Denis G. Fauteux

Lithium electrode in polymer electrolytes

Abstract Although solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) lithium rechargeable battery technologies have been demonstrated, in some instances, at the pilot-scale level, the characterization of the reversibility of the lithium anode remains incomplete. Reversibility of the lithium electrode in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has been assumed, in most instances, to be better than the reversibility of the lithium electrode in liquid electrolytes. However, approaches recently used to increase the ionic conductivity of the SPE at ambient temperature, which involved the addition of large fractions of liquid electrolytes to the SPE, are likely to reduce severely if not eliminated completely, the benefit, if any, that is associated with using SPEs to improve the reversibility of the lithium electrode. This paper reviews the literature and establishes the status of the state-of-the-art of lithium electrode reversibility in polymer electrolytes.

Electrolytic cell and electrolytic process within a carbon dioxide environment

An electrolytic cell, such as a rechargeable lithium battery, fabricated in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, having a lithium carbonate passivating layer associated with a lithium ion source electrode and an electrolyte. Fabrication of an electrolytic cell containing an acrylic polymer paste cathode, anode and electrolyte increases the efficiency of the polymer initiator and facilitates free radical chain growth polymerizations.

Electrolytic cell and process for treating an alkali metal electrode

An electrolytic cell and process for treating an alkali metal electrode, wherein an additive is applied to the electrode so as to result in a predominately additive interface between the electrode and an electrolyte. The additive interface is ionically conductive yet non-ionic. In addition, the additive interface is substantially inert when in contact with the electrode, while being substantially insoluble in the electrolyte.