University Patents, Inc.

Samarnath Basu

Wayne L Worrell

A battery is provided in which the anode contains an alkali metal in a high state of thermodynamic activity; the cathode comprises a partially alkali metal-intercalated chalcogenide of the formula A.sub.y MZ.sub.x wherein A is an alkali metal more electropositive and larger than the anode alkali metal, M is a transition metal of Group IV or V, x is a numerical value of from about 1.8 to about 2.1, y is a numerical value of from about 0.01 to about 1 and Z is sulfur, selenium or tellurium; and the electrolyte comprises ions of the anode metal in a medium which is compatible with the anode and cathode allowing transport of the ion from anode to intercalate into the cathode. In the discharged state the battery includes a cathode characterized by the presence of A'.sub.z A.sub.y MZ.sub.x in which A' is alkali metal more electronegative than A and z is a numerical value in the range 0&lt;z.ltoreq.3.25.

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Philadelphia, PA, United States of America

Samarnath Basu