Lithium cell reactions

The objectives of this program were: (1) investigate reactions occurring in the Li/SOCl2 cell for a range of specified test conditions and (2) perform detailed analyses for impurities present in cell components, assess the impact of each impurity on cell performance and safety and recommend concentration limits for detrimental impurities. The products of the reduction of SOCl2 were investigated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and constant current coulometry in dimethylformamide (DMF) supporting electrolyte. Voltammetric analysis after 50 to 100% of the SOCl2 had been reduced on platinum or glassy carbon cathodes showed no signs of significant quantities of unstable intermediates with lifetimes from 0.1 to 48 hours. Quantitative infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that substantial amounts of SO2 are absorbed on Shawinigan carbon from 1.8M LiAlCl4/SOCl2-SO solutions. Chemical analyses of the reagents and cell components used in Li/SOCl2 cell construction were carried out as well as cell discharge tests to determine the impact of key impurities on cell performance.