Electrochemical cell

Abstract

An electrochemical cell comprises a cell housing, and a cathode located in the cell housing. The cathode comprises at least one electrochemically active compound of lithium, manganese and oxygen. The compound has a spinel-type structure and has the general formula Li.sub.1 D.sub.x/b Mn.sub.2-x O.sub.4+.delta. where (i) x is a number such that 0.ltoreq.x<0,33; (ii) .delta. is a number such that 0.ltoreq..delta.<0,5, with the values of x and .delta. being such that the oxidation state N of the manganese cation is 3,5<N<4,0; (iii) D is a mono- or multi-valent metal cation; and (iv) b is the oxidation state of D. An electrolyte is also located in the cell housing. The cell housing, electrolyte and cathode are arranged to permit a charging potential to be applied to the cell to cause lithium from the cathode to form, in the cell housing, at least part of the anode, while the electrolyte couples the cathode electrochemically to the anode, and insulates it electronically therefrom.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.