Mathew S Robins

US Patent:

20140030571, Jan 30, 2014

Filed:

Sep 27, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/040241

Inventors:

Mathew Robins - Saratoga Springs UT, US
Chett Boxley - Park City UT, US

Assignee:

Ceramatec, Inc. - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

H01M 10/42

US Classification:

429106, 429105, 429107, 429108, 429109

Abstract:

The present invention provides a secondary cell having a negative electrode compartment and a positive electrode compartment, which are separated by an alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane. An alkali metal negative electrode disposed in the negative electrode compartment oxidizes to release alkali ions as the cell discharges and reduces the alkali ions to alkali metal during recharge. The positive electrode compartment includes a positive electrode contacting a positive electrode solution that includes an alkali metal compound and a metal halide. The alkali metal compound can be selected from an alkali halide and an alkali pseudo-halide. During discharge, the metal ion reduces to form metal plating on the positive electrode. As the cell charges, the metal plating oxidizes to strip the metal plating to form metal halide or pseudo halide or corresponding metal complex.

US Patent:

20150030896, Jan 29, 2015

Filed:

Oct 9, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/511031

Inventors:

- Salt Lake City UT, US
Mathew Robins - Saratoga Springs UT, US
Alexis Eccleston - Salt Lake City UT, US

International Classification:

H01M 10/39
H01M 2/40
H01M 10/0562

US Classification:

429 81, 429104

Abstract:

A sodium-halogen secondary cell that includes a negative electrode compartment housing a negative, sodium-based electrode and a positive electrode compartment housing a current collector disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution. The liquid positive electrode solution includes a halogen and/or a halide. The cell includes a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the liquid positive electrode solution. Although in some cases, the negative sodium-based electrode is molten during cell operation, in other cases, the negative electrode includes a sodium electrode or a sodium intercalation carbon electrode that is solid during operation.

US Patent:

20140363717, Dec 11, 2014

Filed:

Jun 6, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/298302

Inventors:

- Salt Lake City UT, US
Mathew Robins - Saratoga Springs UT, US

International Classification:

H01M 10/0563
H01M 10/054
H01M 10/0567

US Classification:

429104, 429199, 429200

Abstract:

An additive that is added to the NaAlXelectrolyte for use in a ZEBRA battery (or other similar battery). This additive has a moiety with a partial positive charge (δ+) that attracts the negative charge of the [AlX]moiety and weakens the ionic bond between the Naand [AlX]moieties, thereby freeing some Naions to transport (move). By using a suitable NaAlXelectrolyte additive, the battery may be operated at much lower temperatures than are typical of ZEBRA batteries (such as, for example, at temperatures between 150 and 200° C.). Additionally, the additive also lowers the viscosity of the electrolyte solution and improves sodium conductivity. Non-limiting examples of the additive SOCl, SO, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, CHSOCH), CHS(O)Cl, SOCl. A further advantage of using this additive is that it allows the use of a NaSICON membrane in a ZEBRA-type battery at lower temperatures compared to a typical ZEBRA battery.

US Patent:

20140210422, Jul 31, 2014

Filed:

Mar 12, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/205772

Inventors:

- Salt Lake City UT, US
Mathew Robins - Saratoga Springs UT, US

Assignee:

Ceramatec, Inc. - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

H01M 10/39
H02J 7/00

US Classification:

320137, 429103, 429 52

Abstract:

The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a molten positive electrolyte comprising Na-FSA (sodium-bis(fluorosulonyl)amide), and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrolyte. One disclosed example of electrolyte membrane material includes, without limitation, a NaSICON-type membrane. Non-limiting examples of the positive electrode include Ni, Zn, Cu, or Fe. The cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 150° C., and preferably between about 110° C. and about 130° C.

US Patent:

20140212707, Jul 31, 2014

Filed:

Mar 11, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/205019

Inventors:

- Salt Lake City UT, US
Mathew Robins - Saratoga Springs UT, US

Assignee:

Ceramatec, Inc. - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

H01M 10/39

US Classification:

429 52, 429103

Abstract:

The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a molten positive electrolyte comprising Na—FSA (sodium-bis(fluorosulonyl)amide), and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrolyte. One disclosed example of electrolyte membrane material includes, without limitation, a NaSICON-type membrane. The positive electrode includes a sodium intercalation electrode. Non-limiting examples of the sodium intercalation electrode include NaMnO, NaCrO, NaNiO, and NaFe(PO). The cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 150° C., and preferably between about 110° C. and about 130° C.

US Patent:

20140170443, Jun 19, 2014

Filed:

Nov 5, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/072468

Inventors:

- Salt Lake City UT, US
Mathew Robins - Saratoga Springs UT, US
Chett Boxley - Park City UT, US

Assignee:

Ceramatec, Inc. - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

H01M 10/42
H01M 10/0562

US Classification:

429 50, 429321, 429322, 429112

Abstract:

The present invention provides an electrochemical cell having an negative electrode compartment and a positive electrode compartment. A solid alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane is positioned between the negative electrode compartment and the positive electrode compartment. A catholyte solution in the positive electrode compartment includes a halide ion or pseudohalide ion concentration greater than 3M, which provides degradation protection to the alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane. The halide ion or pseudohalide ion is selected from chloride, bromide, iodide, azide, thiocyanate, and cyanide. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell is a molten sodium rechargeable cell which functions at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 150° C.