Evaluation of Room-Temperature Chloroaluminate Molten Salts as Electrolytes for High Energy Density Batteries

Abstract

This report reviews past battery studies using room-temperature chloroaluminate electrolytes, pointing out problems experienced. The report then summarizes attempts to circumvent these problems. A cell is described that uses a sodium anode, a copper (II) chloride cathode, and room-temperature chloroaluminate electrolyte buffered to the neutral composition. Cells give an open circuit voltage greater than 2.75 volts and discharge near 1 milliAmperes per centimeters squared at voltages greater than 2 volts for more than 20 hours. Cell failure is attributed to the formation of a nonconductive coating on the sodium electrode. Suggestions for future studies are presented. While the room- temperature chloroaluminates appear suitable for high-voltage, low-current batteries, their physical properties may limit their potential for high energy density batteries. Keywords: Battery, LiCl, Electrode, KCl, Molten salt, Electrodes, Sodium, Chloroaluminate, Cadmium, High energy density batteries, Ionic liquids.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA223097

Entities

People

  • R. L. Vaughn

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Chlorine
  • Conductivity
  • Electrochemical Reactions
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolytes
  • Electron Microscopy
  • High Energy
  • High Voltage
  • Materials
  • Metals
  • Physical Properties
  • Resistance
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy
  • Sodium Compounds
  • Transition Metals

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Theoretical Analysis.