Lithium-alloy/metal sulfide battery research

The results of measurements on small electrodes in the half cell experiments and on large electrodes (50 to 160 sq cm) in compact cell studies (ANL results reported in 1979 to 1982) were proven comparable in terms of area specific resistances of the electrode bed. Also, post test optical analysis showed comparable microstructure of the small and large electrodes. The measured area specific resistance and capacities of the ternary Li-Al-Si alloy and the iron and nickel sulfide electrodes with high sulfur activity indicate a possibility for designing a new generation of Li alloy/metal sulfide cells. With proper combination of the tested active materials and electrolytes, a 50 to 100% performance increase relative to the Li-Al/FeS cells can be expected. Cell designs are being developed to study the interaction of the positive and negative electrodes (capacity matching, self discharge) in small compact cells.