Patent ID: 6413669
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: C01G,C01P,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
An electrochemical cell having an anode, a cathode comprising a substantially single phase mixed metal oxide contacted to a cathode current collector, and an ionically conductive electrolyte activating the anode and the cathode, wherein the substantially single phase mixed metal oxide is characterized as having been formed by a process comprising the sequential steps of:a) forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of starting materials comprising a metal oxide and at least one decomposable metal-containing constituent, wherein the homogeneous mixture is formed at a mixing temperature below a melting temperature of the mixture; b) heating the mixture to above a melting temperature of the decomposable metal-containing constituent, but below its decomposition temperature, to cause the metal-containing constituent to melt and flow throughout and within the mixture; c) grinding the resulting melt impregnated admixture to ensure homogeneity before heating the admixture to the decomposition temperature; d) heating the ground admixture to a second temperature at least as high as the decomposition temperature of the admixture to provide the single phase mixed metal oxide; and e) utilizing the thusly produced substantially single phase mixed metal oxide.