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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Development of Prototype Sealed Bipolar Lithium/Sulfide Cells

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5419607

Development of a prototype bipolar battery containing 13-cm dia cells for electric-vehicle propulsion is underway at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). Both Li/FeS and Li/FeS2 cells have been tested with LiCl-LiBr-KBr electrolyte and MgO powder separators for electrolyte-starved cell operation at 400 to 425°C. These cells achieved the high performance and stability needed for the intended application. An innovative feature of this bipolar battery is a metal/ceramic bonded peripheral seal for each cell. The development of corrosion-resistant sealant materials at ANL has let to metal/ceramic bonds about 100 times stronger that obtainable with commercially available sealants for service at over 300°C. This peripheral seal promotes long battery life by eliminating electrolyte loss and prohibiting transport of electrolyte from one cell to the next in a bipolar stack. Fabrication facilities have been recently constructed that enable development of 13-cm I.D. peripheral seals. The initial tests of prototype bipolar Li/FeS and Li/FeS2 cells indicate improved performance as a result of scale-up. The 7-mm thick, 13-cm dia cells have total weight of 0.25 kg (cell density 2.8 g/cm3). These cells are operated at 425°C. The Li/FeS2 cell exhibits 180 Wh/kg at a 30 Wh/kg discharge rate and the Li/FeS cell delivered 130 Wh/kg at a 25 W/kg rate. The low internal impedance of these cells enables high peak specific power capability; 400 W/kg for Li/FeS2 and 24 W/kg for Li/FeS at 80% DOD.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5419607
Report Number(s):
ANL/CP--73352; CONF-910801--13; ON: DE91015721
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English