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Development of lithium/metal sulfide batteries at Argonne National Laboratory: summary report, 1976. [Li--Al/LiCl--KCl/FeSorFeS/sub 2/, 400 to 450/sup 0/C]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7257367· OSTI ID:7257367

Highlights for 1976 of Argonne National Laboratory's program on the development of lithium/metal sulfide batteries are presented. The intended applications for these high-performance batteries are stationary energy storage for electric utility systems and electric vehicle propulsion. The battery cells consist of a lithium--aluminum alloys negative electrode, an FeS or FeS/sub 2/ positive electrode, and a molten LiCl--KCl electrolyte, which requires an operating temperature of 400--450/sup 0/C. Most of the cells tested during the year were of a prismatic design, with capacities in the range of 100--150 Ah. Contracts were continued with three industrial firms on the development of cell fabrication techniques and the fabrication of cells, the development and fabrication of electrical feedthroughs and electrode separators, and a more general research and development effort on lithium/metal sulfide batteries. A design study was initiated on a 6 MWh battery module for stationary energy storage. A conceptual design for a 30-kW-hr electric-vehicle battery will serve as the basic design for the Mark I battery that is to be tested in a van. Engineering work has been concerned with the effects of modifications in cell designs and materials on performance and lifetime. The assembly of cells in the uncharged state was demonstrated successfully and found to offer some advantages. A large proportion of the effort was directed to the testing of industrially fabricated cells of various designs. Materials development studies have continued on electrical feedthroughs and new types of separators, including papers, felts and powders. Chemistry studies have involved alternative electrolyte compositions, liquid lithium electrodes, reaction mechanisms, and preparative methods for electrode materials. 7 figures, 1 table.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
7257367
Report Number(s):
ANL-77-18
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English