Intermetallic electrodes for lithium batteries

摘要

This invention relates to intermetallic negative electrode compounds for non-aqueous, electrochemical lithium cells and batteries. More specifically, the invention relates to one or more electrode components or compositions, one of which contains the basic structural unit of a MM'₃ intermetallic compound, in which M and M' are comprised of one or more metals. The MM'₃ intermetallic electrode compounds can be mixed, blended or integrated with one or more other intermetallic compounds, such as isostructural M₃M' compounds. The electrodes are of particular use in rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries in numerous applications such as portable electronic devices, medical devices, space, aeronautical and defense-related devices and in transportation applications such as electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.