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U.S. Department of Energy
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Lithium--inorganic electrolyte batteries. Quarterly progress report No. 13, 1 January--31 March 1977. [Li/SOCl/sub 2/, voltage delay and depression after storage]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7290140
The major area of investigation during this report period has been the voltage delay and depression in Li/SOCl/sub 2/ cells after storage at 71 C. These are due to films on the Li anode surface which arise from reaction with the electrolyte. The effects of test-cell design and variation in storage procedures have been assessed. Calcium deposited onto the anode decreases the voltage delay. The efficiency of Ca deposition onto Li metal was investigated. An infrared spectrophotometric survey of the LiAlCl/sub 4//SOCl/sub 2/ electrolyte system was initiated. The question of atmospheric exchange with the storage cells was explored. Argon-filled Al containers were used to store the cells. There was evidence of improvement in the Li/SOCl/sub 2/ cells with regard to voltage delay up to 300 hours of storage. Infrared spectrophotometry was used to survey the LiAlCl4/SOCl/sub 2/ electrolyte system. Eastman 246 SOCl/sub 2/ contains <200 ppm HCl and SO/sub 2/. After distillation, more SO/sub 2/, and SO/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/, are detected. Water reacts with SOCl/sub 2/ to produce SO/sub 2/ and HCl in direct proportion to the amount added. Solutions of the electrolyte contain HC1, SO/sub 2/ and hydroxy aluminum compounds. Storage of the electrolyte with Li removes HCl and hydroxy compounds but introduces low levels of other products. Water reacts with the electrolyte solution to produce SO/sub 2/ and HCl and also hydroxy aluminum components.
Research Organization:
Eic, Inc., Newton, MA (USA)
OSTI ID:
7290140
Report Number(s):
AD-A-041867; C-401
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English