INORGANIC MATERIALS FOR COMPOSITE SEPARATOR IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

An electrochemical cell that includes a positive electrode with an active material acting as a cathode; a negative electrode with an active material acting as an anode; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive electrode and negative electrode. In one embodiment, the separator includes an inorganic material, i.e., a type of boehmite, formed of nanometer-sized particles and optionally one or more binders and/or ceramic particles. In a second embodiment, at least one of the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator includes the boehmite particles, which absorb one or more of moisture and/or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery.