DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

The interdependent constraints placed on the intrinsic materials parameters of the electrodes and the electrolyte of an electrochemical cell are reviewed; the fuel-cell and battery applications are contrasted. A rationale is given for choosing lithium-based cells with oxide cathodes for secondary batteries of high energy and power density; this choice leads to a consideration of lithium-insertion compounds as cathodes and the possible extension of this concept to the anodes.