Patent ID: 6329789
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: H01M,H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of increasing the cycle life of a lithium electrochemical cell, wherein said method comprises the steps of:(a) discharging said cell at an overall rate of less than 0.5 mA/cm.sup.2 ;(b) charging said cell at an initial low charge rate of less than 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 to a cell voltage in the range of 2.1 to 2.3 V; and(c) subsequently charging said cell at a high charge rate of greater than 0.2 mA/cm.sup.2 to a cell voltage of at least 2.4 V;wherein said cell comprises:(i) an anode comprising lithium;(ii) a cathode comprising an electroactive sulfur-containing material; and(iii) a liquid electrolyte interposed between said anode and said cathode.