The present invention concerns specific new compounds of formula Li.sub.(2x)Na.sub.(x)MO.sub.(2y/2)F.sub.(1+y) (where 0x0.2 and 0.6y0,8 and M is a transition metal), cathode material comprising the new compounds, batteries and lithium-cells comprising said new compound or cathode material, a process for the production of the new compound and their use.

A method of making an FeCr electrolyte includes a) oxidizing a carbon-containing FeCr alloy with Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 or FeO; and b) treating the oxidized carbon-containing FeCr alloy with FeCl.sub.3 or HCl or any combination thereof to produce a FeCl.sub.2CrCl.sub.3 electrolyte. The method may also include treating, under reducing conditions, a starting material, such as chromite ore, with a carbon source to produce the carbon-containing FeCr alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include removing a portion of the FeCl.sub.2 from the FeCl.sub.2CrCl.sub.3 electrolyte to obtain a selected iron to chromium molar ratio for the FeCr electrolyte.

A method of making an FeCr electrolyte includes a) oxidizing a carbon-containing FeCr alloy with Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 or FeO; and b) treating the oxidized carbon-containing FeCr alloy with FeCl.sub.3 or HCl or any combination thereof to produce a FeCl.sub.2CrCl.sub.3 electrolyte. The method may also include treating, under reducing conditions, a starting material, such as chromite ore, with a carbon source to produce the carbon-containing FeCr alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include removing a portion of the FeCl.sub.2 from the FeCl.sub.2CrCl.sub.3 electrolyte to obtain a selected iron to chromium molar ratio for the FeCr electrolyte.