Preliminary Study of a Lithium Aluminum Electrode for Thermal Batteries.
Abstract
Laboratory tests have shown that a 25 weight percent alloy of lithium in aluminum should significantly outperform the calcium anode presently used in thermal batteries. The usable energy and power densities of this solid Li alloy are at least double those of a Ca anode. Aluminum wires were cathodically charged with Li in the LiCl-KCl eutectic melt at 430C. Discharge behavior was then studied in the same melt. Data showed the charging process to be much less polarized than the discharge. Discharge capacity is inversely related to discharge rate and shows discharge to be terminated by diffusion polarization. Both charge and discharge are possible at high rates due to extensive cracking of the metal, allowing melt to contact a very large electrode area. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 22, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0757007
Entities
People
- Stanley D. James
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory