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Hydrogen sorption studies of materials used in Li(Si)/FeS/sub 2/ thermal batteries

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6960807

Hydrogen formation occurs during long-term storage of Li(Si)/FeS/sub 2/ thermal batteries as a result of residual moisture reacting with the Li(Si) anode. A study of the rates of hydrogen sorption by materials used in Li(Si)/FeS/sub 2/ thermal batteries was undertaken in order to obtain a measure of their reactivity to hydrogen in the thermal battery environment. The sorption of hydrogen by pellets of the anode material, separator mix, catholyte mix, and heat powder was monitored for periods of up to a month at a temperature of 60/degree/C. The anode material was 44% Li/56% Si alloy; the separator was 65% LiCl-KCl eutectic/35% MgO; the catholyte was 75% FeS/sub 2//25% electrolyte binder mix (with the composition 88% LiCl-KCl eutectic/12% SiO/sub 2/; and the heat powder was 88% Fe/12% KClO/sub 4/. Individual components of the mixes exhibiting significant sorption of hydrogen were examined, and the FeS/sub 2/ was the only material found to be actively sorbing hydrogen. The kinetics of the sorption process were enhanced by a smaller particle size of FeS/sub 2/, a higher hydrogen pressure, and a higher level of oxidized iron impurities. The hydrogen was not removed by vacuum heating at 200/degree/C. A hydrogen sorption study of the insulation materials used in the battery showed the ceramic-fiber blanket to be a significant sorbent for hydrogen. 7 refs., 10 figs., 5 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6960807
Report Number(s):
SAND-87-3149; ON: DE88013154
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English