Hierachical structure of transition metal cyanide coordination compounds

Abstract

A system and method for implementing and manufacturing a hierarchy system for use with a TMCCC-containing electrically-conductive structure (e.g., an electrode) as well as methods for use and manufacturing of such structures and electrochemical cells including these devices. Structures and methods include a coordination complex having L.sub.xM.sub.yN.sub.zTi.sub.a1V.sub.a2Cr.sub.a3Mn.sub.a4Fe.sub.a5Co.sub.a6Ni.sub.a7Cu.sub.a8Zn.sub.a9Ca.sub.a10Mg.sub.a11[R(CN).sub.6].sub.b (H.sub.2O).sub.c. The method includes binding electrochemically active material to produce a hierarchical structure, the hierarchical structure having a plurality of primary crystallites having a size D1, the plurality of these primary crystallites agglomerated into a set of agglomerates each agglomerate having a size D2>D1.

Claims

1. A coordination complex, comprising: a composition of L.sub.xM.sub.yN.sub.zTi.sub.a1V.sub.a2Cr.sub.a3Mn.sub.a4Fe.sub.a5Co.sub.a6Ni.sub.a7Cu.sub.a8Zn.sub.a9Ca.sub.a10Mg.sub.a11[R(CN).sub.6].sub.b (H.sub.2O).sub.c; and a plurality of particles of said composition; and wherein said plurality of particles include a hierarchical structure, and wherein said hierarchical structure includes a plurality of primary crystallites having a size D1, and in which said plurality of primary crystallites are agglomerated into a set of agglomerates each agglomerate having a size D2>D1; wherein each of L, M and N represents an alkaline metal; wherein 0≤x≤2; wherein 0≤y≤x; wherein 0≤z≤x; wherein 0<b≤1; wherein 0<c; wherein for each element of the set {a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11}, 0≤{a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11}≤1; and wherein at least one of {a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11} is >0.

2. The coordination complex of claim 1 wherein D1<1 μm.

3. The coordination complex of claim 2 wherein D2 includes a particle size distribution having a 50.sup.th percentile size >6 μm.

4. The coordination complex of claim 3 wherein said particle size distribution D2 includes a 10.sup.th percentile size greater than 1.5 μm.

5. The coordination complex of claim 4 wherein said particle size distribution D2 includes a 90.sup.th percentile size greater than 7.5 μm.

6. The coordination complex of claim 1 wherein said composition includes a specific surface area >2 m.sup.2 per gram.

7. The coordination complex of claim 5 wherein said composition includes a specific surface area >2 m.sup.2 per gram.

8. The coordination complex of claim 1 wherein said composition includes a tap density <0.9 g/cm.sup.3.

9. The coordination complex of claim 5 wherein said composition includes a tap density <0.9 g/cm.sup.3.

10. The coordination complex of claim 7 wherein said composition includes a tap density <0.9 g/cm.sup.3.

11. An electrically conductive structure for an electrochemical cell, comprising: one or more conductive carbons; one or more polymer binders; a current collector; and one or more TMCCC; wherein at least one of said conductive carbons include nanoparticulate carbons; wherein said current collector includes a metal foil; wherein said metal foil includes a surface coating including a carbon material; wherein said polymer binder include functionalized SEBS binders; wherein said TMCCC include: a composition of L.sub.xM.sub.yN.sub.zTi.sub.a1V.sub.a2Cr.sub.a3Mn.sub.a4Fe.sub.a5Co.sub.a6Ni.sub.a7Cu.sub.a8Zn.sub.a9Ca.sub.a10Mg.sub.a11[R(CN).sub.6].sub.b (H.sub.2O).sub.c; and a plurality of particles of said composition; and wherein said plurality of particles include a hierarchical structure, and wherein said hierarchical structure includes a plurality of primary crystallites having a size D1, and in which said plurality of primary crystallites are agglomerated into a set of agglomerates each agglomerate having a size D2>D1; wherein each of L, M and N represents an alkaline metal; wherein 0≤x≤2; wherein 0≤y≤x; wherein 0≤z≤x; wherein 0<b≤1; wherein 0<c; wherein for each element of the set {a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11}, 0≤{a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11}≤1; and wherein at least one of {a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11} is >0; and wherein a4>0; and wherein a5>0; and wherein 0.25 μm<D1<1 μm.

12. An electrochemical cell, comprising: a cell stack having a liquid electrolyte, an anode electrode, a separator, and a cathode electrode, said electrodes electrochemically communicated with said liquid electrolyte; and wherein said liquid electrolyte includes a polar organic solvent combined with an alkali metal salt; wherein said separator includes polymer membranes; wherein said membrane may have a surface coating including nanoparticulate alumina and boehmite; wherein said anode electrode includes a TMCCC; wherein said anode electrode includes a conductive carbon; wherein said cathode electrode includes a TMCCC; wherein said TMCCC further comprises: a composition of L.sub.xM.sub.yN.sub.zTi.sub.a1V.sub.a2Cr.sub.a3Mn.sub.a4Fe.sub.a5Co.sub.a6Ni.sub.a7Cu.sub.a8Zn.sub.a9Ca.sub.a10Mg.sub.a11[R(CN).sub.6].sub.b (H.sub.2O).sub.c; and a plurality of particles of said composition; and wherein said plurality of particles include a hierarchical structure, and wherein said hierarchical structure includes a plurality of primary crystallites having a size D1, and in which said plurality of primary crystallites are agglomerated into a set of agglomerates each agglomerate having a size D2>D1; wherein each of L, M and N represents an alkaline metal; wherein 0≤x≤2; wherein 0≤y≤x; wherein 0≤z≤x; wherein 0<b≤1; wherein 0<c; wherein for each element of the set {a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11}, 0≤{a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11}≤1; and wherein at least one of {a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9, a10, a11} is >0; and wherein a4>0; and wherein a5>0; and wherein 0.25 μm<D1<1 μm.

13. The electrochemical cell of claim 12 wherein said cell stack includes one or more additional anode, cathode or reference conductive structures, and combinations thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a Nyquist plot highlighting metrics used in quantification of a performance of an electrochemical cell;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a specific surface area of TMCCC cited in examples II, V, VI, and VIII described herein and the semicircle width of electrochemical cells made with those TMCCC;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a tap density of TMCCC cited in the examples described herein, including examples III, IV, VII, and VIII and the semicircle width of electrochemical cells made with those TMCCC;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a set of discharge curves for the electrochemical cell from example I at 1 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a set of discharge curves for the electrochemical cell from example II at 1 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrate a set of discharge curves for the electrochemical cell from example III at 1 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a set of ensuing electrodes made with the TMCCC of example X lacking appreciable surface defects;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a resulting coat made using the TMCCC of example XI;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a charge-discharge cycle of the electrochemical cell made in example XII, confirming that a functioning electrochemical cell can be made by pairing a TMCCC cathode electrodes with a PBA anode;

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a charge-discharge cycle of the electrochemical cell made in example XIII, confirming that a functioning electrochemical cell can be created by pairing a TMCCC cathode with a hard carbon anode;

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates a hierarchical structure of the disclosed TMCCC which contrasts with the nanoparticulate TMCCC described by REF[2]; and

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a generic electrochemical cell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(14) Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for implementing and manufacturing a hierarchy system for use with a TMCCC-containing electrically-conductive structure (e.g., an electrode) as well as methods for use and manufacturing of such structures and electrochemical cells including these devices. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.

(15) Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

Definitions

(16) Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this general inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

(17) The following definitions apply to some of the aspects described with respect to certain embodiments of the invention. These definitions may likewise be expanded upon herein.

(18) As used herein, the term “or” includes “and/or” and the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

(19) As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an object can include multiple objects unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(20) Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

(21) As used herein, the term “set” refers to a collection of one or more objects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or multiple objects. Objects of a set also can be referred to as members of the set. Objects of a set can be the same or different. In some instances, objects of a set can share one or more common properties.

(22) As used herein, the term “adjacent” refers to being near or adjoining. Adjacent objects can be spaced apart from one another or can be in actual or direct contact with one another. In some instances, adjacent objects can be coupled to one another or can be formed integrally with one another.

(23) As used herein, the terms “connect,” “connected,” and “connecting” refer to a direct attachment or link. Connected objects have no or no substantial intermediary object or set of objects, as the context indicates.

(24) As used herein, the terms “couple,” “coupled,” and “coupling” refer to an operational connection or linking. Coupled objects can be directly connected to one another or can be indirectly connected to one another, such as via an intermediary set of objects.

(25) The use of the term “about” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. This term generally refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider as a reasonable amount of deviation to the recited numeric values (i.e., having the equivalent function or result). For example, this term can be construed as including a deviation of ±10 percent of the given numeric value provided such a deviation does not alter the end function or result of the value. Therefore, a value of about 1% can be construed to be a range from 0.9% to 1.1%.

(26) As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantial” refer to a considerable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation, such as accounting for typical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments described herein.

(27) As used herein, the terms “optional” and “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.

(28) As used herein, the term “size” refers to a characteristic dimension of an object. Thus, for example, a size of an object that is spherical can refer to a diameter of the object. In the case of an object that is non-spherical, a size of the non-spherical object can refer to a diameter of a corresponding spherical object, where the corresponding spherical object exhibits or has a particular set of derivable or measurable properties that are substantially the same as those of the non-spherical object. Thus, for example, a size of a non-spherical object can refer to a diameter of a corresponding spherical object that exhibits light scattering or other properties that are substantially the same as those of the non-spherical object. Alternatively, or in conjunction, a size of a non-spherical object can refer to an average of various orthogonal dimensions of the object. Thus, for example, a size of an object that is a spheroidal can refer to an average of a major axis and a minor axis of the object. When referring to a set of objects as having a particular size, it is contemplated that the objects can have a distribution of sizes around the particular size. Thus, as used herein, a size of a set of objects can refer to a typical size of a distribution of sizes, such as an average size, a median size, or a peak size.

(29) The TMCCC materials described herein may be used in an electrode in an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell may also include additional electrodes, an electrolyte and a separator membrane. Any additional electrodes may include a second TMCCC material, a carbon material such as activated charcoal, hard carbon, or graphite, or another material. The electrolyte may include one or more organic solvents such as acetonitrile, cyclic or linear carbonates, or other organic solvents, or water. The separator membrane may contain polymers and may have surface coating included but not limited to nano-alumina, and boehmite.

(30) As used herein, the term “electrode” in the context of an electrochemical cell may have different meanings and sometimes encompass different sets of components of the electrochemical cell in different contexts and different audiences. For example, the electrode, as comprised by the TMCCC, carbon, and binder, as well as the solvents used in the slurry processing to make the electrode, is typically considered to be entirely separate from a current collector. This electrode structure could be deposited on any number of current collectors having different compositions (aluminum, copper, etc.) or mechanical properties (thickness, surface roughness, and the like). One precise definition would be to refer to an “electrode” as comprising two components: both an “active layer” or “electrode composite” including the TMCCC, carbons, and binders, as well as a current collector, which may in turn have subcomponents such as a special surface coating, or special design features such as physical dimensions. The present application has adopted a special term used herein to avoid some imprecision that is present when referring to an electrode of an electrochemical cell. This term is “electrically conductive structure” and includes electrodes as well as other electrochemically-active structures that may be used as an electrode. Some larger structures that encompass an electrode may also be such an “electrically conductive structure” within the meaning of the present application, unless the context would reasonably suggest otherwise to a person having ordinary skill in the art apprised of this disclosure and understanding of the discussion and claims presented herein.

(31) The current disclosure highlights a new class of TMCCC material with a broad range of specific surface area, tap density and median particle size. A set of criteria is disclosed which limit the specific surface area, tap density and median particles size so as to ensure a low semicircle width and the ability to access above 70% of an electrochemical cell's nominal capacity even when discharging at 20 times the nominal discharge rate.

(32) The examples below illustrate an importance of these physical morphology criteria disclosed as part of embodiments of the present invention.

Example I

(33) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.24Mn.sub.0.78Fe.sub.0.22[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.88 (H.sub.2O).sub.2.82 a tap density of 0.79 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 4.23 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 5.6 um, 8.5 um, 12.9 um respectively, was mixed with an elastomeric adhesive binder and nanoparticulate carbon black in an organic solvent blend to form a slurry. This slurry was deposited onto a carbon coated aluminum foil current collector using a drawdown coater and dried at 60° C. for 35 min to evaporate the solvent. The ensuing coat was calendered (roll pressed) to further increase its density, vacuum dried, and cut into electrodes for use in electrochemical cells. Then, electrochemical cells were assembled by combining a TMCCC electrode, an activated charcoal electrode, a porous membrane separator, and an electrolyte containing a Sodium(I) Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt and an acetonitrile solvent. Electrochemical testing of this cell was performed, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and five constant current charge-discharge cycles at a charging rate of 1 C and a discharge rate of 0.2 C, 1 C, 5 C, 10 C, and 20 C.

(34) FIG. 4 illustrates a set of discharge curves for the electrochemical cell from example I at 1 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C. Even at 20 times the nominal discharge rate, the capacity available is above 70% (71.5% of 1 C capacity) of the nominal capacity.

Example II

(35) A TMCCC cathode having a composition of Na.sub.1.18Mn.sub.0.77Fe.sub.0.24[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.86 (H.sub.2O).sub.2.44 a tap density of 0.68 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 1.83 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 7.7 um, 12.3 um, 18.1 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made following a similar procedure as in example I. Electrochemical testing of this cell was performed, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and five constant current charge-discharge cycles at a charging rate of 1 C and a discharge rate of 0.2 C, 1 C, 5 C, 10 C, and 20 C.

(36) FIG. 5 illustrates a set of discharge curves for the electrochemical cell from example II at 1 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C. Unlike the cell in example I, the cell in example II only attains 66% of its nominal capacity when it is discharged at 20 times its nominal rate.

Example III

(37) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.25Mn.sub.0.75Fe.sub.0.25[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.89, (H.sub.2O).sub.2.95 a tap density of 0.97 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 2.22 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 7.3 um, 10.4 um, 14.4 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made similarly to the same procedure as in example I. Electrochemical testing of this cell was performed, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and five constant current charge-discharge cycles at a charging rate of 1 C and a discharge rate of 0.2 C, 1 C, 5 C, 10 C, and 20 C.

(38) FIG. 6 illustrate a set of discharge curves for the electrochemical cell from example III at 1 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C. Unlike the cell in example I, the cell in example III only attains 41% of its nominal capacity when it is discharged at 20 times its nominal rate.

Example IV

(39) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.24Mn.sub.0.77Fe.sub.0.23[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.88 (H.sub.2O).sub.2.57 with a tap density of 0.83 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 4.69 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 5.9 um, 9 um, 13.9 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made following similar to the procedure as in example I. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was then run on these cells.

Example V

(40) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.25Mn.sub.0.79Fe.sub.0.21[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.88 (H.sub.2O).sub.3.63 with a tap density of 0.83 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 4.71 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 5.9 um, 9 um, 13.5 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly to the manner as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made similarly to the procedure as in example I. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was then run on these cells.

Example VI

(41) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.24Mn.sub.0.78Fe.sub.0.22[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.88 (H.sub.2O).sub.3.63 with a tap density of 0.84 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 3.99 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 6.3 um, 9.4 um, 13.4 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly to the manner as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made similarly to the procedure as in example I. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was then run on these cells.

Example VII

(42) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.17Mn.sub.0.75Fe.sub.0.25[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.87 (H.sub.2O).sub.2.61 with a tap density of 0.57 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 4.69 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 6.7 um, 11.5 um, 17.4 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly to the manner as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made following as similar procedure as in example I. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was then run on these cells.

Example VIII

(43) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.15Mn.sub.0.75Fe.sub.0.25[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.86 (H.sub.2O).sub.2.44 with a tap density of 0.68 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 2.96 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 5.6 um, 9 um, 13.5 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly to the manner as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made following similarly to the procedure as in example I. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was then run on these cells.

Example IX

(44) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of Na.sub.1.22Mn.sub.0.77Fe.sub.0.23[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.87(H.sub.2O).sub.2.50 with a tap density of 0.66 g/cm.sup.3, a specific surface area of 5.47 m.sup.2/g and D10, D50, D90 values of 5.7 um, 10.8 um, 17.2 um respectively, was processed into an electrode similarly to the manner as described in example I. Electrochemical cells were then made similarly to the procedure as in example I. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was then run on these cells.

(45) Table 1 summarizes a set of physical parameters of the TMCCC in these examples as well as a semicircle width of the corresponding electrochemical cells.

(46) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Specific Semicircle Tap Surface width, density Area D10 D50 D90 normalized Example [g/cm.sup.3] [m.sup.2/g] [um] [um] [um] to Example 1 1 0.79 4.23 5.6 8.5 12.9 1 2 0.68 1.83 7.7 12.3 18.1 3.18 3 0.97 2.22 7.3 10.4 14.4 5.52 4 0.83 4.69 5.9 9 13.9 2.59 5 0.83 4.71 5.9 9 13.5 1.09 6 0.84 3.99 6.3 9.4 13.4 1.25 7 0.57 4.69 6.7 11.5 17.4 0.69 8 0.68 2.96 5.6 9 13.5 0.90 9 0.66 5.47 5.7 10.8 17.2 1.11

(47) Additional examples further highlight an importance of controlling the D10, D50, D90 parameters of the TMCCC to improve post-synthesis processing, such as manufacturing a TMCCC that can be processed into an electrochemical cell with improved characteristics.

Example X

(48) A TMCCC cathode material having a composition of K.sub.0.63Na.sub.0.0045Mn.sub.0.72Fe.sub.0.28[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.81 (H.sub.2O).sub.2.49, and D10, D50, D90 of 4.9 um, 7.0 um and 9.2 um was mixed with an elastomeric adhesive binder and carbon black in an organic solvent blend to form a slurry. This slurry was deposited onto a carbon coated aluminum foil current collector using a drawdown coater and dried at 60° C. for 35 minutes to evaporate the solvent. Electrodes were punched out of the coat using a die punch. FIG. 7 illustrates a set of ensuing electrodes made with the TMCCC of example X lacking appreciable surface defects.

Example XI

(49) A TMCCC cathode material with a composition of K.sub.1.18Mn.sub.0.80Fe.sub.0.20[Fe(CN).sub.6].sub.0.86 (H.sub.2O).sub.5.93 and D10, D50, D90 of 1.1 um, 3.6 um and 6.9 um was processed into an electrode similarly to the manner as in example X.

(50) FIG. 8 illustrates a resulting coat made using the TMCCC of example XI. Contrary to the electrodes seen in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 depicts severe aggregation on the resulting coat from example XI material. It is believed that the severe aggregation may result from the TMCCC having D10, D50, D90 outside the ranges specified herein as part of a preferred hierarchy. Such aggregation interferes with the TMCCC from being converted reliably to electrochemical cells.

(51) The use of the TMCCC proposed is not limited by the choice of anode that is used when assembling the electrochemical cell. Possible anodes that can be paired with TMCCC electrodes include but are not limited to TMCCC electrodes such as Prussian Blue Analogs (PBA); Carbon Electrodes such as graphite, hard carbon or activated charcoal electrodes; Antimony based electrodes; Tin based electrodes; and Silicon based electrodes. The following examples give support for the TMCCC's ability to form functional electrochemical cells irrespective of the choice of Anode.

Example XII

(52) The TMCCC cathode material described in example I and the TMCCC described in example IX were mixed in a 76:24 ratio. This TMCCC blend was then mixed overnight with an elastomeric adhesive binder and nanoparticulate carbon black in an organic solvent blend to form a slurry. The ensuing slurry was then coated onto a carbon-coated Aluminum foil using a slot die coater and then passed through a series of chamber ovens. This coat was then calendered (roll pressed) to further increase its density, vacuum dried, and finally punched into electrodes using a matched metal press to form electrodes. The electrodes were then dried in a vacuum drier to remove moisture in the electrodes. A Honbro Z stacker then created electrochemical cells by weaving the dried TMCCC electrodes and PBA anode electrodes with a porous membrane separator. An electrolyte containing a Sodium(I) Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt and an acetonitrile solvent were then added to the cells before they were sealed into laminate pouches. The completed cells underwent a full discharge at 1 C followed by a charge-discharge cycle at 1 C. FIG. 9 illustrates a 1 C charge-discharge cycle of the electrochemical cell made in example XII, confirming that a functioning electrochemical cell can be made by pairing a TMCCC cathode electrodes with a PBA anode.

Example XIII

(53) A TMCCC cathode material similar to the one described in example I was mixed overnight with an elastomeric adhesive binder and nanoparticulate carbon black in an organic solvent blend to form a slurry. This slurry was deposited onto a carbon coated aluminum foil current collector using a frontier coater and dried at 80° C. for 35 minutes to evaporate the solvent. The ensuing coat was calendered (roll pressed) to further increase its density, vacuum dried, and cut into electrodes for use in electrochemical cells. The TMCCC electrodes were paired with hard carbon anode electrodes and then assembled into electrochemical cells containing a porous membrane separator, and an electrolyte containing a Sodium(I) Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt and an acetonitrile solvent. The cells were massaged and left to soak overnight to enable impregnation of electrolyte through the pores before electrochemical testing. The cell then went through a charge-discharge cycle at a rate of C/10. The cells then underwent galvanostatic cycling at C/5. FIG. 10 illustrates the charge and discharge curves at C/5 for an Example XIII material and demonstrates that a functioning electrochemical cell can be created by pairing a TMCCC cathode with a hard carbon anode.

(54) REF[2] investigates a role of the particle size of a TMCCC containing cell on its electrochemical performance, however, the reference appears to have focused on monocrystalline particles of a single chemical composition of TMCCC, KNi[Fe(CN).sub.6], in a limited range of particle sizes ranging from 0.038 um to 0.38 um. Embodiments of the present invention may pertain to TMCCC comprising polycrystalline particles in the range of 6-20 um. This discrepancy in size indicates a divergence in TMCCC technologies; while REF[2] and other art may address nanoparticulate TMCCC, some current embodiments of the present invention involve TMCCC with a hierarchical structure. In other words, the TMCCC presently discussed is made up of agglomerates of aggregates which in turn consist of the individual crystal. FIG. 11 illustrates a hierarchical structure using an SEM image of the disclosed hierarchical TMCCC which contrasts with the nanoparticulate TMCCC described by REF[2]. As used herein, the term “aggregate” is defined as an ellipsoidal cluster of interconnected TMCCC crystals. As used herein, the term “agglomerate” is defined as a cluster of aggregates that have fused or otherwise combined.

(55) For presentation of embodiments of the present invention, the preceding discussion of particle hierarchy addresses many implementations. There is a nuance in that there may be multiple levels of hierarchy in particle structure. In a simple case, the primary crystallites are stuck together into a big particle that is quite dense (it may be that microscope images will not show any pores, and area measurements may detect just the surface area of the outside of the particle). There could also be a case in which the primary crystallites are very densely stuck together into somewhat larger dense “sub-particles”, which in turn are more loosely connected together into an even larger particle. In this case, imaging may visualize pores between the sub-particles. Such particle hierarchy distributions and implementations are within the scope of the present invention.

(56) FIG. 12 illustrates a generic electrochemical cell 1200. Cell 1200 includes a first electrode 1205 (e.g., a cathode electrode), a second electrode 1210 (e.g., an anode electrode), a liquid electrolyte 1215, a separator 1220, a first current collector 1225, and a second current collector 1230. One or both electrodes include a coordination compound, and more specifically a transition metal cyanide coordination compound.

REFERENCES

(57) The following references are cited herein, and each of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety for all purposes: REF[1]—U.S. Pat. No. 9,608,268—Alkali and alkaline-earth ion batteries with non-metal anode and hexacynometallate cathode; REF[2]—Li et al., Li-ion and Na-ion insertion into size-controlled nickel hexacynoferrate nanoparticles, RSC Advances, 2014, 4, 24955-24961.

(58) The system and methods above have been described in general terms as an aid to understanding details of preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Some features and benefits of the present invention are realized in such modes and are not required in every case. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

(59) Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

(60) It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application.

(61) Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

(62) The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

(63) Thus, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention is not limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.