Abstract: A method for treating a cathode electrode assembly. The method includes providing an electrode including iron disulfide and contacting the electrode with water to remove impurities from the electrode. The electrode may then be dried under various conditions. The moisture content of the electrode after drying may be less than about 600 ppm.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical is disclosed having an anode comprising lithium metal or lithium alloy, a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles, and electrolyte. The electrolyte has an additive therein desirably an alkylpyrazole or alkylimidazole. The alkylpryrazole preferably comprises 1,3-dimethylpyrazole or 1,3,5-trimethylpyrazole or mixtures thereof and the alkylimidazole preferably comprises 1,2-dimethylimidazole. A preferred electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent mixture comprising 1,3-dioxolane and sulfolane and said additive. The cell has the anode and cathode typically in wound configuration with a separator therebetween.