The disclosure provides a laminated polyolefin microporous membrane having propylene-α-olefin copolymer and methods of producing the same. The laminated polyolefin microporous membrane has a two-type three layer structure in which first polyolefin microporous layers are surface layers and a second polyolefin microporous layer is an intermediate layer which is different from the first polyolefin microporous layer.

Electrolyte materials for use in electrochemical cells, electrochemical cells comprising the same, and methods of making such materials and cells, are generally described. In some embodiments, the materials, processes, and uses described herein relate to electrochemical cells comprising sulfur and lithium such as, for example, lithium sulfur batteries. The electrolyte can comprise a polymeric material and, in some cases, an absorbed auxiliary material. For example, the electrolyte material can be capable of forming a gel, and the auxiliary material can comprise an electrolyte solvent. In some instances, the electrolyte material can comprise at least one organic (co)polymer selected from polyethersulfones, polyvinylalcohols (PVOH) and branched polyimides (HPI). The non-fluid material in the electrolyte, when configured for use, can, alone or in combination with the optional absorbed auxiliary material, have a yield strength greater than that of lithium metal, in some embodiments.

The present invention refers to a method of preparing a separator, a separator prepared therefrom and an electrochemical device having the separator. The method of preparing a separator according to the present invention comprises providing a planar and porous substrate having multiple pores; and coating a first slurry on at least one surface of the porous substrate through a slot section to form a porous coating layer, while continuously coating a second slurry on the porous coating layer through a slide section adjacent to the slot section to form a layer for adhesion with an electrode, the first slurry comprising inorganic particles, a first binder polymer and a first solvent, and the second slurry comprising a second binder polymer and a second solvent.

Provided are a micro-porous hybrid film and a method for preparing the same, and more particularly, a micro-porous hybrid film capable of improving reliability of a battery by simultaneously improving thermal stability at a high temperature and water properties, and a method for preparing the same. In addition, the present invention relates to a micro-porous hybrid film suitable for a separator of a high capacity/high output lithium secondary battery capable of increasing production stability, long term stability, and performance of the battery by improving adhesive force between a micro-porous film and a coating layer and permeability and minimizing a water content by the coating layer.

A battery system includes a plurality of battery cells; a busbar that is laser-welded to electrode terminals of the adjacent battery cells and electrically connects the battery cells; and a plastic insulating wall disposed between the adjacent electrode terminals. The surface color of the insulating wall is a heat-ray reflecting color having far-infrared reflectance of 50% or more.

To afford a laminated body that is usable as a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery separator and that is not easily curled, a laminated body includes: a porous base material containing a polyolefin-based resin as a main component; and a porous layer containing a polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin, the porous base material having a parameter X of not more than 20, the parameter X being calculated in accordance with a particular formula, the polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin containing crystal form α in an amount of not less than 36 mol % with respect to 100 mol % of a total amount of the crystal form α and crystal form β contained in the polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin.

To afford a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery separator that is not easily curled, a laminated body of the present invention includes: a porous base material containing a polyolefin-based resin as a main component; and a porous layer on at least one surface of the porous base material, the porous layer containing a polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin, the porous film having a lightness (L*) of not less than 83 and not more than 95 and a white index (WI) of not less than 85 and not more than 98, the polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin containing crystal form α in an amount of not less than 34 mol % with respect to 100 mol % of a total amount of the crystal form α and crystal form β contained in the polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin.

A thin, freestanding, microporous polyolefin web with good heat resistance and dimensional stability includes an inorganic surface layer. A first preferred embodiment is a microporous polyolefin base membrane in which colloidal inorganic particles are present in its bulk structure. Each of second and third preferred embodiments is a thin, freestanding microporous polyolefin web that has an inorganic surface layer containing no organic hydrogen bonding component for the inorganic particles. The inorganic surface layer of the second embodiment is achieved by hydrogen bonding with use of an inorganic acid, and the inorganic surface layer of the third embodiment is achieved by one or both of hydrogen bonding and chemical reaction of the surface groups on the inorganic particles.

Various embodiments include methods of fabricating an interconnect for a fuel cell stack. Methods for controlled pre-oxidation of an interconnect include oxidizing in a nitride-inhibiting environment to inhibit the formation of nitrides.

A moisture-sensitive device is provided that includes a fluid-sensitive battery. Exposure of the battery to urine or some other fluid causes the battery to provide a voltage that can be used to power a transmitter. The transmitter can then provide a wireless transmission indicative of the battery having been exposed to the fluid. This moisture-sensitive device can be provided in a diaper and transmissions produced by the device can be detected using a smart phone or other device and used to indicate to a user that the diaper has been soiled. By powering the transmitter using the fluid-sensitive battery and storing the battery in a dry state, such a device can be stored for a protracted period of time before use.