Rechargeable battery with hybrid cathode containing active conversion and intercalation materials

Abstract

A rechargeable battery is disclosed. The rechargeable battery comprises an anode, a cathode comprising a lithium-ion intercalation host, and an electrolyte comprising a solvent and a halogen-containing compound acting as an active cathode conversion material, wherein the electrolyte is in contact with the anode and the cathode.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the field of energy storage devices, and more particularly to energy storage devices having a cathode(s) formed of a plurality of active materials comprising at least one active material utilizing a chemical conversion mechanism for energy storage and at least one other active material utilizing an ion intercalation mechanism for energy storage.Secondary energy storage units or simply rechargeable batteries are energy storage units which, after use, can be electrically recharged to their original state prior to discharge by passing current through the circuit in the opposite direction as compared to the current during discharge. Energy storage units such as lithium ion batteries may have a high energy density and provide a compact rechargeable energy source suitable for use in portable electronic devices, in electric transport and storage of renewable energies. Rechargeable batteries using metallic lithium as an anode active material allow a higher energy density than the prior art lithium ion batteries using graphite for this purpose.There is a high demand for rechargeable batteries for a wide range of applications, from small batteries for industrial and medical devices to larger batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid energy storage systems. Each application requires a specific set of electrochemical performance characteristics, and in many critical and growing today's applications such as EVs, battery performance is still considered a major limiting factor for satisfying the high performance standard to meet customer requirements.Currently, the two types of rechargeable batteries typically discussed in both industry and research are batteries that function via electrochemical intercalation / deintercalation of acting ions, and batteries that function via conversion of electrode / electrolyte active materials. The most widely used rechargeable batteries (except for the lead-acid batteries used in internal combustion engine vehicles) are lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Generally, in most commercial LIBs today, a metal oxide or metal phosphate-based lithium intercalation material is used as the positive electrode, a carbon-graphite-based intercalation material is used as the negative electrode, and between them, lithium ions are moved back and forth through a liquid electrolyte when the battery is charged and discharged.Despite the rapid growth and success of LIBs, several disadvantages remain to be overcome to meet the rapidly growing demand for more powerful batteries. The relatively low energy density and high cost of cathode materials such as cobalt and nickel have been one of the major problems that have prevented lithium ion batteries from becoming interesting for a broader range of applications. However, since lithium ion batteries approach or exceed the 300 watt hours per kilogram (Wh / kg) brand specific energy, it is widely accepted that we reach the limit on how much science and technology can drive the specific energy and energy density of lithium ion batteries.SUMMARYIn the present invention, it is recognized that lithium ion batteries are needed that have higher energy density cathodes formed from less expensive cathode materials. Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and resulting hybrid energy storage devices that increase the energy density of cathodes of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and / or reduce their cost by hybridizing a conventional lithium-ion intercalation cathode material with a halogen or metal halide conversion cathode material to form an improved cathode.The disadvantages of current lithium-ion batteries are overcome and further advantages are provided by a solution phase hybrid cathode lithium-ion battery (also referred to herein as a first rechargeable battery) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The lithium ion battery with hybrid solution phase cathode includes an anode, a cathode including a lithium ion intercalation host, and an electrolyte including a solvent and a first halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode conversion active material, wherein the electrolyte is in contact with the anode and the cathode.In one embodiment, the cathode further comprises a second halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode active conversion material.In one embodiment, the first halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the electrolyte and the second halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the cathode are the same.In one embodiment, the first halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the electrolyte and the second halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the cathode are different.In one embodiment, the halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the electrolyte is a metal halide.In one embodiment, the metal halide in the solvent dissociates into a corresponding halide ion and a corresponding metal ion, and wherein the halide ion comprises at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - and the metal ion comprises at least one of Li +, Al 3+, Mg 2+ or Na +.In one embodiment, the lithium ion intercalation host is selected from the group consisting of lithium cobalt oxide, nickel cobalt aluminum, lithium ion manganese oxide, Lithiumnickelmangankobaltoxid Nickelkobaltmanganoxid lithium iron phosphate, and mixtures and combinations thereof.In one embodiment, the solvent of the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of carbonate compounds, heterocyclic compounds, ethers, esters, cyclic ethers, cyclic esters, nitriles, ethereal nitriles, and mixtures and combinations thereof.In an embodiment, the hybrid solution phase cathode lithium ion battery further comprises one or more oxidizing gases selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and mixtures and combinations thereof.The disadvantages of current lithium-ion batteries are overcome and further advantages are provided by a lithium-ion battery with hybrid solid phase cathode (also referred to herein as a second rechargeable battery) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. A lithium ion battery with a hybrid solid phase cathode is disclosed. The lithium ion battery with hybrid solid phase cathode includes an anode, a cathode including a lithium ion intercalation host and a halogen-containing compound functioning as a cathode conversion active material, and an electrolyte including a solvent and a lithium-containing compound, the electrolyte being in contact with the anode and the cathode.In one embodiment, the halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the cathode of the lithium ion hybrid solid phase cathode battery is a halogen or a metal halide.The metal halide comprises a corresponding halide ion and a corresponding metal ion, and wherein the halide ion comprises at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - and the metal ion comprises at least one of Li +, Al 3+, Mg 2+ or Na +.In one embodiment, the lithium-containing compound contained in the electrolyte is a lithium salt.In one embodiment, the lithium ion intercalation host is selected from the group consisting of lithium cobalt oxide, nickel cobalt aluminum, lithium ion manganese oxide, Lithiumnickelmangankobaltoxid Nickelkobaltmanganoxid lithium iron phosphate, and mixtures and combinations thereof.In one embodiment, the solvent of the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of carbonate compounds, heterocyclic compounds, ethers, esters, cyclic ethers, cyclic esters, nitriles, ethereal nitriles, and mixtures and combinations thereof.In an embodiment, the lithium ion hybrid solid phase cathode battery further comprises one or more oxidizing gases selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and mixtures and combinations thereof.The disadvantages of current lithium-ion batteries are overcome and further advantages are provided by a method of forming a hybrid solution phase cathode lithium-ion battery (i.e., the first rechargeable battery) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises layering a suspension comprising a lithium-containing intercalation material onto a cathode current collector. The method further comprises dissolving a cathode conversion material comprising at least one of a metal halide or a halogen in a solvent to form a solution. The method further includes stacking an anode, a separator, and the cathode current collector to form the lithium ion battery with hybrid solution phase cathode. The lithium ion battery with hybrid solution phase cathode comprises the anode, an electrolyte comprising the solution, the separator, and the cathode current collector coated with the suspension, wherein the at least one of the metal halide or the halogen of the electrolyte functions as a cathode conversion active material.In one embodiment, the method comprises adding a second halogen or metal halide to the cathode, wherein the second halogen or metal halide also functions as a cathode conversion active material.In one embodiment, the second halogen or metal halide added to the cathode is the same as the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.In one embodiment, the second halogen or metal halide added to the cathode is different from the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.In one embodiment, the method comprises replacing a portion of the lithium ion intercalation material with a second metal halide or halogen, wherein the second metal halide or halogen also functions as a cathode conversion active material.In one embodiment, the second halogen or metal halide replacing the portion of the lithium ion intercalation material is the same as the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.In one embodiment, the second halogen or metal halide replacing the portion of the lithium ion intercalation material is different than the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.The disadvantages of current lithium ion batteries are overcome and further advantages are provided by a lithium ion battery with hybrid solid phase cathode according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises layering a suspension comprising at least one of a halogen or a metal halide and a lithium ion intercalation material onto a cathode current collector. The method further comprises dissolving a lithium salt in a solvent to form an electrolyte. The method further includes stacking an anode, a separator, and the cathode current collector to form the lithium ion hybrid solid phase cathode battery. The lithium ion battery with hybrid solid phase cathode comprises the anode, the electrolyte, the separator, and the cathode current collector coated with the suspension, wherein the at least one of the halogen or the metal halide of the suspension functions as a cathode conversion active material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGSThe drawings included in the present disclosure are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The drawings are merely illustrative of specific embodiments and do not limit the present invention. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example hybrid solid-state battery, generally indicated at 100, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the example hybrid solid-state battery 100 of FIG. 1 within an enclosed cell system, generally indicated at 200, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example hybrid solution phase battery, generally indicated as 300, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the example hybrid solution phase battery 300 of FIG. 3 within an enclosed cell system, generally indicated as 400, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a cell with a solution state LiI cathode. FIG. 6 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a cell with a LiFePO 4- cathode. FIG. 7 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a first cell with a hybrid solution state LiI / solid phase LiFePO 4- cathode. FIG. 8 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a second cell with a hybrid solution state LiI / solid phase LiFePO 4- cathode. FIG. 9 is a graph of cycle performance of a first cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase hybrid LiFePO 4- cathode. FIG. 10 is a graph of cycle performance of a second cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase hybrid LiFePO 4- cathode. FIG. 11 is a graph of cycle performance of a third cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase hybrid LiFePO 4- cathode.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe present invention relates generally to the field of energy storage devices, and more particularly to energy storage devices having a cathode(s) formed from a plurality of active materials comprising at least one active material that uses a chemical conversion mechanism for energy storage and at least one other active material that uses an ion intercalation mechanism for energy storage.Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a resulting energy storage unit that increase the energy density of cathodes of rechargeable lithium batteries and / or reduce their cost by hybridizing a conventional lithium ion intercalation cathode material with a halogen or metal halide conversion cathode material to form an improved cathode. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an energy storage unit including a hybrid cathode in which the energy density of a conventional metal ion intercalation cathode (e.g., lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP)) is increased by adding a halogen or metal halide conversion material (e.g., iodine (I 2) or lithium iodide (LiI)).The motifation behind creating a hybrid cathode material formed from a lithium ion intercalation material and a halogen or metal halide conversion material is two-fold. First, in embodiments of the present invention, it is recognized that the cost of cathodes formed in part of cobalt and / or nickel continues to increase and the market for these metals is often very volatile. In addition, cobalt and nickel have utility chain problems due to the severe environmental protections that have been put into force for the degradation of these metals. Embodiments of the present invention provide a hybrid energy storage unit with reduced cost and improved environmental impact by creating a hybridized cathode formed of a halogen or metal halide conversion material and an NMC or LCO based intercalation cathode. It should be appreciated that by replacing a portion of the cobalt and / or nickel used to form the cathode with a less expensive and more environmentally friendly halogen or metal halide conversion material, a hybrid energy storage unit can be achieved that has an energy density that is similar to or exceeds the energy density of current lithium ion batteries having cathodes formed solely from NMC or LCO.Second, in embodiments of the present invention, it is recognized that although lithium ion batteries having cathodes formed exclusively of iron phosphate are already very inexpensive, the energy density (theoretical specific capacity of ~170 mAh / g) is lower than that of lithium ion batteries having cathodes formed exclusively of NMC or LCO. This lower energy density significantly limits the range of applications in which lithium ion batteries with cathodes formed from iron phosphate can be used. Embodiments of the present invention provide increased energy density of lithium ion batteries having cathodes formed of iron phosphate, while remaining at relatively low manufacturing costs, by creating a hybridized cathode formed of a halogen or metal halide conversion material and LFP. It will be appreciated that by replacing a portion of the iron phosphate used to form the cathode with a halogen or metal halide conversion material, a cheaper and more environmentally friendly hybrid energy storage unit with an increased energy density can be achieved.According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lithium ion battery with hybrid solid phase cathode is formed from an intercalation material and a halogen- or metal halide-based conversion material, wherein both the intercalation material and the halogen- or metal halide-based conversion material are prepared as a suspension and the suspension is layered onto a current collector. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a lithium ion battery with hybrid "solution phase" or "liquid phase" cathode is formed from an intercalation material and a halogen- or metal halide-based cathode conversion material, wherein only the intercalation material is prepared as a suspension and is layered on a current collector, and the halogen- or metal halide-based cathode conversion material is dissolved into an electrolyte with one or more additional ionic salts. Here, the halogen- or metal halide-based cathode conversion material plays a dual role as both an electrolyte (to promote lithium ion transport) and a cathode conversion active material.The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention are intended for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that may be made without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, or the technical improvement over technologies customary in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example hybrid solid phase cathode battery (hereinafter referred to as battery 100 and generally referred to as a battery) in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 provides an illustration of only one implementation and does not include limitations on the environments in which various embodiments may be implemented. Those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the depicted environment without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.The battery 100 includes an anode current collector 110, an anode 112, an electrolyte 114, a separator 116, a cathode 118, and a cathode current collector 120. The battery 100 operates through reduction-oxidation reactions (redox reactions). For example, the battery 100 uses various oxidation states and redox reactions of one or more components or elements to charge and discharge the battery 100.The anode current collector 110 may include a material of suitable electrical conductivity that, during discharging of the battery 100, receives electrons generated by a redox reaction and provides a route to an external circuit to which the battery 100 is connected. Similarly, during recharging of the battery 100, the anode current collector 110 provides an electrical route between an external voltage source and the anode 112 to supply voltage for another redox reaction for charging the battery 100. The anode current collector 110 may be formed of any materials that achieve stability or passivation at the corresponding electrochemical potential of the anode 112. In an embodiment, the anode current collector 110 may comprise woven or non-woven metal fibers, metal foam, metal foil, or woven or non-woven carbon fibers. In an embodiment, the anode current collector 110 may additionally or alternatively comprise a stainless steel mesh, a copper mesh (Cu mesh), a nickel foam (Ni foam), and / or carbon paper. For example, the anode current collector 110 may include a stainless steel mesh with carbon nanoparticles deposited thereon. In another example, the anode current collector 110 may be a porous material that is electrically conductive.The anode 112 receives metal ions from the electrolyte 114 during charging and releases the metal ions into the electrolyte 114 during discharging. The anode 112 may be any anode. For example, the anode 112 may be formed of lithium, magnesium, sodium, or any possible combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the anode 112 consists essentially of elemental lithium, magnesium or sodium, or lithium, magnesium or sodium alloyed with one or more other elements. In one embodiment, the anode 112 is a lithium metal.The electrolyte 114 comprises at least one solvent and at least one lithium-containing compound. In some embodiments, the at least one solvent of the electrolyte 114 may be selected from the group consisting of, but is not limited to, carbonate compounds, heterocyclic compounds, ethers, esters, cyclic ethers, cyclic esters, nitriles, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one solvent of the electrolyte 114 may be further selected from, for example, non-aqueous organic solvents such as an ether, a glyme, a carbonate, a nitrile, an amide, an amine, an organosulfur solvent, an organophosphorous solvent, an organosilicon solvent, a fluorinated solvent, adiponitrile (ADN), propylene carbonate (PC), dioxolane, dimethoxyethane (DME), and mixtures and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the electrolyte 114 comprises equal portions of a solvent comprising 1,3-dioxolane and 1,2-dimethoxyethane. In one embodiment, the lithium-containing compound is a lithium salt such as lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide or LiTFSI. In an embodiment, the electrolyte 114 further comprises at least one salt. For example, a salt may be provided by the lithium-containing compound of electrolyte 114, such as LiTFSI.In some embodiments, the electrolyte 114 further comprises one or more oxidizing gases. In one embodiment, the electrolyte 114 may be in the presence of an oxidizing gas, and the term "comprising an oxidizing gas" is intended to include such a configuration. In one embodiment, one or more oxidizing gases may be dissolved in the solvent comprising the at least one salt and the at least one lithium-containing compound of the electrolyte 114. In one embodiment, the oxidizing gas may include, but is not limited to, at least one of air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, or mixtures and combinations thereof. The oxidizing gas helps to initiate the redox reactions of the battery 100, as described above, and helps to achieve highly reversible redox reactions that may contribute to improved electrochemical performance of the battery 100. It should be noted that although the oxidizing gas may help initiate such redox reactions, the oxidizing gas is not consumed or exhausted during use of the battery 100 (i.e., the oxidizing gas does not participate in the redox reactions of the battery 100).The separator 116 provides an electronically insulating barrier between the anode 112 and the cathode 118, thereby driving electrons through an external electrical circuit to which the battery 100 is connected so that the electrons do not travel through the battery 100 (e.g., through the electrolyte 114 of the battery 100), while still allowing the metal ions to flow through the battery 100 during charging and discharging. In various embodiments, the separator 116 may be coated with the electrolyte 114, impregnated with the electrolyte 114, disposed within the electrolyte 114, or surrounded / immersed in the electrolyte 114. In one embodiment, the separator 116 includes a non-conductive material to prevent movement of electrons through the battery 100, such that the electrons instead move through the external circuit. For example, the separator 116 may comprise glass, nonwoven, polymeric films, or rubber.The cathode 118 includes a cathode conversion active material (also referred to interchangeably herein as "cathode conversion material" or simply "conversion material") and a lithium ion intercalation host (also referred to interchangeably herein as "cathode intercalation material" or simply "intercalation material"). In some embodiments, the cathode active conversion material is a molecular halogen. For example, the molecular halogen may be selected from, but is not limited to, F 2, Cl 2, Br 2 and I 2. In some embodiments, the cathode conversion active material is a metal halide (e.g., MX, where M is a metal element and X is a halogen element). In one embodiment, the metal halide may dissolve in a solvent and dissociate to a corresponding metal ion and a corresponding halide ion. In one embodiment, the metal ion may be selected from at least one of Li +, Al 3+, Mg 2+ or Na + (e.g., M may be Li, Al, Mg or Na), without being limited thereto, and the halide ion may include an ion selected from at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - (e.g., X may be I, Br, Cl or F), without being limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cathode active conversion material is an organic halide compound (e.g., AX, where A is an organic particle having a positive charge and X is a halogen element having a negative charge). In one embodiment, the organic halide compound may dissolve in a solvent and dissociate to form a corresponding organic cation and a corresponding halide anion. In one embodiment, the organic cation may be selected from at least one of ammonium, alkylammonium, imidazolium, or pyrrolidinium, but is not limited thereto, and the halide anion may include an ion selected from at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - (e.g., X may be I, Br, Cl, or F), but is not limited thereto.In one embodiment, the lithium ion intercalation host is a metal oxide compound. For example, the lithium ion intercalation host may be made of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) (e.g., LiCoO 2), nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) (e.g., LiNi x Co y Al z O 2, LiNi 0.8 C0 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2), lithium ion manganese oxide (LMO) (e.g., LiMn 2 O4), Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) (e.g., LiNiMnCoO 2), nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) (e.g., LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2, LiNi 0.33 C0 0.33 Mn 0.33 O 2), lithium iron phosphate (LFP, e.g., LiFePO 4) and mixtures and combinations thereof may be selected from, but not limited to, the foregoing examples.The cathode 118 is in electrochemical and / or physical contact with the cathode current collector 120. In some embodiments, the cathode 118 of the battery 100 is in a viscous state or a suspension state. In other embodiments, the cathode 118 of the battery 100 is in a solid phase. In embodiments where the cathode 118 remains in a solid phase, the density of the cathode 118 does not necessarily need to be higher than the density of the cathode current collector 120. In one embodiment, the cathode is initially formed in a viscous state or a suspension state, coated on at least a lower surface of the cathode current collector 120, and cured to finally form a solid cathode.The cathode current collector 120 may include a material of suitable electrical conductivity that absorbs electrons generated by a redox reaction during discharge of the battery 100, and provides a route to an external circuit to which the battery 100 is connected. Similarly, during recharging of the battery 100, the cathode current collector 120 provides an electrical route between an external voltage source and the cathode 118 to supply voltage for another redox reaction for charging the battery 100. The cathode current collector 120 may be formed of any materials that achieve stability or passivation at the corresponding electrochemical potential of the cathode 118. In an embodiment, the cathode current collector 120 may comprise woven or non-woven metal fibers, metal foam, metal foil, or woven or non-woven carbon fibers. In an embodiment, the cathode current collector 120 may additionally or alternatively comprise a stainless steel mesh, an aluminum mesh (Al mesh), a nickel foam (Ni foam), and / or carbon paper. For example, the cathode current collector 120 may include a stainless steel mesh with aluminum nanoparticles deposited thereon. In another example, the cathode current collector 120 may be a porous material that is electrically conductive.In some embodiments, the battery 100 has a closed volume. For example, the anode current collector 110, the anode 112, the electrolyte 114, the separator 116, the cathode 118, and the cathode current collector 120 are located within a closed cell or other housing. In this way, one or more oxidizing additives remain enclosed within the battery 100 in the battery 100. In other embodiments, the battery 100 has a substantially closed volume. For example, the anode current collector 110, the anode 112, the electrolyte 114, the separator 116, the cathode 118, and the cathode current collector 120 are located within a substantially enclosed cell or other housing. In this way, one or more oxidizing additives within the battery 100 may be added to or removed from the battery 100.FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the battery 100 of FIG. 1 within an enclosed cell system 200. FIG. 2 illustrates only one implementation and does not include limitations on the environments in which various embodiments may be implemented. Those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the depicted environment without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.The enclosed cell system 200 may include a cell that houses the battery 100 during operation of the battery 100, a cell used to manufacture the battery 100, or both. For example, enclosed cell system 200 may include a cell available from Swagelok of Solon, Ohio under the trade designation SWAGELOK, and may be used to manufacture battery 100. In one embodiment, enclosed cell system 200 may include inlet pipe 210 and / or outlet pipe 220. Inlet pipe 210 and outlet pipe 220 may be used to introduce and remove oxidizing additives, e.g., air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and mixtures and combinations thereof, into and from enclosed cell system 200.FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example hybrid solution phase cathode battery (hereinafter referred to as a battery and generally designated 300) in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates only one implementation and does not include limitations on the environments in which various embodiments may be implemented. Those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the depicted environment without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.The battery 300 includes an anode current collector 310, an anode 312, an electrolyte 314, a separator 316, a cathode 318, and a cathode current collector 320. The battery operates via reduction-oxidation reactions (redox reactions). For example, the battery 300 uses various oxidation states and redox reactions of one or more components or elements to charge and discharge the battery 300.The anode current collector 310 may comprise a material of suitable electrical conductivity that, during the discharging of the battery 300, receives electrons generated by a redox reaction and provides a route to an external circuit to which the battery is connected. Similarly, during recharging of the battery 300, the anode current collector 310 provides an electrical route between an external voltage source and the electrolyte 314 to supply voltage for another redox reaction for charging the battery 300. The anode current collector 310 may be formed of any materials that achieve stability or passivation at the corresponding electrochemical potential of the anode 312. In an embodiment, the anode current collector 310 may comprise woven or non-woven metal fibers, metal foam, metal foil, or woven or non-woven carbon fibers. In an embodiment, the anode current collector 310 may additionally or alternatively comprise a stainless steel mesh, a copper mesh (Cu mesh), a nickel foam (Ni foam), and / or carbon paper. For example, the anode current collector 310 may include a stainless steel mesh with carbon nanoparticles deposited thereon. In another example, the anode current collector 310 may be a porous material that is electrically conductive.The anode 312 receives metal ions from the electrolyte 314 during charging and releases the metal ions into the electrolyte 314 during discharging. Anode 312 may be any anode material. For example, anode 312 may be formed of lithium, magnesium, sodium, or any possible combinations thereof, without being limited thereto. In some embodiments, anode 312 consists essentially of elemental lithium, magnesium or sodium, or lithium, magnesium or sodium alloyed with one or more other elements. In one embodiment, anode 312 is a lithium metal.The electrolyte 314 includes at least one solvent and at least one halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode conversion active material. In some embodiments, the at least one solvent of the electrolyte 314 may be selected from the group consisting of, but is not limited to, carbonate compounds, heterocyclic compounds, ethers, esters, cyclic ethers, cyclic esters, nitriles, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one solvent of the electrolyte 314 may be further selected from, for example, non-aqueous organic solvents such as an ether, a glyme, a carbonate, a nitrile, an amide, an amine, an organosulfur solvent, an organophosphorous solvent, an organosilicon solvent, a fluorinated solvent, adiponitrile (ADN), propylene carbonate (PC), dioxolane, dimethoxyethane (DME), and mixtures and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, electrolyte 314 comprises equal portions of a solvent comprising 1,3-dioxolane and 1,2-dimethoxyethane. In one embodiment, the electrolyte 314 further comprises a lithium salt such as lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide or LiTFSI.The at least one halogen-containing compound of electrolyte 314 functions as a cathode conversion active material. For example, the halogen-containing compound of electrolyte 314 may accept, store, and release metal ions for halogen redox reactions during charging and discharging of battery 300. In this way, the battery 300 may include a cathode having only a cathode intercalation material and no dedicated cathode conversion material. It should be appreciated that the battery 300 may be less expensive to produce, lighter, have a higher energy density, have a higher power density, or may have a higher power density, or combinations thereof by having an electrolyte comprising a halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode conversion active material. For example, the high power density of the electrolyte 314 comprising the halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material may allow the battery 300 to have a higher energy density and be charged significantly faster than other batteries that do not comprise an electrolyte comprising a halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material.In some embodiments, the halogen-containing compound of electrolyte 314 that functions as the cathode active conversion material is a molecular halogen. For example, the molecular halogen may be selected from, but is not limited to, F 2, Cl 2, Br 2 and I 2. In some embodiments, the halogen-containing compound of electrolyte 314 that functions as the cathode active conversion material is a metal halide salt (e.g., MX, where M is a metal element and X is a halogen element). In one embodiment, the metal halide may dissolve in a solvent and dissociate to a corresponding metal ion and a corresponding halide ion. In one embodiment, the metal ion may be selected from at least one of Li +, Al 3+, Mg 2+ or Na + (e.g., M may be Li, Al, Mg or Na), without being limited thereto, and the halide ion may include an ion selected from at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - (e.g., X may be I, Br, Cl or F), without being limited thereto. In other embodiments, the halogen-containing compound of electrolyte 314 that functions as the cathode active conversion material is an organic halide salt (e.g., AX, where A is an organic particle having a positive charge and X is a halogen element having a negative charge). In one embodiment, the organic halide salt may dissolve in a solvent and dissociate to form a corresponding organic cation and a corresponding halide anion. In one embodiment, the organic cation may be selected from at least one of ammonium, alkylammonium, imidazolium, or pyrrolidinium, but is not limited thereto, and the halide anion may include an ion selected from at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - (e.g., X may be I, Br, Cl, or F), but is not limited thereto.In some embodiments, the electrolyte 314 further comprises one or more oxidizing gases. In one embodiment, the electrolyte 314 may be in the presence of an oxidizing gas and the term "comprising an oxidizing gas" is intended to include such a configuration. In one embodiment, one or more oxidizing gases may be dissolved in the solvent comprising the at least one salt and the at least one lithium-containing compound of the electrolyte 314. In one embodiment, the oxidizing gas may include, but is not limited to, at least one of air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, or mixtures and combinations thereof. The oxidizing gas helps to initiate the redox reactions of the battery 300 as described above and helps to achieve highly reversible redox reactions that may contribute to improved electrochemical performance of the battery 300. It should be noted that although the oxidizing gas may help initiate such redox reactions, the oxidizing gas is not consumed or exhausted during use of the battery 300 (i.e., the oxidizing gas does not participate in the redox reactions of the battery 300).The separator 316 drives electrons through an external electrical circuit to which the battery 300 is connected so that the electrons do not travel through the battery 300 (e.g., through the electrolyte 314 of the battery 300), while still allowing the metal ions to flow through the battery 300 during charging and discharging. In various embodiments, the separator 316 may be coated with the electrolyte 314, impregnated with the electrolyte 314, disposed within the electrolyte 314, or surrounded / immersed in the electrolyte 314. In one embodiment, the separator 316 includes a non-conductive material to prevent movement of electrons through the battery 300 such that the electrons instead move through the external circuit. For example, the separator 316 may comprise glass, nonwoven, polymeric films, or rubber.The cathode 318 comprises a lithium ion intercalation host. In one embodiment, the lithium ion intercalation host is a metal oxide or a metal phosphate compound. For example, the lithium ion intercalation host may be made of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) (e.g., LiCoO 2), nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) (e.g., LiNi x Co y Al z O 2, LiNi 0.8 C0 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2), lithium ion manganese oxide (LMO) (e.g., LiMn 2 O4), Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) (e.g., LiNiMnCoO 2), nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) (e.g., LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2, LiNi 0.33 C0 0.33 Mn 0.33 O 2), lithium iron phosphate (LFP, e.g., LiFePO 4) and mixtures and combinations thereof may be selected from, but not limited to, the foregoing examples.In some embodiments, the cathode 318 further comprises, in addition to the lithium ion intercalation host, a halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode conversion active material. In some embodiments, a portion of the lithium ion intercalation host (e.g., nickel or cobalt when the intercalation host is NMC, or cobalt when the intercalation host is LCO) of the cathode 318 is replaced with the halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode conversion active material. In other embodiments, a halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode active material is added to the cathode 318 without replacing a portion of the lithium ion intercalation host of the cathode 318.In one embodiment, the halogen-containing compound of cathode 318, which functions as a cathode conversion active material, is the same halogen-containing compound as that of electrolyte 314, which also functions as a cathode conversion active material. In one embodiment, the halogen-containing compound contained in cathode 318, which acts as a cathode conversion material, is a halogen-containing compound other than that contained in electrolyte 314, which also acts as a cathode conversion active material. It should be appreciated that by including a cathode conversion active material in both the electrolyte 314 and the cathode 318, a hybrid energy storage device with an increased energy density is achieved.In one embodiment, the lithium ion intercalation host of cathode 318 is a metal oxide or a metal phosphate compound. For example, the lithium ion intercalation host of cathode 318 may be made of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) (e.g., LiCoO 2), nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) (e.g., LiNi x Co y Al z O 2, LiNi 0.8 C0 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2), lithium ion manganese oxide (LMO) (e.g., LiMn 2 O4), Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) (e.g., LiNiMnCoO 2), nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) (e.g., LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2, LiNi 0.33 Co 0.33 Mn 0.33 O 2), lithium iron phosphate (LFP, e.g., LiFePO 4) and mixtures and combinations thereof may be selected from, but are not limited to, the foregoing examples.The cathode 318 is in electrochemical and / or physical contact with the cathode current collector 320. In some embodiments, the cathode 318 of the battery 300 is in a viscous state or a suspension state. In other embodiments, the cathode 318 of the battery 300 is in a solid phase. In embodiments where the cathode 318 remains in a solid phase, the density of the cathode 318 does not necessarily need to be higher than the density of the cathode current collector 320. In one embodiment, the cathode 318 is initially formed in a viscous state or a suspension state, coated on at least a bottom surface of the cathode current collector 320, and cured to finally form a solid cathode.The cathode current collector 320 may include a material of suitable electrical conductivity that receives electrons generated by a redox reaction during discharge of the battery 300 and provides a route to an external circuit to which the battery is connected. Similarly, during recharging of the battery 300, the cathode current collector 320 provides an electrical route between an external voltage source and the electrolyte 314 to supply voltage for another redox reaction for charging the battery 300. The cathode current collector 320 may be formed of any materials that achieve stability or passivation at the corresponding electrochemical potential of the cathode 318. In an embodiment, the cathode current collector 320 may comprise woven or non-woven metal fibers, metal foam, metal foil, or woven or non-woven carbon fibers. In an embodiment, the cathode current collector 320 may additionally or alternatively comprise a stainless steel mesh, an aluminum mesh (Al mesh), a nickel foam (Ni foam), and / or carbon paper. For example, the cathode current collector 320 may include a stainless steel mesh with aluminum nanoparticles deposited thereon. In another example, the cathode current collector 320 may be a porous material that is electrically conductive.In some embodiments, the battery 300 has a closed volume. For example, the anode current collector 310, the anode 312, the electrolyte 314, the separator 316, the cathode 318, and the cathode current collector 320 are located within a closed cell or other housing. In this way, one or more oxidizing additives remain enclosed within the battery 300 in the battery 300. In other embodiments, the battery 300 has a substantially closed volume. For example, the anode current collector 310, the anode 312, the electrolyte 314, the separator 316, the cathode 318, and the cathode current collector 320 are located within a substantially enclosed cell or other housing. In this way, one or more oxidizing additives within the battery 300 may be added to or removed from the battery 300.FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the battery 300 of FIG. 3 within an enclosed cell system 400. The enclosed cell system 400 may include a cell that houses the battery 300 during operation of the battery 300, a cell used to manufacture the battery 300, or both. For example, enclosed cell system 400 may include a cell available from Swagelok of Solon, Ohio under the trade designation SWAGELOK, and may be used to manufacture battery 300. In one embodiment, enclosed cell system 400 may include inlet pipe 410 and / or outlet pipe 420. Inlet pipe 410 and outlet pipe 420 may be used to introduce and remove oxidizing additives, e.g., air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and mixtures and combinations thereof, into and from enclosed cell system 400.FIRST PROCEDUREPreparation of a Secondary Energy Storage Unit Having a Hybrid "Solid Phase" CathodeA cathode was prepared by first forming a suspension comprising a halogen cathode conversion material (e.g., I 2) or a metal halide cathode conversion material (e.g., LiI), a lithium-based intercalation cathode material (e.g., LFP), a conductive additive, and a binder. The suspension was then coated on a current collector and dried to produce the finished cathode.An electrolyte was prepared by dissolving a lithium salt (e.g., LiTFSI) in one or more aprotic organic solvents (e.g., a 1:1 mixture of 1,3-dioxolane / 1,2-dimethoxyethane) to achieve a desired electrolyte concentration.SECOND PROCEDUREPreparation of a Secondary Energy Storage Unit Having a Hybrid "Solution Phase" CathodeA cathode was prepared by forming a suspension comprising an intercalation cathode material (e.g., LFP), a conductive additive, and a binder. The suspension was then coated on a current collector and dried to produce the finished cathode.A cathode / electrolyte solution was prepared by dissolving a metal halide salt (e.g., LiI) or a halogen (I 2) in one or more aprotic organic solvents (e.g., a 1:1 mixture of 1,3-dioxolane / 1,2-dimethoxyethane) to achieve a desired electrolyte concentration.EXAMPLE 1forming a secondary energy storage unit with a hybrid "solid phase" cathodeA secondary energy storage unit with a hybrid "solid phase" cathode was formed by placing a wave spring within the negative side of a 2032 coin cell battery. Subsequently, a piece of lithium foil (anode) was mounted on a 0.5 mm stainless steel spacer and placed on top of the wave spring. A small amount of the electrolyte prepared according to the first procedure was applied to the lithium metal anode, followed by a polymer separator (e.g., Celgard 2325) disposed thereon. Then, another small amount of the electrolyte prepared according to the first procedure was applied to the polymer separator, followed by the hybrid cathode prepared according to the first procedure. Finally, the button cell was sealed.EXAMPLE 2forming a secondary energy storage unit with a hybrid "solution phase" cathodeA secondary energy storage unit with a hybrid "solution phase" cathode was formed by placing a wave spring within the negative side of a 2032 coin cell battery. Subsequently, a piece of lithium foil (anode) was mounted on a 0.5 mm stainless steel spacer and placed on top of the wave spring. A small amount of the cathode / electrolyte solution prepared according to the second procedure was applied to the lithium metal anode, followed by a polymer separator (e.g., Celgard 2325) disposed thereon. Then, another small amount of the cathode / electrolyte solution prepared according to the second procedure was applied to the polymer separator, followed by the hybrid cathode prepared according to the second procedure. Finally, the cell was sealed.COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1Areal Capacitance of a Cell with a "Solution Phase" Cathode Containing Only A Single Active Conversion Material (LiI)Figure 5 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a cell having a "solution phase" LiI cathode. In particular, FIG. 5 shows the specific capacitance normalized to the cathode surface of a cell formed of a lithium metal anode, a porous carbon on a carbon-substance cathode, and 100 μL of an electrolyte comprising 0.4 mM LiNO 3, 1 mM LiI per 500 μL of 1,3-dioxolane and 500 μL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane.COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2Areal Capacitance of a Cell with a Cathode Containing Only a Single Intercalation Active Material (LiFePO4)FIG. 6 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a cell with a LiFePO 4- cathode. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows the specific capacity normalized to the cathode area of a cell formed of a lithium metal anode, a porous carbon, and lithium iron phosphate on a carbon-substance cathode, and 100 μL of an electrolyte including 0.4 mM LiNO 3, 1 mM LiPF 6 per 500 μL of 1,3-dioxolane, and 500 μL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane.WORKING EXAMPLE 1Areal Capacity of a First Cell with a Solution Phase LiI / Solid Phase Hybrid LiFePO4 CathodeFIG. 7 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a cell with a hybrid solution state LiI / solid phase LiFePO 4- cathode. In particular, FIG. 7 shows the specific capacitance normalized to the cathode surface of a cell formed of a lithium metal anode, a porous carbon, and lithium iron phosphate on a carbon-substance cathode, and 100 μL of an electrolyte comprising 0.4 mM LiNO 3, 1 mM LiI per 500 μL of 1,3-dioxolane, and 500 μL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane.WORKING EXAMPLE 2Areal Capacity of a Second Cell with a Solution Phase LiI / Solid Phase Hybrid LiFePO4 CathodeFIG. 8 is a graph of the area-related capacity of a cell with a hybrid solution state LiI / solid phase LiFePO 4- cathode. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows the specific capacity normalized to the cathode area of a cell formed of a lithium metal anode, a porous carbon, and lithium iron phosphate on a carbon-substance cathode, and 100 μL of an electrolyte comprising 0.4 mM LiNO 3, 1 mM LiI per 500 μL of 1,3-dioxolane, and 500 μL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane.CYCLE PERFORMANCE EXAMPLE 1A first cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase hybrid LiFePO4 cathodeFIG. 9 illustrates the cycle performance of a cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase LiFePO 4- hybrid cathode. In particular, FIG. 9 shows the cycle performance of a cell comprising a lithium metal anode, a porous carbon, and lithium iron phosphate on a carbon-substance cathode, and 100 μL of an electrolyte comprising 0.4 mM LiNO 3, 1 mM LiI per 500 μL of 1,3-dioxolane and 500 μL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane. Galvanostatic cycling was performed within a voltage range of 2.7 V to 3 V so that the iodine electrochemistry, rather than the LFP electrochemistry, contributed to the overall capacity of the cell.CYCLE PERFORMANCE EXAMPLE 2A second cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase hybrid LiFePO4 cathodeFIG. 10 illustrates the cycle performance of a cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase LiFePO 4- hybrid cathode. In particular, FIG. 10 shows the cycle performance of a cell comprising a lithium metal anode, a porous carbon, and lithium iron phosphate on a carbon-substance cathode, and 100 μL of an electrolyte comprising 0.4 mM LiNO 3, 1 mM LiI per 500 μL of 1,3-dioxolane and 500 μL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane. Galvanostatic cycling was performed within a voltage range of 3 V to 3.6 V so that the LFP electrochemistry, rather than the lod electrochemistry, contributed to the overall capacity of the cell.CYCLE PERFORMANCE EXAMPLE 3A third cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase hybrid LiFePO4 cathodeFIG. 11 illustrates the cycle performance of a cell formed from a solution phase LiI / solid phase LiFePO 4- hybrid cathode. In particular, FIG. 11 shows the cycle performance of a cell comprising a lithium metal anode, a porous carbon, and lithium iron phosphate on a carbon-substance cathode, and 100 μL of an electrolyte comprising 0.4 mM LiNO 3, 1 mM LiI per 500 μL of 1,3-dioxolane and 500 μL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane. Galvanostatic cycling was performed within a voltage range of 2.7 V to 3.6 V so that both iodine and LFP electrochemistry contributed to the overall capacity of the cell.

Claims

A rechargeable battery comprising: an anode; a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a lithium ion intercalation host; and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises a solvent and a first halogen-containing compound that acts as a cathode conversion active material, and wherein the electrolyte is further in contact with the anode and the cathode.The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the cathode further comprises a second halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode conversion active material.The rechargeable battery according to claim 2, wherein the first halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode conversion active material contained in the electrolyte and the second halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode conversion active material contained in the cathode are the same.The rechargeable battery according to claim 2, wherein the first halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode conversion active material contained in the electrolyte and the second halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode conversion active material contained in the cathode are different.The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein the halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the electrolyte is a metal halide.The rechargeable battery of claim 4, wherein the metal halide in the solvent dissociates into a corresponding halide ion and a corresponding metal ion, and wherein the halide ion comprises at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - and the metal ion comprises at least one of Li +, Al 3+, Mg 2+ or Na +.The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the lithium ion intercalation host is selected from the group consisting of lithium cobalt oxide, nickel cobalt aluminum, lithium ion manganese oxide, Lithiumnickelmangankobaltoxid Nickelkobaltmanganoxid lithium iron phosphate, and mixtures and combinations thereof.The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the solvent of the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of carbonate compounds, heterocyclic compounds, ethers, esters, cyclic ethers, cyclic esters, nitriles, and mixtures and combinations thereof.The rechargeable battery of claim 1, further comprising one or more oxidizing gases selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and mixtures and combinations thereof.A rechargeable battery, comprising: an anode; a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises a halogen-containing compound that functions as a cathode conversion active material and a lithium ion intercalation host; and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises a solvent and a lithium-containing compound, and wherein the electrolyte is further in contact with the anode and the cathode.The rechargeable battery according to claim 10, wherein the halogen-containing compound that functions as the cathode active conversion material contained in the cathode is a halogen or a metal halide.The rechargeable battery of claim 11, wherein the metal halide comprises a corresponding halide ion and a corresponding metal ion, and wherein the halide ion comprises at least one of I -, Br -, Cl - or F - and the metal ion comprises at least one of Li +, Al 3+, Mg 2+ or Na +.The rechargeable battery of claim 10, wherein the lithium-containing compound contained in the electrolyte is a lithium salt.The rechargeable battery of claim 10, wherein the lithium ion intercalation host is selected from the group consisting of lithium cobalt oxide, nickel cobalt aluminum, lithium ion manganese oxide, Lithiumnickelmangankobaltoxid Nickelkobaltmanganoxid lithium iron phosphate, and mixtures and combinations thereof.The rechargeable battery of claim 10, wherein the solvent of the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of carbonate compounds, heterocyclic compounds, ethers, esters, cyclic ethers, cyclic esters, nitriles, and mixtures and combinations thereof.The rechargeable battery of claim 10, further comprising one or more oxidizing gases selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and mixtures and combinations thereof.A method of forming a rechargeable battery, comprising: layering a suspension comprising a lithium-containing intercalation material on a cathode current collector; dissolving at least one of a metal halide or a halogen in a solvent to form an electrolyte; and stacking an anode, a separator, and the cathode current collector to form the rechargeable battery, wherein the rechargeable battery comprises: the anode; the electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises the at least one of the metal halide or the halogen that functions as a cathode conversion active material; the separator; and the cathode current collector coated with the suspension.The method of claim 17, further comprising adding a second halogen or metal halide to the cathode, wherein the second halogen or metal halide also functions as a cathode conversion active material.The method of claim 18, wherein the second halogen or metal halide added to the cathode is the same as the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.The method of claim 18, wherein the second halogen or metal halide added to the cathode is different from the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.The method of claim 17, further comprising replacing a portion of the lithium ion intercalation material with a second metal halide or halogen, wherein the second metal halide or halogen also functions as a cathode conversion active material.The method according to claim 21, wherein the second metal halide or halogen replacing the part of the lithium ion intercalation material is the same as the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.The method according to claim 21, wherein the second metal halide or halogen replacing the part of the lithium ion intercalation material is different from the halogen or metal halide contained in the electrolyte.A method of forming a rechargeable battery, comprising: layering a suspension comprising at least one of a halogen or a metal halide and a lithium-containing cathode intercalation material on a cathode current collector; dissolving a lithium salt in a solvent to form an electrolyte; and stacking an anode, a separator, and the cathode current collector to form the rechargeable battery, wherein the rechargeable battery comprises: the anode; the electrolyte; the separator; and the cathode current collector coated with the suspension, wherein the at least one of the halogen or the metal halide of the suspension functions as a cathode conversion active material.

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