Patent ID: 7214448

Claim:
A battery, comprising: a first electrode comprising electrode active material represented by the general formula: A a M b (XY 4 ) 2 Z d , wherein (a) A is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, and mixtures thereof, and 0.1<a≦6, (b) M comprises one or more metals, comprising at least one metal which is capable of undergoing oxidation to a higher valence state, and 1≦b≦3, (c) XY 4 is selected from the group consisting of X′O 4−x Y′ x , X′O 4−y Y′ 2y , X″S 4 , and mixtures thereof, where X′ is P, As, Sb, Si, Ge, S, and mixtures thereof; X″ is P, As, Sb, Si, Ge and mixtures thereof; Y′ is a halogen; 0≦x<3; and 0<y<4; and, (d) Z is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl, a halogen, and mixtures thereof, and 0<d≦6; wherein M, X, Y, Z, a, b, d, x and y are selected so as to maintain electroneutrality of the electrode active material; the battery further comprising a second electrode which is a counter-electrode to the first electrode; and an electrolyte.