This disclosure relates to an SO.sub.2-based electrolyte for a rechargeable battery cell containing at least one conducting salt of the Formula (I) ##STR00001##
wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, metals of group 12 of the periodic table of the elements and aluminum; x is an integer from 1 to 3; the substituents R, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.1 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.1 alkynyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.10 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.14 aryl, and C.sub.5-C.sub.14 heteroaryl; and Z is aluminum or boron.

The present invention relates to a positive electrode active material containing a spinel composite solid solution oxide, a method for manufacturing same, and a lithium secondary battery including the same. The spinel composite solid solution oxide contains cubic (P4.sub.332) and face-centered cubic (Fd-3m) in an optimized solid solution ratio in the crystal, and a low content of lithium nickel oxide (Li.sub.zNi.sub.1−zO) is combined. A positive electrode active material containing the spinel composite solid solution oxide provides excellent output characteristics while having stable cycle-life characteristics according to the type and content of doping elements replacing transition metals, the synthesis temperature, and the amount of impurities generated.

This application provides a lithium-nickel-manganese-based composite oxide material, where a K value of the lithium-nickel-manganese-based composite oxide material ranges from 1 to 2, and the K value is calculated based on the following formula: K=D.sub.v50/d.sub.v50, where d.sub.v50 is a volume median crystallite diameter of crystal particles of the lithium-nickel-manganese-based composite oxide material; and D.sub.v50 is a volume median particle diameter of the lithium-nickel-manganese-based composite oxide material.

A process for producing a cathode or anode material adapted for use in the manufacture of fast rechargeable ion batteries. The process may include the steps of Selecting an precursor material that, upon heating in a gas stream, releases volatile compounds to create porous materials to generate a material compound suitable for an electrode in an ion battery. Grinding the precursor material to produce a powder of particles with a first predetermined particle size distribution to form a precursor powder. Calcining the precursor powder in a flash calciner reactor segment with a first process gas at a first temperature to produce a porous particle material suitable for an electrode in an ion battery, and having the pore properties, surface area and nanoscale structures for applications in such batteries. Processing the hot precursor powder in a second calciner reactor segment with a second process gas to complete the calcination reaction, to anneal the material to optimise the particle strength, and to modify the oxidation state of the product for maximising the charge density when the particle is activated in a battery cell to form a second precursor powder. Quenching the second precursor powder. Activating the particles of the second precursor powder in an electrolytic cell by the initial charging steps to intercalate electrolyte ions in the particles.

A positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery that includes a lithium transition metal composite oxide having a spinel structure and containing nickel and manganese is provided. The positive electrode active material includes a first surface region having a chemical composition with a molar ratio of nickel to manganese of 0.1 or less on the surface of the lithium transition metal composite oxide.

The present invention belongs to the field of battery materials, and relates to a process for preparing a particulate lithium manganese nickel spinel compound, and materials produced by the process. The process of the invention uses Mn-containing precursors, Ni-containing precursors, Li-containing precursors and optionally M-containing precursor which form substantially no NOx ases during calcination. The particulate lithium manganese nickel spinel compound product of the process may find use in a lithium ion battery.

A process for forming an active cathode material. The process comprises forming a precursor comprising a lithium salt and a multi-carboxylic acid salt of at least one of nickel, manganese or cobalt; heating the precursor in a metal lined vessel to a temperature of no more than 600° C. to form an intermediate material; and heating the intermediate material to a temperature of over 600° C. to form said active cathode material.

A method of turning a catalytic material by altering the charge state of a catalyst support. The catalyst support is intercalated with a metal ion, altering the charge state to alter and/or augment the catalytic activity of the catalyst material.

This positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery contains a lithium transition metal complex oxide capable of occluding and releasing Li, and contains SrMnO.sub.3 in the interior or exterior of secondary particles of the lithium transition metal complex oxide.

This positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery contains a lithium transition metal complex oxide capable of occluding and releasing Li. The lithium transition metal complex oxide is represented by general formula Li.sub.xM1.sub.yO.sub.zF.sub.w (in the formula, 0.5 ≤ × < 3.1, 1 ≤ y ≤ 2, 2 ≤ z+w ≤ 4, and M1 is at least one element selected from Ni, Co, Mn, Ti, Fe, Al, Ge, Si, and Nb), and M2 (M2 being at least one element selected from Ca, Sr, Sc, Er, Y, Zr, and W) is included in the interior of secondary particles of the lithium transition metal complex oxide.