Valence Technology, Inc.

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Rene Koksbang

There is provided an electrochemical cell which has a non-metal negative electrode (anode on discharge). The anode is not a solid metal, is not metallic, and has no free metal. Rather, an amount of lithium ions are incorporated into the anode carbon-polymer structure. The anode of the invention has no more than a minor amount of lithium in a precharged or fully discharged state. The anode is used with lithium-containing cathodes (positive electrodes), preferably of the intercalation type. The anode of the invention is of a material which includes carbon, an electrolyte, and one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of metal and semi-metal elements and compounds and alloys thereof, other than lithium and its alloys. Such constituents are further characterized by an ability to react electrochemically with lithium by accepting and releasing lithium. Preferred metals and semi-metals include aluminum, boron and silicon, and compounds and alloys thereof, such as AlSi.

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Munich, Georgia

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