Novel class of positive electrodes for rechargeable batteries

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5617821

Mailhe, C C

A novel class of organosulfur positive electrodes for intermediate-temperature rechargeable batteries is described. High-temperature batteries such as sodium/sulfur exhibit alluring and unrivaled power and energy densities but unfortunately are plagued by corrosion problems. A decrease in the operating temperature of 350{degree}C to the 110-150{degree}C temperature range resulted in a simplified cell technology allowing for the use of polymeric seals. The non-aggressive nature of the positive electrode lessened also considerably the corrosion issues. A tetraethylthiuram disulfide/diethyldithiocarbamate cell was first investigated because of its attractive theoretical energy density of 360 Wh/kg and because of the low melting point of the diethyldithiocarbamate sodium salt (145{degree}C), condition necessary to maintain the electrode in the liquid state. (Sodium and Beta {double prime} Alumina were, respectively, the negative electrode and the solid electrolyte). The low-melting sodium salt requirement can be advantageously replaced by the use of a solvent in charge of solubilizing the sodium salt generated during discharge. Low viscosity and high dielectric constant were identified as two key factors in the solvent optimization.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Berkeley, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5617821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250903* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
CATHODES
CORROSION RESISTANCE
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
ENERGY DENSITY
METAL-NONMETAL BATTERIES
RECHARGE
SODIUM-SULFUR BATTERIES
SOLID ELECTROLYTES
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS