US4716088A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Activated rechargeable hydrogen storage electrode and method
Assignee: Ovonic Battery Co Inc
•
Filing: 1986-12-29
•
Granted: 1987-12-29
•
Expires: 2006-12-29
Abstract
Abstract Activated rechargeable hydrogen storage electrodes that are especially suitable for sealed, starved electrochemical cells and methods for making them are provided. The activated electrode includes a body of hydrogen storage active material that is composed of an agglomeration of particles of active hydrogen storage material. The body contains a residual amount of hydrogen and may have a modified surface, the residual amount of hydrogen generally being equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material. The method provided for activating a rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode includes contacting the electrode with alkaline material for sufficient time at sufficient temperature to alter the surface oxides on the electrode present on the electrodes after fabrication to increase the charge acceptance and electrochemical hydrogen transfer rate and discharging at least a portion of the initial charge present in the electrode. The surface oxides may be treated by several methods, such as by contact with alkaline material or electrochemically.
Inventors
- 👤 Benjamin Reichman
- 👤 Srini Venkatesan
- 👤 Michael A. Fetcenko
- 👤 Kenneth Jeffries
- 👤 Sharon Stahl
- 👤 Clifford Bennett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:51
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M4/00; H01M4/02; H01M4/06; H01M4/08; H01M4/36; H01M4/38; H01M4/383; H01M10/00; H01M10/34; H01M10/345; H01M4/24; H01M4/242; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y02P; Y02P70/00; Y02P70/50; Y10; Y10S; Y10S420/00; Y10S420/90; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 148
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of activating a rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material, comprising the steps of prior to sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell: (a) electrochemically charging said negative electrode to provide a charge; and thereafter (b) discharging at least a portion of said charge, whereby surface roughness of said negative electrode increases and the gas pressure that develops in a sealed hydrogen storage rechargeable electrochemical cell resulting from said negative electrode is reduced.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of activating a rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material, comprising the steps of prior to sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell: (a) electrochemically charging said negative electrode to provide a charge; and thereafter (b) discharging at least a portion of said charge, whereby surface roughness of said negative electrode increases and the gas pressure that develops in a sealed hydrogen storage rechargeable electrochemical cell resulting from said negative electrode is reduced.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said charging step provides a total charge input of from about 100% to 150% of said negative electrode capacity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electrode is charged at a rate of about 50 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said electrode is discharged at between about 5 and 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said discharging comprises initially discharging at an initial rate and subsequently discharging at a rate lower than said initial rate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising subjecting said negative electrode to at least one electrochemical charge and discharge cycle after step (b) of claim 1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said negative electrode is suitable for use in a sealed rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and said method is performed prior to assembling and sealing said negative electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said negative electrode is suitable for use in a sealed rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and said method is performed prior to sealing said negative electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and after installation of said negative electrode therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said activating increases the discharge rate of said negative electrode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said activating increases the capacity of said electrode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said activating decreases the charging voltage for said electrode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electrode is discharged to contain a residual amount of hydrogen equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
A negative electrode made in accordance with the method of claim 1.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is (TiV 2-x Ni x ) 1-y M y where 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.2 and M=Al or Zr.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 2-x Zr x V 4-y Ni y where 0<x≦1.5, 0.6≦y≦3.5.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 1-x Cr x V 2-y Ni y where 0<x≦0.75, 0.2≦y≦1.0.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 25 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 42 .
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 33 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 34 .
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 53 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 13 .
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said charging and discharging increases the surface roughness of said electrode by up to about ten times.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said charging and discharging increases the surface roughness of said electrode by about ten times.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said method of activating improves the charge acceptance and hydrogen transfer properties of said electrode.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said method of activating provides an electrode surface that is substantially free of material that is soluble in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electrode has a concentration of at least 20% on an atomic basis of free metal at the surface of said electrode to a depth of about 100 angstroms from the surface of said electrode as a result of said method of activation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electrode has a greater surface porosity as a result of said method of activating.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of activating a rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material, comprising the steps of: prior to sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell, establishing a precharge in said negative electrode corresponding to an amount of hydrogen equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of activating a rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material, comprising the steps of: prior to sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell, establishing a precharge in said negative electrode corresponding to an amount of hydrogen equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said precharge is established during fabrication of said negative electrode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said precharge is established by thermally absorbing hydrogen in said negative electrode.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 28 wherein said precharge is established during sintering of said negative electrode.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 26 further comprising electrochemically charging said electrode and thereafter discharging said electrode to establish said precharge level.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 30 wherein said charging provides a total charge input of from about 100% to 150% of said negative electrode capacity.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 26 further comprising subjecting said negative electrode to at least one electrochemical charge and discharge cycles prior to establishing said precharge level.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said negative electrode is suitable for use in a sealed rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and said method is performed prior to assembling and sealing said negative electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said negative electrode is suitable for use in a sealed rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and said method is performed prior to sealing said negative electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and after installation of said negative electrode therein.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
A negative electrode made in accordance with the method of claim 26.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is (TiV 2-x Ni x ) 1-y M y where 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.2 and M=Al or Zr.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 2-x Zr x V 4-y Ni y where 0<x≦1.5, 0.6≦y≦3.5.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 1-x Cr x V 2-y Ni y where 0<x≦0.75, 0.2≦y≦1.0.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 25 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 42 .
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 33 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 34 .
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 53 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 13 .
Claim 44
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of activating a rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material having an initial state of charge and surface oxides after fabrication, comprising the steps of prior to sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell: (a) contacting said negative electrode with alkaline material for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature to alter said surface oxides to increase the charge acceptance and electrochemical hydrogen transfer rate of said negative electrode; and (b) discharging at least a portion of the initial charge, whereby the gas pressure that develops in a sealed hydrogen storage rechargeable electrochemical cell resulting from the negative electrode is reduced.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of activating a rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material having an initial state of charge and surface oxides after fabrication, comprising the steps of prior to sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell: (a) contacting said negative electrode with alkaline material for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature to alter said surface oxides to increase the charge acceptance and electrochemical hydrogen transfer rate of said negative electrode; and (b) discharging at least a portion of the initial charge, whereby the gas pressure that develops in a sealed hydrogen storage rechargeable electrochemical cell resulting from the negative electrode is reduced.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said contacting step removes at least a portion of the surface oxides of said negative electrode.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said electrode is contacted with alkaline solution selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 44 wherein the alkaline material comprises potassium hydroxide in an aqueous solution.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 44 wherein the alkaline solution comprises sodium hydroxide in an aqueous solution.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said aqueous sodium hydroxide solution further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and mixtures thereof.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the oxide permeability is increased as a result of said contacting step.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said discharging comprises initially discharging at an initial rate and subsequently discharging at a rate lower than said initial rate.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 42 further comprising electrochemically charging said electrode prior to step (b) of claim 1 and thereafter discharging said electrode.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 50 further comprising subjecting said negative electrode to at least one electrochemical charge and discharge cycles after step (b) of claim 41.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said negative electrode is for use in a rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and said method is performed prior to assembling and sealing said negative electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said negative electrode is for use in a rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and said method is performed prior to sealing said negative electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell and after installation of said negative electrode therein.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said activating increases the discharge rate of said negative electrode.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said activating increases the capacity of said electrode.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said activating decreases the charging voltage for said electrode.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said electrode is discharged to contain a residual amount of hydrogen equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
12 words
A negative electrode made in accordance with the method of claim 42.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is (TiV 2-x Ni x ) 1-y M y where 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.2 and M=Al or Zr.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 2-x Zr x V 4-y Ni y where 0<x≦1.5, 0.6≦y≦3.5.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 1-x Cr x V 2-y Ni y where 0<x≦0.75, 0.2≦y≦1.0.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 25 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 42 .
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 42 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 33 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 34 .
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 53 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 13 .
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
11 words
An electrode made in accordance with the method of claim 46.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said method of activating improves the charge acceptance and hydrogen transfer properties of said electrode.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said method of activating provides an electrode surface that is substantially free of material that is soluble in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said electrode has a concentration of at least 20% on an atomic basis of free metal at the surface of said electrode to a depth of about 100 angstroms from the surface of said electrode as a result of said method of activating.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said electrode has a greater surface porosity as a result of said method of activating.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said method of activating increases the surface area of said electrode up to about 10 times.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of activating a hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material having surface oxides after fabrication comprising the step of contacting said negative electrode with alkaline material for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature to alter said surface oxides to increase charge acceptance and electrochemical hydrogen transfer rate of said negative electrode, prior to installation and sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of activating a hydrogen storage negative electrode containing active electrode material having surface oxides after fabrication comprising the step of contacting said negative electrode with alkaline material for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature to alter said surface oxides to increase charge acceptance and electrochemical hydrogen transfer rate of said negative electrode, prior to installation and sealing the electrode in a hydrogen storage electrochemical cell.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 71 further comprising electrochemically charging and discharging said electrode.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 72 wherein said electrode is subjected to at least one electrochemical charge and discharge cycles.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 71 wherein at least a portion of the surface oxides are removed by said contacting step.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 74 wherein the electrode is contacted with alkaline material selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 75 wherein the alkaline material comprises potassium hydroxide in aqueous solution.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 75 wherein the alkaline material comprises sodium hydroxide in an aqueous solution.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 77 wherein said aqueous sodium hydroxide solution further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and mixtures thereof.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 71 wherein the oxide permeability is increased by said contacting step.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 71 wherein said method of activating improves the charge acceptance and hydrogen transfer properties of said electrode.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 71 wherein said method of activating provides an electrode surface that is substantially free of material that is soluble in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 71 wherein said electrode has a concentration of at least 20% on an atomic basis of free metal at the surface of said electrode to a depth of about 100 angstroms from the surface of said electrode as a result of said method of activating.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 71 wherein said electrode has a greater surface porosity as a result of said method of activating.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 71 wherein said method of activating increases the surface area of said electrode.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 72 wherein said activating increases the capacity of said electrode.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 72 wherein said activating decreases the charging voltage for said electrode.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is (TiV 2-x Ni x ) 1-y M y where 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.2 and M=Al or Zr.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 2-x Zr x V 4-y Ni y where 0<x≦1.5, 0.6≦y≦3.5.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 1-x Cr x V 2-y Ni y where 0<x≦0.75, 0.2≦y≦1.0.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 25 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 42 .
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 33 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 34 .
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 53 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 13 .
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 72 wherein said electrode is discharged to contain a residual amount of hydrogen equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 71 further comprising establishing a precharge in said negative electrode for installation in the cell, said precharge corresponding to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 94 wherein said precharge is established during sintering of said negative electrode.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 94 wherein said precharge is established by thermally absorbing hydrogen in said negative electrode.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
11 words
An electrode made in accordance with the method of claim 71.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
11 words
An electrode made in accordance with the method of claim 72.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of fabricating a sealed hydrogen storage electrochemical cell having components including a positive hydrogen electrode containing active material, a hydrogen storage negative electrode, separator and electrolyte, where said components are assembled in operative contact and contained within containing means and wherein said hydrogen storage negative electrode has an initial state of charge and surface oxides after fabrication, comprising the steps of: (a) activating said hydrogen storage negative electrode by a method comprising contacting said negative electrode with alkaline solution for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature to alter said surface oxides to increase the charge acceptance and electrochemical hydrogen transfer rate of said electrode and discharging at least a portion of the initial charge from said negative electrode; (b) assembling said components in said cell and thereafter sealing said cell, while avoiding oxidation of said negative electrode, whereby the gas pressure that develops in a sealed hydrogen storage electrochemical cell utilizing said activated negative electrode is reduced.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of fabricating a sealed hydrogen storage electrochemical cell having components including a positive hydrogen electrode containing active material, a hydrogen storage negative electrode, separator and electrolyte, where said components are assembled in operative contact and contained within containing means and wherein said hydrogen storage negative electrode has an initial state of charge and surface oxides after fabrication, comprising the steps of: (a) activating said hydrogen storage negative electrode by a method comprising contacting said negative electrode with alkaline solution for sufficient time and at sufficient temperature to alter said surface oxides to increase the charge acceptance and electrochemical hydrogen transfer rate of said electrode and discharging at least a portion of the initial charge from said negative electrode; (b) assembling said components in said cell and thereafter sealing said cell, while avoiding oxidation of said negative electrode, whereby the gas pressure that develops in a sealed hydrogen storage electrochemical cell utilizing said activated negative electrode is reduced.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 99 wherein said contacting removes at least a portion of the surface oxides from said negative electrode.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 99 wherein said negative electrode is contacted with alkaline solution selected from the group consisting of solutions of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 101 wherein the alkaline solution comprises potassium hydroxide in an aqueous solution.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 99 wherein said discharging comprises initially discharging at an initial rate and subsequently discharging at a rate lower than said initial rate.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 99 further comprising electrochemically charging said negative electrode and thereafter discharging said negative electrode prior to step (b) of claim 99.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 104 further comprising subjecting said negative electrode to at least one electrochemical charge and discharge cycle after step (b) of claim 99.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 99 wherein said negative electrode is discharged to contain a residual amount of hydrogen equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to about 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 99 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is (TiV 2-x Ni x ) 1-y M y where 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.2 and M=Al or Zr.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 99 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 2-x Zr x V 4-y Ni y where 0<x≦1.5, 0.6≦y≦3.5.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 99 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 1-x Cr x V 2-y Ni y where 0<x≦0.75, 0.2≦y≦1.0.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 99 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 25 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 42 .
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 99 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 33 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 34 .
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 99 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 53 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 13 .
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
9 words
An electrochemical cell made in accordance with claim 99.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
12 words
An electrochemical cell made in accordance with the method of claim 104.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
96 words
An activated rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode ready for installation in a sealed starved electrochemical cell comprising a body of hydrogen storage active material, said body composed of an agglomeration of particles of active hydrogen storage material, said body containing a residual amount of hydrogen and being substantially free of surface oxides, said residual amount of hydrogen being equivalent to between about 5 mA/gram and 25 mA/gram of active material to a -0.7 volt cutoff versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
96 words
An activated rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode ready for installation in a sealed starved electrochemical cell comprising a body of hydrogen storage active material, said body composed of an agglomeration of particles of active hydrogen storage material, said body containing a residual amount of hydrogen and being substantially free of surface oxides, said residual amount of hydrogen being equivalent to between about 5 mA/gram and 25 mA/gram of active material to a -0.7 volt cutoff versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein said electrode has a surface roughness in the range of from about 800 to about 3000 times the geometric surface of said electrode.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein said electrode has a surface roughness of greater than about 1500 times the geometric surface of said electrode.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein said electrode has an electrode surface that is substantially free of material that is soluble in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
41 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein said electrode has a concentration of at least 20% on an atomic basis of free metal at the surface of said electrode to a depth of about 100 angstroms from the surface of said electrode.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein said electrode has a surface porosity of at least 1% from the surface of the electrode to a depth from the surface of at least 100 angstroms.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is (TiV 2-x Ni x ) 1-y M y where 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.2 and M=Al or Zr.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 2-x Zr x V 4-y Ni y where 0<x≦1.5, 0.6≦y≦3.5.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 1-x Cr x V 2-y Ni y where 0<x≦0.75, 0.2≦y≦1.0.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 25 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 42 .
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 33 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 34 .
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 53 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 13 .
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electrode of claim 115 wherein the residual hydrogen is set by sintering in an atmosphere containing a desired concentration of hydrogen.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
145 words
A sealed rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell comprising: a positive electrode; a negative electrode comprising an activated rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode comprising a body of hydrogen storage active material, said body composed of an agglomeration of particles of active hydrogen storage material, said body containing a residual amount of hydrogen and being substantially free of surface oxides, said residual amount of hydrogen being equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material; separator means positioned between said positive and negative electrodes, said positive and negative electrodes positioned in said cell in spaced apart operative relation; electrolyte in contact with said separator means and said positive and negative electrodes; and sealed container means containing said positive and negative electrodes said separator means and said electrolyte.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
145 words
A sealed rechargeable hydrogen storage electrochemical cell comprising: a positive electrode; a negative electrode comprising an activated rechargeable hydrogen storage negative electrode comprising a body of hydrogen storage active material, said body composed of an agglomeration of particles of active hydrogen storage material, said body containing a residual amount of hydrogen and being substantially free of surface oxides, said residual amount of hydrogen being equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO/OH - reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material; separator means positioned between said positive and negative electrodes, said positive and negative electrodes positioned in said cell in spaced apart operative relation; electrolyte in contact with said separator means and said positive and negative electrodes; and sealed container means containing said positive and negative electrodes said separator means and said electrolyte.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein said electrode has a surface roughness in the range of from about 800 to about 3000 times the geometric surface of said electrode.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
24 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein said electrode has a surface roughness of greater than about 1500 times the geometric surface of said electrode.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
29 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein said negative electrode has an electrode surface that is substantially free of material that is soluble in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
44 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein said negative electrode has a concentration of at least 20% on an atomic basis of free metal at the surface of said negative electrode to a depth of about 100 angstroms from the surface of said negative electrode.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
36 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein said negative electrode has a surface porosity of at least 1% from the surface of the negative electrode to a depth from the surface of at least about 100 angstroms.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
32 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is (TiV 2-x Ni x ) 1-y M y where 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦y≦0.2 and M=Al or Zr.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
28 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 2-x Zr x V 4-y Ni y where 0<x≦1.5, 0.6≦y≦3.5.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
28 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is Ti 1-x Cr x V 2-y Ni y where 0<x≦0.75, 0.2≦y≦1.0.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
27 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 25 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 42 .
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
27 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 33 Ti 17 Zr 16 Ni 34 .
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
27 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein the composition of said active material of said negative electrode is about V 53 Ti 17 Cr 17 Ni 13 .
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
10 words
The cell of claim 128 wherein said cell is starved.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
12 words
A battery comprising at least two cells in accordance with claim 128.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-12-28 | 1991-06-29 | 1991-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-12-28 | 1995-06-29 | 1995-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-12-28 | 1999-06-29 | 1999-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |