Electrochemistry of Interhalogen Cathodes
Abstract
Halogen fluoride cathodes offer the prospect of extremely high energy densities when combined with active metal anodes in electrochemical power sources. Chlorine trifluoride, with a theoretical 2120 whr/lb in combination with lithium, is also known to support substantial current densities when dissolved in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride containing an alkali metal fluoride electrolyte. The objective of the research was the further evaluation of chlorine trifluoride as a power source cathode material. A half-cell study was made on dilute ClF3 solutions at 5C in 1 M NaF-HF by the cyclic voltammetric technique, using platinum electrodes. Three cathodic and two anodic reactions were observed in wide-span voltammograms on this system. Pure lithium is chamically incompatible with hydrogen fluoride. A dual-solvent cell containing a liquid lithium anode dissolved in liquid ammonia and an interhalogen cathode in hydrogen fluoride is under consideration. Some technical problems involved in the construction of such a cell are discussed in the report, and the possibility of using a solid electrolyte separator is suggested. Lithium alloy anodes that would function directly in HF are also considered for an alternative single- solvent cell.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0870799
Entities
People
- M. M. Nicholson