RECHARGEABLE ALKALINE METAL AND ALKALINE EARTH ELECTRODES HAVING CONTROLLED DENDRITIC GROWTH AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME

摘要

A device for extending the life of a battery, including an electrode having ametal portion, wherein the metal portionis selected from the group including lithium, calcium, magnesium, sodium,potassium and combinations thereof, an electrolyte permeablemembrane, and a metal dendrite seeding material disposed between the electrodeand the membrane. The electrode, themembrane and the metal dendrite seeding material are positioned in anelectrolyte matrix. At least one dendrite extends from theelectrode toward the electrolyte permeable membrane combines with at least onedendrite extending from the dendrite seeding material.