The Electrochemistry of Molten Lithium Chlorate and Its Possible Use with Lithium in a Battery.
Abstract
Lithium chlorate, LiClO3, has a reported melting point of 127.6 C or 129 C. The specific conductance of molten lithium chlorate is relatively high compared to most electrolytic solutions used at room temperature. Therefore, lithium chlorate offers the chance to operate a new lithium battery system at a temperature between 130 C and 150 C. It is found from experiments that lithium chlorate is stable in the potential range between 3.2 V and 4.6 V relative to a Li reference electrode. A Li-Cl2 secondary battery system has an open circuit potential of 3.97 V, making a Li-Cl2 secondary battery in molten lithium chlorate, in principle, possible. A lithium-lithium chlorate primary battery system is also possible. Lithium negative electrode performance is hindered by corrosion and possible runaway reactions with LiClO3 and dendrite formation on charging. The solubility of Li2O and LiCl in LiClO3 at 145 C is .000075 mol/cubic cm and .00178 mol/cubic cm respectively. The diffusion coefficients are 1.5 x 10 to the -7th power sq cm/s for Li2O and 3.4 x 10 to the -7th power sq. cm/s for LiCl. Platinum appeared to be an inert positive electrode for chlorate, chlorine, or oxygen reactions for short term runs, order of several hours. Nickel shows active-passive behavior which is complex. Nickel appears suitable for primary cell, cathodic discharge of LiClO3, but it does not appear suitable for a Cl2 or O2 electrode. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA105968
Entities
People
- Douglas N. Bennion
- Su-chee Simon Wang
Organizations
- Brigham Young University