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Title: Morphological studies on the Li-Al electrode in fused salt electrolytes

Journal Article · · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2119684· OSTI ID:5623659

Well-functioning Li-Al electrodes in Li-Al/FeS cells have an open, coral-like structure. Occasionally, a coalesced zone develops that is believed to cause a decline in capacity. Comparative morphology experiments suggest that ..beta..-Li-Al, as well as ..cap alpha..-Li-Al, is involved in the development of coalescence in Li-Al electrodes operating in fuse salt electrolytes. The course of developing coalescence is viewed as a sintering process; it is hypothesized that there is a contribution to this process from electrochemically formed diffusive pathways that develop between particles of ..beta..-Li-Al. Local overpotential is regarded as important in forming these pathways. A significant impact on the rate of coalescence is expected from the high lithium vacancy concentration and chemical diffusion coefficient in ..beta..-Li-Al. There is a clear correlation between coalescence and charging of the electrode. Variation of current density and electrolyte composition alone did not, within the range of the experiments, prevent coalescence.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Division, Argonne, Illinois
DOE Contract Number:
W-31-109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5623659
Journal Information:
J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 130:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English