Patent ID: 7785730
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method of electrical energy storage and use, comprising: providing an electrochemical cell comprising an electrode comprising: a first layer comprising an active electrode species; a second layer comprising the active electrode species, wherein the second layer comprises sufficient active electrode species to participate in a full discharge of the cell; a single-ion conductive layer separating the first layer from the second layer and substantially preventing electronic communication between the first and second layers across the single-ion conductive layer, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and an electrolyte used with the cell; and during at least some charge/discharge cycles during the life of the cell, alternately discharging current from the cell to define an at least partially discharged cell thereby depleting at least some of the active electrode species from the second layer, and at least partially charging said at least partially discharged cell to define an at least partially recharged cell thereby replating at least some of the active electrode species at the second layer, and during at least some charge/discharge cycles during the life of the cell, replenishing at least some active electrode species from the first layer into the second layer across the single-ion conductive layer.