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U.S. Department of Energy
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Investigations of the safety of Li/SOCl/sub 2/ batteries. Final report, 30 Sep 78-29 Sep 79

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6842969

Forced overdischarge behavior of Li/SOCl/sub 2/ cells was studied using spirally wound C-size and small prismatic cells. Cathode- and anode-limited cells were tested. Cathode-limited cells could be forced overdischarged for long periods of time without explosions. Anode limited cells, on the other hand, were found to be potentially hazardous. Our data suggest that anode limited cells are likely to explode during forced overdischarge. The behavior of Li/SOCl/sub 2/ cells during application of a 'charge' current was investigated using C-size cells. It was possible to subject either new or partially discharged cells to a 'charging' current without apparent hazard. The charging reactions involve a sequence of regenerative processes so that only small amounts of chemicals accumulate in the cells. On the basis of materials characterized from IR spectral and cyclic voltammetry data, a mechanism is proposed for the oxidation reactions in SOCl/sub 2//LiAlCl/sub 4/ solutions. Preliminary studies indicated that Li/sub 2/S/AlCl/sub 3/ based electrolytes may be useful as alternatives to LiAlCl/sub 4/ in Li/SOCl2 batteries.

Research Organization:
EIC, Inc., Newton, MA (USA)
OSTI ID:
6842969
Report Number(s):
AD-A-081998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English