Calcium Inorganic Electrolyte Battery Development.
Abstract
The use of lithium (Li) anodes with thionyl chloride (SOCl2) has been vigorously investigated by many researchers during the past decade, advancing from laboratory cells to a viable 400-600 WH/Kg system demonstrated in cell sizes up to 17000 AH. Several improvements in performance have been made during these years, especially with regard to basic problems such as voltage delay due to anode passivation. Improvement in other areas of performance, however, has been more modest, a particular example of which is the continuing problem of safety. The problem of response to abuse of Li/SOCl2 cells primarily results from the reactivity of molten Li, a problem compounded by its low melting point of 180 C. On the assumption that most Group I and II metals are highly reactive in the molten state, the problems might be reduced by using materials with higher melting points. Several Group I and II elements have energy densities near that of Li, such as Na, Ca and Mg; of these three however, only Ca and Mg have acceptable melting points. Ca, though lower in energy density than Mg, is capable of 5.93 WH/cc, has a working voltage of approximately 3.0V, and has a higher melting point than Mg. These inherent characteristics, led to the present work on further development of Ca/SOCl2. The purpose of this program was to develop experimental hardware, establish preliminary performance, safety, and storage data, and define the magnitude of any potential problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA106199
Entities
People
- R. L. Higgins