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Lithium deposition during overdischarge in Li/SOCl/sub 2/ cells

Conference · · Proc. - Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6408301

The high rate overdischarge (cell reversal) of Li/SOCl/sub 2/ cells through series string discharge or constant current discharge with an external power supply can result in thermal runaway. The chemical and physical processes occurring on overdischarge are not well understood. In the present work, the objective was to determine whether lithium deposited during overdischarge could lead to reactions which could cause spontaneous thermal excursions or explosions. Lithium deposition was investigated during both cathode and anode limited overdischarge at 40, 25 and -40/sup 0/C at current densities from 2 to 20 mA/cm/sup 2/. Optical microphotographs were taken of the dendrites while they were immersed in the SOCl/sub 2/ electrolyte during overdischarge or storage, and later, after cell disassembly, the dendrites and cathodes were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Research Organization:
GTE Laboratories Incorporated, Waltham, MA
OSTI ID:
6408301
Report Number(s):
CONF-831086-
Journal Information:
Proc. - Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc. - Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 84-1; ISSN PESOD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English