U.S. Philips Corporation

Jean M Tarascon

Hans Feil

Petrus H L Notten

Francois P R Orsini

A description is given of a secondary lithium metal battery in which the formation of lithium dendrites is inhibited. The battery ( ) comprises negative electrode material ( ) on a current collector ( ) and positive electrode material ( ) on a current collector ( ) separated by a separator ( ), which may be a polymer gel electrolyte optionally combined with a separator. According to the invention, the negative electrode (anode) has a high specific surface area, so that lithium dendrites are prevented during charging of the negative electrode. Examples of electrode materials of high surface area are particles of graphite, metals such as nickel, or metal foams, e.g. of nickel. Lithium intercalation does not occur in metals, whereas the intercalating capacity for lithium in graphite is at most 25 percent of the capacity of the positive electrode.

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Amiens, France

Jean M Tarascon