| abstract |
Lithium-rich compounds that are precursors for positive electrodes for lithium cells and batteries comprise a Li 2 O-containing compound as one component, and a second charged or partially-charged component, selected preferably from a metal oxide, a lithium-metal-oxide, a metal phosphate or metal sulfate compound. Li 2 O is extracted from the electrode precursors to activate the electrode either by electrochemical methods or by chemical methods. Methods for synthesizing and activating the electrodes, electrochemical cells, and batteries containing such electrodes also are described. |