Rechargeable electrochemical cells, manganese dioxide particles and methods for production thereof
AssigneeThe University of British Columbia
InventorsBahar IRANPOUR, John David Wyndham MADDEN
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Abstract
The present disclosure includes a method for preparing particles comprising MnO2. For example, the method may comprise reacting a manganese (II) salt with an oxidizing agent in an aqueous environment at a pressure lower than about 0.2 MPa and a temperature of from about 40° C. to about 100° C. The MnO2 particles may be useful, for example, as a cathode active material in electrochemical cells, such as those comprising a mildly acidic electrolyte. The present disclosure also includes rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising useful aqueous electrolytes.
Claims99
A rechargeable electrochemical cell, comprising:
- a cathode;
- an anode comprising zinc;
- and
- an aqueous electrolyte comprising:
- a zinc salt;
- a lithium salt of an anionic surfactant, a potassium salt of an anionic surfactant, a magnesium salt of an anionic surfactant or combinations thereof;
- and
- optionally a manganese salt, an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt or combinations thereof,
- wherein the aqueous electrolyte has a pH of from about 3 to about 7.
A use of a lithium salt of an anionic surfactant, a potassium salt of an anionic surfactant, a magnesium salt of an anionic surfactant or combinations thereof in an aqueous electrolyte for a rechargeable electrochemical cell.
An aqueous electrolyte comprising a lithium salt of an anionic surfactant, a potassium salt of an anionic surfactant, a magnesium salt of an anionic surfactant or combinations thereof for use in a rechargeable electrochemical cell.
A method for preparing particles comprising MnO2, the method comprising:
- reacting a manganese (II) salt with an oxidizing agent in an aqueous environment at a pressure lower than about 0.2 MPa and a temperature of from about 40° C. to about 100° C. to produce the particles comprising the MnO2.
A particle comprising MnO2, wherein the particle is substantially spherical and comprises rod-like extensions with flat ends radiating outwardly from the center of the particle.
A rechargeable electrochemical cell, comprising:
- a cathode;
- an anode comprising zinc;
- and
- an aqueous electrolyte comprising a zinc salt, a manganese salt, and an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt or combinations thereof,
- wherein the aqueous electrolyte has a pH of from about 3 to about 7.
A method of preparing an anode comprising zinc for use in an electrochemical cell, the method comprising contacting the zinc with an acid to etch a surface of the zinc.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.