which pores of the porous substrate are plugged. The LDH separator has a mean porosity of 0.03% to less than 1.0%.

A method for manufacturing an ion exchange membrane is provided. The method for manufacturing an ion exchange membrane, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the step of electrospinning a support fiber producing solution and an ion exchange fiber producing solution respectively to prepare a laminate in which a support fiber mat consisting of a support fiber and an ion exchange fiber mat consisting of an ion exchange fiber are alternatively laminated. According to the present invention, it is possible to simply control factors, such as the thickness, electroconductivity and mechanical strength of the membrane, and the diameter/ratio of a pore, etc. to be suitable for the use of ion exchange membrane during the manufacturing process, to simplify the manufacturing process. As such, the ion exchange membrane manufactured by the method can be utilized as a universal ion exchange membrane which has a large ion exchange capacity, a small electrical resistance, and a small diffusion coefficient as well as excellent mechanical strength and durability.

An electrochemical cell is provided. The electrochemical cell includes a positive electrode including a first lithium metal-based material, the first lithium metal-based material including one or more transition metal ions, and wherein the positive electrode has an operating voltage of 4.5 volts versus lithium metal potential or greater. The electrochemical cell also includes an electrolyte formed from ingredients comprising a solvent and lithium salt. The solvent includes at least one carbonic ester. The electrochemical cell further includes a negative electrode including a second lithium metal-based material, the second lithium metal-based material including one or more transition metal ions.