Electrode materials having carbon particles with nano-sized inclusions therewithin and an associated electrolytic and fabrication process

Abstract

An electrode for use in an electrolytic cell and an associated process, wherein the electrode includes a current collecting substrate, an electrode active material having at least one component including inclusions no greater than one micron within a carbon particle. The carbon particle has a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption rate preferably within a range of approximately 52 ml/100 g to approximately 400 ml/100 g.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates in general to electrode materials, and more particularly, to electrode materials having components comprising metal inclusions no larger than one micron within carbon particles. The invention is also directed to an electrolytic process and a process for fabricating an electrode with an active material having such components.

2. Background Art

As the demand for high output rechargeable batteries continues to grow, scientists are constantly attempting to increase the energy density and cycling life of batteries. In an effort to enhance these two highly desired qualities, researchers have been striving to maximize the benefits of active material in electrode pastes, increase the gravimetric and volumetric capacity of the active material, and optimize the interfacial characteristics of the electrode pastes. Unfortunately, the electrode materials developed up to date have only exhibited some of these desired properties.

In particular, the first generation "modem" rechargeable batteries utilized lithium metal as its primary anode component. While, metallic lithium provides very high capacity values, its instability and poor interfacial characteristics remained problematic. Second generation rechargeable batteries used lithium alloy anodes. While lithium alloy anodes provided some improvement in cycling efficiency and interfacial characteristics, capacity values remain significantly less than that of pure lithium anodes. Moreover, the improvement of electrochemical properties was not sufficient to allow commercialization of the product. Batteries have also been made with carbonaceous insertion materials (e.g. graphite). Such batteries exhibited good cycle life, but relatively low capacity in comparison to lithium and/or lithium alloy materials. Furthermore, experimentation has been done with the use of metal/metal alloy particles within a carbonaceous matrix. Although such carbon metal compounds exhibited acceptable interfacial properties, as well as promising cycling efficiency, their inability to obtain and maintain a desired high volumetric capacity limited their use in electrolytic cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an electrode by itself, and an electrode for use in an electrolytic cell. The electrode comprises a current collecting substrate and an electrode active material having at least one component including at least one inclusion no greater than one micron in size, within a carbon particle, wherein the carbon particle has a dibutyl phthalate ("DBP") adsorption rate of not less than 50 ml/100 g, and, preferably within a range of approximately 52 ml/100 g to approximately 400 ml/100 g. In addition, means are associated with the at least one component for precluding mechanical degradation of the component and, in turn, loss of electrical contact therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the carbon particle has an specific surface area ("SSA") of not less than 200 M.sup.2 /g, and preferably in the range of approximately 250 M.sup.2 /g to approximately 1000 M.sup.2 /g.

Also in a preferred embodiment, the carbon has a mean particle size no larger than 100 nanometers, and preferably in the range of approximately 10 nanometers to approximately 50 nanometers.

It is also preferred that the at least one component is coated with a polymeric carbon precursor containing at least 5% by weight of carbon, preferably in the range of approximately 5% to approximately 30%, and more preferably in the range of approximately 8% to approximately 25%. In such an embodiment, the polymeric carbon precursor comprises a phenol-formaldehyde resin.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the degradation preclusion means comprises the inclusions having a volumetric variation which is less than the maximum elasticity of the associated carbon particle.

It preferred that each of the inclusions have a diameter ranging from 1.0.times.10.sup.-9 meters to 1.0.times.10.sup.-6 meters; and that the electrode has a density of at least approximately 4g/cc, and preferably in the range of approximately 4g/cc to approximately 6g/cc, and, a volumetric capacity of at least approximately 700 mAh/cc, and preferably in the range of approximately 750 mAh/cc to approximately 2000 mAh/cc.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one inclusion is selected from the group of tin, copper, antimony, zinc, silver, gold, and mixtures and alloys thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the associated electrolytic cell exhibits a third cycle coulombic efficiency of at least 88% and preferably in the range of approximately 88% to approximately 93%, and fifth cycle coulombic efficiency of at least 89% and preferably in the range of approximately 89% to approximately 94%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a schematic representation of a prior art electrode before an initial charge.

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a schematic representation of a prior art electrode after an initial charge.

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a schematic representation of a prior art electrode after an initial discharge.

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a schematic representation of the present invention electrode before an initial charge.

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a schematic representation of the present invention electrode after an initial charge.

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a schematic representation of the present invention electrode after an initial discharge.

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a microphotograph of the present invention component material of experiment No. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

Prior art electrode 10 is shown in FIG. 1, prior to an initial charge, as including current collector 12 and paste layer, or electrode paste layer (hereinafter "electrode layer") 14. Electrode layer 14 comprises a plurality of components 18. Each component includes a carbon particle 20 having greater than one micron sized inclusion 22. As can be seen, each of the carbon particles 20 are in contact with each other at various contact points 24, and, each inclusion has points of contact 26 with the associated carbon particles, as well as voids 28. The voids are intended to enable expansion of the inclusions upon intercalation of various ions, such as lithium ions, so as to result in lithium metal inclusions 30 (FIG. 2).

Prior art electrode 10 is shown in FIG. 2, after an initial charge cycle, as including current collector 12 and electrode layer 14. Electrode layer 14 now includes expanded lithium metal inclusions 30 surrounded, in part, by carbon particles 20'. Unfortunately, during cycling of the electrolytic cell (which utilizes such a prior art electrode), the volume changes of inclusion 30, after intercalation, actually expand greater than the elasticity of the associated carbon particles. As a result, such expansion actually causes the associated carbon particles to crack, whereby such cracking not only results in a loss of electrical continuity between the particles, but it also results in electrolyte migration and decomposition on the metal/metal alloy inclusions. Furthermore, upon deintercalation of the ions (lithium) from the inclusions, the volume size of the inclusion may actually decrease (as shown in FIG. 3). Accordingly, not only is their a loss of continuity between at least various ones of the carbon particles, but in many cases, there is a complete loss of continuity between the inclusion particle and the previously associated carbon particle.

Electrode 100 of the present invention, is shown in FIG. 4 prior to an initial charge, as including current collector 112 and electrode layer 114. As will be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art, the electrode will comprise an anode, and current collector 112 may comprise any of a number of conventional materials. Electrode layer 114 comprises a plurality of components 118. Each component includes a carbon particle 120 having at least one inclusion 122 no greater than one micron in size. It is contemplated that the carbon particles themselves will have a mean particle size less than 100 nanometers, and preferably, in the range of approximately 15-50 nanometers. As can be seen, each of the carbon particles 120 are in contact with each other at various contact points 124, and, each inclusion has points of contact 126 with the associated carbon particles, as well as voids 128. The voids are intended to enable expansion of the inclusion upon intercalation of particle ions, such as lithium ions. However, even though such expansion is available, as will be explained, very little expansion, if any, is necessary. Furthermore, the particular inclusions may eventually comprise one micron-sized, or less, such as nano-sized clusters/inclusions 130 (FIG. 5) of tin, copper, antimony, zinc, silver, gold, and many other alkali, alkaline earth, and transitional metals--so long as the particular metal exhibits favorable electrochemical characteristics and, provided the clusters remain no greater in diameter than one micron. Metal/metal alloy inclusions 130 may also comprise alloys and mixtures of the aforementioned metals.

Carbon particles 120, for illustrative purposes, comprise an amorphorous carbon however other carbonaceous materials known to those having ordinary skill in the art, which facilitate proper interfacial characteristics are likewise contemplated for use. Indeed, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carbon particles comprise a carbon black having a SSA (specific surface area), as conventionally measured by nitrogen adsorption capacity using the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller procedure, of not less than 200m.sup.2 /g, and preferably in the range of approximately 250m.sup.2/g to 1000m.sup.2 /g; and a DBP (dibutyl phthalate) absorption rate of not less than 50 ml/100 g and, more preferably, in the range of approximately 52 ml/100 g to 400 ml/100 g.

The DBP oil absorption rate is used to measure the fusing together and interlinking of primary carbon black particles to form aggregates, as well as to provide an estimate of relative viscosities of dispersions. In order to determine this parameter, a conventionally known technique (such as is used and commercially disclosed by CABOT CORPORATION, of Waltham, Mass., U.S.A.) drops of dibutyl phtalate are allowed to fall into 20 or 30 grams of pigment black in a kneader with measurable transmission of load until a fixed torque has been exceeded. Examples of acceptable carbon material having the desired DBP rate, as well as the desired SSA, include, but are not limited to CABOT VULCAN XC72R, DEGUSSA PRINTEX XE 2 and DEGUSSA PRINTEX 95.

Electrode 100 is shown in FIG. 5, after an initial charge cycle, as including current collector 112 and electrode layer 114. Electrode layer 114 still comprises a plurality of carbon particles 120 now having metal/metal alloy inclusions 130 (one micron or less) as a result of intercalation of lithium ions therein. However, unlike the prior art, the carbon particles have not cracked. Indeed, such a phenomenon has occurred because the inclusions expand within the carbon matrix only to a volume amount which is less than the maximum amount of what the associated carbon particles can be expanded to without mechanical fatigue. Accordingly, not only is cracking avoided, but, the carbon particles remain in contact with each other, as do the inclusions within the carbon particles.

Electrode 100 is shown in FIG. 6 after discharge, and, in turn, after deintercalation of the lithium ions. As can be seen, even after such deintercalation, the volume decrease of inclusion particles 122 (from inclusion 130) are nominal. Accordingly, such inclusions do not pull out of contact with the associated carbon particles. As a result, electrical conductivity between the carbon particles, as well as between the carbon particles and associated inclusions are maintained during cell cycling. Furthermore, not only is cell cycling increased over the prior art, but, such inclusions within carbon particles which do not crack as a result of volumetric changes in the inclusions, enables the associated electrode 100 to reach a density of at least 3 g/cc and a volumetric capacity of at least 1000mAh/cc.

In support of the present invention, several experiments were conducted wherein electrode materials having components with carbon particles having metal/metal alloy inclusions no greater than one micron were synthesized and electrochemically characterized. In particular, a solution phase/pyrolysis synthetic route was used to prepare the carbon with metal inclusions for use in an electrode material. However, as will be discussed below, several other conventional synthetic routes known to those having ordinary skill in the art are likewise contemplated for use (e.g. sol-gel synthesis)--so long as each synthetic route yields carbon with metal/metal alloy inclusions which are characterized by appropriate physical and electrochemical attributes as contemplated herein.

Specifically, six experiments were conducted wherein the following common experimental procedure was used:

First, distilled water was charged into a reaction vessel--although other commercially available solvents are likewise suitable for use as long as the particular solvent readily dissolves ionic salts.

Second, a metal ionic salt was charged into the reaction vessel. For illustrative purposes only, the ionic salt comprised tin sulfate--although, as will be evident from the tabulated data below, several other ionic salts, including, copper nitrate, tin nitrate, zinc nitrate, silver nitrate, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and silver sulfate are likewise contemplated for use.

Third, carbon powder was charged into the reaction vessel and agitation was initiated. Examples of commercially available carbonaceous materials include LONZA KS-6 graphite, ASBURY MILLS UF-440 graphite, CABOT VULCAN XC72R carbon black, and DEGUSSA PRINTEX XE 2 and DEGUSSA PRINTEX 95 carbon black. Also, as will be shown, the graphite was used in Experiment Nos. 1-6, and carbon black was used in Experiment Nos. 7-10.

Fourth, a heat source was applied to the reaction vessel to initiate solvent evaporation. After the solvent evaporated, a solid mixture of carbon and metal salt remained.

Fifth, the carbon/metal salt mixture was introduced into a control atmosphere oven having a temperature set point range from 400-600 degrees centigrade. After exposure to the oven in step five, the anion component of the metal salt was converted from its original species to oxide.

Sixth, the metal salt/carbon mixture was exposed to a greater temperature set point approaching 600 degrees centigrade. After exposure to the oven in step six, the metal oxide was finally reduced to a metallic state.

Seventh, (for the components coated with a polymeric carbon precursor was charged into a second reaction vessel, and a polymeric carbon precursor, such as phenol-formaldehyde resin was readily dissolved therein via agitation. While phenol-formaldehyde resin is used for illustrative purposes, numerous other polymeric carbon precursor compounds which would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art, are likewise contemplated for use.

Eighth, the metal/carbon material from the sixth step of the synthesis was transferred into the second reaction vessel containing the dissolved polymeric carbon precursor and the mixture was homogenized via agitation. It is contemplated that the polymeric carbon precursor may contain at least 5% by weight of carbon and preferably in the range of approximately 5% to approximately 32% carbon, and, more preferably, in the range of approximately 9% to approximately 18% carbon.

Ninth, the metal/carbon material coated with polymeric carbon precursor was isolated from the solvent (acetone) via reduced pressure distillation. While reduced pressure distillation was used to isolate the product, numerous other separation methods, including precipitation and spray drying, where the acetone is evaporated, are likewise contemplated for use.

Tenth, the precipitated carbon/metal material coated with the polymeric carbon precursor was introduced into a control atmosphere oven having a temperature set point of approximately 170 degrees centigrade. At step ten in the synthesis, the product was partially cured to remove moisture before the product was exposed to a final high temperature oven.

Eleventh, the product was introduced into a control atmosphere oven having a temperature set point of approximately 600 degrees centigrade. After step eleven, the carbon-metal nanocomposite material was completely synthesized and ready for characterization.

Alternatively, experimentation has verified that sol-gel synthetic routes are likewise suitable for manufacturing carbon particles with inclusion materials no greater than one micron. In particular, the following seven step sol-gel synthesis was used to produce comparable components to those of experiments 2-7.

First, 22.0 grams of ALDRICH resorcinol and 500 mls of water were charged into a reaction vessel.

Second, 24.3 grams (37% wt) of ALDRICH formaldehyde in water was charged into the reaction vessel.

Third, 180 mls (15% wt) of an ALFA-CAESAR colloidal nanosuspension of SnO.sub.2 in water was charged into the reaction vessel and agitation was initiated and maintained at 15,000 revolutions per minute. The average diameter of the tin oxide particles in the colloidal suspension were approximately 15 nanometers, and the pH of the suspension was alkaline in the range of 9-10. The concentration of the available counter ion (NH.sub.4.sup.+) was 0.12 moles per 1 mole of tin oxide.

Fourth, the water was partially evaporated via a rotary evaporator until essentially only residue remained.

Fifth, the residue was dried in an inert atmosphere oven at approximately 100 degrees centigrade.

Sixth, the remaining resin powder was "cured" for two hours at 160 degrees centigrade.

Seventh, the cured resin was placed into a quartz boat and subsequently inserted into a control atmosphere tube furnace for pyrolysis treatment. The temperature set point of the furnace was 700 degrees centigrade, and the resin underwent pyrolysis for two hours. The time required to heat the sample from ambient temperature to 700 degrees centigrade was approximately three hours.

The resulting pyrolized sample exhibited ultra fine powder, and contained approximately (65% wt) tin nanoparticles and (35% wt) carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin.

While the aforementioned solution phase/pyrolysis and sol-gel/pyrolysis synthetic routes have been described for illustrative purposes only, several other synthetic routes known to those having ordinary skill in the art, are likewise contemplated for use--including, pyrolysis of organometallic compounds such as metal salts of porphines and phthalocyanines, plasma treatment of organic/organometallic compounds, and chemical vapor deposition of organic/organometallic compounds.

After synthesis, and with respect to Experiment Nos. 1-8 each resulting carbon with the inclusion material was pressed onto a nickel felt electrode at a pressure of approximately one ton per square centimeter.

A three electrode cell (a new cell was constructed for each of the inclusion samples) was then constructed wherein the electrode with the pressed carbon with the inclusion materials served as the working electrode, and the counter electrode and reference electrode were both constructed from lithium. The electrolyte used in each of the cells, and, in turn, in each of the experiments comprised a one molar solution of LiAsF.sub.6 dissolved in propylene carbonate diluted 5% with 1,6-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane-2,7-dione (an additive). The fully constructed cells were then characterized using a Maccor cycler.

The chemical composition of the cell for Experiment Nos. 9 and 10 were substantially similar to Experiment Nos. 1-8 except that the carbon metal composite material was a coin cell. In addition, and with respect to Experiment No. 9, 5% KRATON D1116G thermoplastic rubber binder, as commercially available from SHELL CHEMICAL COMPANY in Houston, Tex., U.S.A. was included in the polymeric carbon precursor coating. The coating/carbon metal composite was then solution coated on a copper foil current collector.

Experiment No. 1

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of a prior art carbon-metal material. Note that for this experiment the carbon with the inclusion material was not coated with a polymeric carbon precursor, rather the material comprised only tin and graphite.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Graphite (mol %) Metal Content (wt %) Content (wt %) Density (g/cc)______________________________________100 (Sn) 60 40 4.127______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, prior art carbon-metal materials, having an inclusion particle size distribution of approximately greater than 1-3 microns, exhibited relatively poor electrochemical qualities after continued cycling, as compared to the cycle efficiency of the present invention.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________2348 76.5 81.5 81.1 N/A______________________________________ Experiment No. 2

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of the carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that for this experiment the material was not coated with a polymeric carbon precursor, rather the material comprised only tin, copper and graphite.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Graphite (mol %) Metal Content (wt %) Content (wt %) Density (g/cc)______________________________________91 (Sn)/9 (Cu) 60 40 4.127______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon with tin copper alloy inclusions, having an inclusion particle size distribution of approximately 30-50 nanometers, as shown in FIG. 7, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________2009 67.9 89.1 87.0 N/A______________________________________ Experiment No. 3

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of the carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that the material composition comprised approximately 16 percent by weight of the carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Graphite (mol %) Metal Content (wt %) Content (wt %) Density (g/cc)______________________________________91 (Sn)/9 (Cu) .about.50 .about.34 3.432______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon particles with tin-copper alloy nano-sized inclusions coated with phenolic resin having an inclusion particle size distribution of approximately 30-50 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells. Note that this material is merely the product of Experiment No. 2 coated with carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________1571 73.1 92.8 91.9 91.5______________________________________ Experiment No. 4

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of the carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that the composition comprised approximately 32 percent by weight of the carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Graphite (mol %) Metal Content (wt %) Content (wt %) Density (g/cc)______________________________________91 (Sn)/9 (Zn) .about.40 .about.28 2.971______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon particles with tin-zinc alloy nano-sized inclusions coated with phenolic resin having inclusion particle sizes less than 100 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________1084 70.7 92.8 89.3 92.3______________________________________ Experiment No. 5

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of the carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that for this experiment the material was not coated with a polymeric carbon precursor, rather the material comprised only tin, silver and graphite.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Graphite (mol %) Metal Content (wt %) Content (wt %) Density (g/cc)______________________________________91 (Sn)/9 (Ag) .about.60 .about.40 4.189______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon particles with tin-silver alloy nano-sized inclusions uncoated with a polymeric carbon precursor having particle sizes less than 100 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________2010 69.0 87.2 86.0 N/A______________________________________ Experiment No. 6

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of the carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that the composition comprised approximately 16 percent by weight of the carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Graphite (mol %) Metal Content (wt %) Content (wt %) Density (g/cc)______________________________________91 (Sn)/9 (Ag) .about.50 .about.34 3.526______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon particles with tin-silver alloy nano-sized inclusions coated with phenolic resin having particle sizes less than 100 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________1544 74.3 90.0 90.5 N/A______________________________________ Experiment No. 7

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of PRINTEX XE 2 carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that the material composition comprised approximately 10 percent by weight of the carbon obtained by pyrolysis of resole with 5% KRATON binder. The DBP adsorption rate was determined to be approximately 400 ml/100 g (in pellet form), and the SSA was determined to be approximately 1000 m.sup.2 /g.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Metal Content Carbon Content Density (mol %) (wt %) (wt %) (g/cc)______________________________________90 (Sn)/10 (Cu) .about.54 .about.36 4.883______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon black particles with tin-copper alloy nano-sized inclusions, coated with a polymeric carbon precursor and use of a rubber binder, having an inclusion particle size distribution of approximately 30-50 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________785.2416 49.24 90.8 93.7 N/A______________________________________ Experiment No. 8

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of VULCAN XC72R carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that the material composition comprised approximately 9 percent by weight of the carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin. The DBP adsorption rate was determined to be approximately 178 ml/100 g (in pellet form), and the SSA was determined to be approximately 254 M.sup.2 /g.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Metal Content Carbon Content Density (mol %) (wt %) (wt %) (g/cc)______________________________________95 (Sn)/5 (Cu) .about.68 .about.23 5.6______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon black particles with tin-copper alloy nano-sized inclusions, coated with a polymeric carbon precursor having an inclusion particle size distribution of approximately 30-50 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________1946.18 51.74 88.17 89.23 85.53______________________________________ Experiment No. 9

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of VULCAN XC72R carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that the material composition comprised approximately 18 percent by weight of the carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin. The DBP adsorption rate was determined to be approximately 178 ml/100 g (in pellet form), and the SSA was determined to be approximately 254 M.sup.2 /g.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Metal Content Carbon Content Density (mol %) (wt %) (wt %) (g/cc)______________________________________95 (Sn)/5 (Cu) .about.61 .about.21 5.23______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon black particles with tin-copper alloy nano-sized inclusions, coated with a polymeric carbon precursor having an inclusion particle size distribution of approximately 30-50 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________1848.51 49.23 92.17 90.73 89.81______________________________________ Experiment No. 10

In this experiment the following experimental parameters were used for synthesis of PRINTEX 95 carbon particles with metal nano-sized inclusion material. Note that the material composition comprised approximately 9 percent by weight of the carbon obtained by pyrolysis of phenolic resin. The DBP adsorption rate was determined to be approximately 52 ml/100 g (in pellet form), and the SSA was determined to be approximately 250 M.sup.2 /g.

______________________________________Metal Ratio Metal Content Carbon Content Density (mol %) (wt %) (wt %) (g/cc)______________________________________95 (Sn)/5 (Cu) .about.68 .about.23 5.612______________________________________

The characterization results verify that, indeed, carbon black particles with tin-copper alloy nano-sized inclusions, coated with a polymeric carbon precursor having an inclusion particle size distribution of approximately 15 nanometers, exhibited favorable electrochemical qualities for use in secondary electrolytic cells.

______________________________________Initial Measured Volumetric First Cycle Third Cycle Fifth Cycle Tenth Cycle Capacity Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency (mAh/cc) (%) (%) (%) (%)______________________________________1428.565 47.75 90.80 92.34 93.93______________________________________

As can be seen from each of the above experiments, the utilization of carbon particles with metal/metal alloy nano-sized inclusions for use in the electrode active material resulted in an anode having excellent energy density, third and fifth cycle coulombic efficiency and volumetric capacity.

The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrode for use in an electrolytic cell comprising:

a current collecting substrate;

an electrode active material having at least one component including at least one inclusion no greater than one micron in size, within a carbon particle, wherein the carbon particle has a DBP adsorption rate of not less than 50 ml/100 g, and preferably within a range of approximately 52 ml/100 g to approximately 400 ml/100 g; and

means associated with the at least one component for precluding mechanical degradation of the component and, in turn, loss of electrical contact therebetween.

2. The electrode according to claim 1 wherein the carbon particle has an SSA of not less than 200 M.sup.2 /g, and preferably in the range of approximately 250 M.sup.2 /g to approximately 1000 M.sup.2 /g.

3. The electrode according to claim 1 wherein the carbon has a mean particle size no larger than 100 nanometers, and preferably in the range of approximately 10 nanometers to approximately 50 nanometers.

4. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is coated with a polymeric carbon precursor containing at least 5% by weight of carbon, and preferably in the range of approximately 5% to approximately 32%, and more preferably in the range of approximately 9% to approximately 18%.

5. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the degradation preclusion means comprises the inclusions having a volumetric variation which is less than the maximum elasticity of the associated carbon particle.

6. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein each of the inclusions have a diameter ranging from 1.0.times.10.sup.-9 meters to 1.0.times.10.sup.-6 meters.

7. The electrode according to claim 1 having a density of at least approximately 4 g/cc. and preferably in the range of approximately 4 g/cc to approximately 6 g/cc, and a volumetric capacity of at least 700 mAh/cc, and preferably in the range of approximately 750 mAh/cc to approximately 2000 mAh/cc.

8. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the carbon particle is a pyrolized polymeric carbon precursor.

9. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inclusion is selected from the group of tin, copper, antimony, zinc, silver, gold, and mixtures and alloys thereof.

10. An electrode for use in an electrolytic cell comprising:

a current collecting substrate;

an electrode active material having at least one component including at least one inclusion no greater than one micron in size, within a carbon particle, wherein the carbon particle has:

a DBP adsorption rate of not less than 50 ml/100 g, and preferably within a range of approximately 52 ml/100 g to approximately 400 ml/100 g;

a SSA of not less than 200 M.sup.2 /g, and preferably in the range of approximately 250 M.sup.2 /g to approximately 1000 M.sup.2 /g;

a mean particle size no larger than 100 nanometers and preferably in the range of approximately 10 nanometers to approximately 50 nanometers, and the at least one component is coated with a polymeric carbon precursor containing at least 5% by weight of carbon and preferably in the range of approximately 5% to approximately 32%, and more preferably in the range of approximately 9% to approximately 18%.

11. The electrode according to claim 10 further including means associated with the at least one component for precluding mechanical degradation of the component and, in turn, loss of electrical contact therebetween.

12. The electrode according to claim 11, wherein the degradation preclusion means comprises the inclusions having a volumetric variation which is less than the maximum elasticity of the associated carbon particle.

13. The electrode according to claim 10, wherein each of the inclusions have a diameter ranging from 1.0.times.10.sup.-9 meters to 1.0.times.10.sup.-6 meters.

14. The electrode according to claim 10 having a density of at least approximately 4 g/cc. and preferably in the range of approximately 4 g/cc to approximately 6 g/cc, and a volumetric capacity of at least 700 mAh/cc, and preferably in the range of approximately 750 mAh/cc to approximately 2000 mAh/cc.

15. The electrode according to claim 10, wherein the carbon particle is a pyrolized polymeric carbon precursor.

16. The electrode according to claim 10, wherein the at least one inclusion is selected from the group of tin, copper, antimony, zinc, silver, gold, and mixtures and alloys thereof.

17. An electrolytic cell comprising:

an electrolyte;

a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises:

a current collecting substrate;

an electrode active material having at least one component including at least one inclusion no greater than one micron within a carbon particle, wherein the carbon particle has:

a DBP adsorption rate of not less than 50 ml/100 g, and preferably within a range of approximately 52 ml/100 g to approximately 400 ml/100 g;

a SSA of not less than 200 M.sup.2 /g, and preferably in the range of approximately 250 M.sup.2 /g to approximately 1000 M.sup.2 /g;

a mean particle size no larger than 100 nanometers and preferably in the range of approximately 10 nanometers to approximately 50 nanometers; and the at least one component is coated with a polymeric carbon precursor containing at least 5% by weight of carbon and preferably in the range of approximately 5% to approximately 32%, and more preferably in the range of approximately 9% to approximately 18%.

18. The electrolytic cell according to claim 17 further including means associated with the at least one component for precluding mechanical degradation of the component and, in turn, loss of electrical contact therebetween.

19. The electrolytic cell according to claim 18 wherein the degradation preclusion means comprises the inclusions having a volumetric variation which is less than the maximum elasticity of the associated carbon particle.

20. The electrolytic cell according to claim 17 having a third cycle coulombic efficiency of at least 88% and preferably in the range of approximately 88% to approximately 93%.

21. The electrolytic cell according to claim 17 having a fifth cycle coulombic efficiency of at least 89% and preferably in the range of approximately 89% to approximately 94%.

22. An electrolytic cell comprising:

an electrolyte;

a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises:

a current collecting substrate; and

an electrode active material having at least one component including at least one inclusion no greater than one micron within a carbon particle, wherein the electrolytic cell has a third cycle coulombic efficiency of at least 88% and preferably in the range of approximately 88% to approximately 93%, and a fifth cycle coulombic efficiency of at least 89% and preferably in the range of approximately 88% to approximately 94%.

23. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22 further including means associated with the at least one component for precluding mechanical degradation of the component and, in turn, loss of electrical contact therebetween.

24. The electrolytic cell according to claim 23 wherein the degradation preclusion means comprises the inclusions having a volumetric variation which is less than the maximum elasticity of the associated carbon particles.

25. The electrode according to claim 22 wherein each of the inclusions have a diameter ranging from 1.0.times.10.sup.-9 meters to 1.0.times.10.sup.-6 meters.

26. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22, wherein the carbon particle is a pyrolized polymeric carbon precursor.

27. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22, wherein the at least one inclusion is selected from the group of tin, copper, antimony, zinc, silver, gold, and mixtures and alloys thereof.

28. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22 wherein the carbon particle has an SSA of not less than 200 M.sup.2 /g, and preferably in the range of approximately 250 M.sup.2 /g to approximately 1000 M.sup.2 /g.

29. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22 wherein the carbon has a mean particle size no larger than 100 nanometers, and preferably in the range of approximately 10 nanometers to approximately 50 nanometers.

30. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22, wherein the at least one component is coated with a polymeric carbon precursor containing at least 5% by weight of carbon, and preferably in the range of approximately 5% to approximately 32%, and more preferably in the range of approximately 9% to approximately 18%.

31. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22 wherein the carbon particle has a DBP adsorption rate of not less than 50 ml/100 g, in pellet form, and preferably within a range of approximately 52 ml/100 g to approximately 400 ml/100 g.