Fibrous articles and electrode systems

Abstract

An apparatus including a body having dimensions suitable as an electrode component of an electrical storage device, the body having a fibrous form comprised of a moiety of the general formula: (M a ) x (Y b ) y , wherein M is one or more metals (i.e., a is greater than or equal to one) selected from Groups IV through IX of the Periodic Table of the Elements. Examples include, but are not limited to, ruthenium, iridium, and manganese. Y includes one or more heteroatoms (i.e., b is greater than or equal to one) selected from oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and boron. Subscripts x and y represent the valence state of the cation and anion, respectively.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a body having dimensions suitable as an electrode component of an electrical storage device, the body having a fibrous form comprised of a moiety of the general formula:    (M a ) x (Y b ) y ,    wherein M is a metal selected from at least one of Groups IV through IX of the Periodic Table of the Elements,    wherein a is greater than or equal to one,    wherein Y includes a heteroatom selected from one of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and boron,    wherein x is the valence state of the cation, and    wherein y is the valence state of the cation.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein M is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, hafnium, zirconium, ruthium, iridium, and manganese.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a plurality of fibers, each fiber comprising the moiety.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of fibers are combined in a weave.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in a cell; and    an electrolyte in fluid contact with the first and second electrode,    wherein each of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a body having a fibrous form comprised of a moiety of the general formula:    (M a ) x (Y b ) y ,    wherein M is a metal selected from at least one of Groups IV through IX of the Periodic Table of the Elements,    wherein a is greater than or equal to one,    wherein Y includes a heteroatom selected from one of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and boron,    wherein x is the valence state of the cation, and    wherein y is the valence state of the cation.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein M is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, hafnium, zirconium, ruthium, iridium, and manganese.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the body comprises a plurality of fibers, each fiber comprising the moiety.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of fibers are combined in a weave.