Abstract: A thermal battery is housed in a chamber that utilizes micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based technology to offer superior chemical stability and advantageous mechanical and thermal properties. The thermal battery of the present invention is activated by heat, for example heat generated by a pyrotechnic charge, for example thermite, for immediate and thorough activation of the electrolyte. The anode, cathode and electrolyte of the battery are formed of pellets having a curved interface for increased current density. The electrolyte preferably comprises a three-component eutectic salt mixture. In this manner, the thermal battery of the present invention is well suited for applications that require highly integrated thermal batteries that are relatively small in physical size, yet are capable of reliable performance over a wide range of operating conditions.

Abstract: A battery cooling structure for cooling modules (battery elements) M by means of open air, which are accommodated within a case 1, has the following arrangement: First, a space within the case 1 is partitioned, and a first space 8b and a second space 8a adjacent to each other and interposing the modules M therebetween are formed. And, on a surface of the case 1, which corresponds to one end side of the modules M, a first introduction opening 9b is formed, and on a surface of the case 1, which corresponds to the other end side of the modules M, a first discharge opening 10b is formed for discharging open air introduced into the first space 8b from this first introduction opening 9b after this open air has passed the inside of the first space 8b. On the other hand, on the surface of the case 1, which corresponds to the other end side of the modules M, a second introduction opening 9a is formed.

Abstract: A storage cell battery includes at least one cell having an enclosure containing an electrode assembly impregnated with an electrolyte and including at least one positive electrode, at least one negative electrode and at least one separator disposed between the electrodes. The cells are housed in a common container provided with a first orifice. A safety device includes an anomaly detector, a storage tank containing a non-inflammable gas under pressure and connected to the first orifice, and a control system in the form of a pyrotechnic mechanism for controlling the admission of the gas into the common container.

Abstract: A device including: a structure for housing or supporting at least one power consuming element; and a power supply integrated into the structure, the power supply being electrically connected to the at least one power consuming element for supplying power to the same.

Abstract: A thermal battery of the type heated to an operated temperature, which comprises a number a stacked cell. Each cell includes an anode with a lithium compound, a lithium free pyrotechnic heat source with a cathode precursor, and an all lithium separator separating between the anode and the pyrotechnic heat source.

Abstract: An improved thermal battery with improved operating efficiency. The thermal battery utilizes both a first activatible heat source and a second independently activatible heat source. The second heat source is optionally activated under storage environment conditions, such as low temperature, which thereby allow battery operation of improved efficiency.

Abstract: An electrical cell or battery (10, 44, 62) is provided which employs an elemental metal composition including quantities of elemental magnesium and elemental iron, together with electrodes (36, 38, 52, 60, 80, 82) operatively coupled with the metal composition. The current-generating composition also includes a minor amount of an alkali metal salt such as sodium chloride, and variable amounts of water. The metal fraction of the composition preferably includes from about 30-90% by weight elemental magnesium and from about 10-70% by weight elemental iron.

Abstract: The invention is a thermal battery system. In detail, the battery system includes housing. A plurality of battery cells containing an electrolyte that is in a non-operating condition at ambient temperatures and in an operating at condition at elevated temperatures is mounted within the housing. A wire heating assembly is mounted within the housing for heating the electrolyte to operating temperatures, upon the application of electric power thereto. Preferably, the heating assembly comprises a plurality of heating coils wound about the battery cells.

Abstract: An alkali metal thermal to electric converter (AMTEC) cell of the type employing an alkali metal flowing between a hot end of the AMTEC cell and a cold end of AMTEC cell. The AMTEC cell being separated into a low-pressure zone and a high-pressure zone and comprising a condenser communicating with the low-pressure zone for condensing alkali metal vapor migrating through the low-pressure zone from the solid electrolyte structure, a return channel coupled to the condenser for directing the condensed alkali metal from the condenser toward the hot end of the AMTEC cell, an evaporator coupled to the return channel and communicating with the high-pressure zone for evaporating the condensed alkali metal into the high-pressure zone, the evaporator including an evaporation surface, and a solid electrolyte structure separating the low-pressure zone and the high pressure zone and having alkali metal simultaneously existing in a vapor and liquid state in its interior.

Abstract: A high temperature battery of one or more cells is disclosed in which each cell is made by holding an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, of different metallic substances, together through a fused flux wetted to an electrode, which fused flux is an electrolyte, to make an anode-to-cathode contact, and the anode-to-cathode contact is heated, by a heat source, to a high temperature above a threshold temperature to generate voltaic voltage, in excess of any thermoelectric voltage; such batteries with electrodes of various configurations are disclosed. The heat-activated flux and electrolyte, such as borax, may have, vegetable-growth ashes or chemical constituents of ashes, such as lithium carbonate, added to the heat-activated flux and electrolyte to catalyze or improve the current-generating capability of the battery. The preferred anode substance is aluminum, and the preferred cathode substance is copper.

Abstract: Thermocells, also known as thermogalvanic electrochemical cells having one or more hot half-cells, electrolyte salt supplying reservoirs, porous inserts in the electrolyte conduits produce improved power output performance are disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal decomposition of a reactant, XY, proceeds on a negative catalytic electrode to form products, X and Y. The product Y is a cellular reaction material, which separates into ions, Y.sup.+, and electrons, e.sup.-, on the negative catalytic electrode. The ions Y.sup.+ move through a solid electrolyte, the electrons e.sup.- pass through an external resistor, and the product X formed on the negative catalytic electrode is circulated to the positive catalytic electrode, therefore reproducing the reactant XY. Since the cellular reaction material Y need not be released from the top of the catalytic electrode, the invention is adapted to convert heat energy into electric energy efficiently as compared with conventional methods. In one embodiment, reactant XY is 2-propanol, and products X and Y are acetone and hydrogen, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic electric generator including an anode and cathode having pyrotechnic charges with an excess of fuel-anode and an excess of oxidation agent cathode, the anode and cathode being separated by of a separator, cherrin the anode, cathode and separator contain asbestos as a binding agent and are formed with a ratio of maximum dimension to thickness of 20 to 130, wherein the fuel in the anode and in the cathode is zirconium and the separator is formed from lithium fluoride, alkaline earth fluoride or their mixture.

Abstract: The battery contains at least one electrode such as graphite that intercalates a first species from the electrolyte disposed in a first compartment such as bromine to form a thermally decomposable complex during discharge. The other electrode can also be graphite which supplies another species such as lithium to the electrolyte in a second electrode compartment. The thermally decomposable complex is stable at room temperature but decomposes at elevated temperatures such as 50.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. The electrode compartments are separated by a selective ion permeable membrane that is impermeable to the first species. Charging is effected by selectively heating the first electrode.

Abstract: A high temperature battery of one or more cells is disclosed in which each cell is made by holding an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, of different metallic substances, together through a fused flux wetted to an electrode, which fused flux is an electrolyte, to make an anode-to-cathode contact, and the anode-to-cathode contact is heated, by a heat source, to a high temperature range above a threshold temperature to generate voltaic voltage, in excess of any thermoelectric voltage; such batteries with electrodes of various mechanical configurations are disclosed. The flux, such as borax, may have powdered, vegetable-growth ashes or powdered chemical constituents of ashes, such as lithium carbonate, added to the flux or to the electrolyte to catalyze or improve the current-generating capability of the battery. The preferred anode substance is aluminum, and the preferred cathode substance is copper.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ionic and electronic insulator interposed between a BASE tube and a tube mounting member in an AMTEC cell for preventing shunt currents from forming between BASE tube electrodes. In a first embodiment of the invention, an insulator is formed integral with the BASE tube by leaching out an alkali metal ion component of the BASE tube at a desired location. In a second embodiment of the present invention, an alpha alumina ring is brazed to the end of the BASE tube. In a third embodiment of the present invention, a glass material seal is formed between the BASE tube and the mounting member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cell of the type employing an alkali metal flowing between a high-pressure zone and low-pressure zone in the cell through a solid electrolyte structure. The cell preferably includes a condenser communicating with the low-pressure zone for condensing alkali metal vapor migrating through the low-pressure zone from the solid electrolyte structure. An artery is coupled to the condenser for directing condensed alkali metal from the condenser toward a hot end of the cell. An evaporator for evaporating the condensed alkali metal is coupled to the artery channel and communicates with the high-pressure zone. The artery and evaporator combine to form a return channel which preferably includes a graded pore size capillary structure for creating a region having a large pore size transitioning in any predetermined manner to a region having a relatively smaller pore size.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cell of the type employing an alkali metal flowing between a high-pressure zone and low-pressure zone in the cell through a solid electrolyte structure. According to the invention, the cell preferably includes a condenser communicating with the low-pressure zone for condensing alkali metal vapor migrating through the low-pressure zone from the solid electrolyte structure. A return channel is coupled to the condenser for directing condensed alkali metal from the condenser toward a hot end of the cell. An evaporator is coupled to the return channel for evaporating the condensed alkali metal and communicates with the high-pressure zone. The evaporator includes means for controlling an evaporation front position of the alkali metal in response to variations in the temperature gradient within the cell as caused by load changes on the cell.

Abstract: A thermal battery (10) includes a heat source (16) fabricated from a combination of metallic lithium and a predominantly fluorine substituted hydrocarbon (PFSH) material. In some embodiments the thermal battery (10) includes a combination anode/heat source (62) fabricated from metallic lithium and a polymeric or telomeric PFSH material to provide a lithium based anode with integral heating capability for activating the thermal battery (10). In other embodiments, the anode/heat source (62) is fabricated from other light weight materials having high electromotive potential such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium, in combination with a predominantly fluorine substituted hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A long-life battery has a heat source and a magnetic field source to improve the efficiency and life of the battery's ability to deliver an electrical charge. In particular, an open-ended steel insert having two acid containers containing a muriatic-hydrochloric acid mixture heats up an electrolytic solution that flows within the battery. A magnet disposed between the acid containers generates the magnetic field. The battery may be terminal-less and use insulated leads that extend from the battery. The insulated leads have connectors for coupling to an electrically-powered device.

Abstract: A thermal battery has an electrolyte-cathode layer; an anode layer adjacent he electrolyte-cathode layer; a steel cell cover adjacent the anode layer; an insulating layer adjacent the steel cell cover, the insulating layer having a volume resistivity in the range of 10.sup.14 to 10.sup.17 ohm-centimeter and a decomposition temperature of less than 1400 degrees Centigrade; and a heat source adjacent the insulating layer. Preferably, the decomposition temperature is less than 300 degrees Centigrade. The insulating layer helps reduce pre-activation self discharge of the thermal battery.

Abstract: An electrolyte system suitable for a molten salt electrolyte high temperature battery is described consisting only of a first component which consists of one or more lithium halides and a second component which consists of one or more lithium compounds which are not lithium halides, and is preferably one or more of lithium sulphate, lithium sulphide, lithium metaborate and lithium oxide. A molten salt electrolyte high temperature battery is described incorporating the electrolyte (2), an anode, preferably of lithium or a lithium alloy (3), and a cathode, preferably of iron disulphide (1).

Abstract: A long-life battery has an acid based heat source and a magnetic field source to improve the efficiency and life of the battery's ability to deliver an electrical charge. In particular, an open-ended steel insert having two acid containers containing a muriatic-hydrochloric acid mixture heats up an electrolytic solution that flows within the battery. A magnet disposed between the acid containers generates the magnetic field. The battery may be terminal-less and use insulated leads that extend from the battery. The insulated leads have connectors for coupling to an electrically-powered device.

Abstract: A high-temperature battery for the power supply of electrically powered vehicles is disclosed which has a thermally insulating housing and a cooling system with a cooling body which is arranged inside the thermally insulating housing. Air or other fluid coolant flows through the cooling body and is supplied through an insulating wall of the housing solely by means of coolant inlet and air outlet connecting elements arranged on the housing. The cooling body is formed by a parallel arrangement of plate-shaped cooling-body elements through which coolant flows and which are designed as hollow bodies. The bar-shaped battery cells are arranged in the space between the cooling-body elements. The coolant inlet and outlet are arranged at one side of the housing and are connected to inlet and outlet openings of the cooling-body elements so as to provide optimum cross-flow cooling power on the battery cells. Coolant in the form of air or oil can be used according to preferred embodiments.

Abstract: A thermal battery which includes a plurality of stacked battery cells within a thermally insulated case. Each battery cell includes an anode wafer, a cathode precursor wafer and an electrolyte wafer disposed between them. The electrolyte wafer is solid at room temperature and will become molten at a predetermined temperature. The cathode precursor wafer is of a formulation which is ignitable to supply the necessary heat to cause the electrolyte to become molten. After generation of the heat, the cathode precursor wafer becomes the cathode for the battery cell, thus eliminating the requirement to provide a separate heat wafer for each cell of the battery.

Abstract: A thermal battery (10) includes a heat source (16)fabricated from a combination of metallic lithium and a predominantly fluorine substituted hydrocarbon (PFSH) material. In some embodiments the thermal battery 10 includes a combination anode/heat source (62) fabricated from metallic lithium and a polymeric or telomeric PFSH material to provide a lithium based anode with integral heating capability for activating the thermal battery (10).

Abstract: In an electric power generating element, either positive or negative electrode includes a composition containing an organic compound as a main agent and the positive electrode has an electrically conductive substance so that relatively low-temperature thermal energy is efficiently converted to electric energy. Polyethylene glycol is employed as the organic compound and graphite or a graphite composition is employed as the conductive substance. Salt providing ionic conductivity may be added to the organic compound or polyethylene glycol, and the negative electrode may be formed of a metal having an ionization tendency as large as or larger than copper or a composition of the metal.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell, a cathode therefor and methods of making them. The cell is of the high temperature alkali metal/transition metal halide type, having a molten sodium anode, a nickel/nickel chloride cathode, an essentially sodium aluminium chloride molten salt electrolyte and a solid electrolyte sodium ion conducting separator which separates the sodium from the molten salt electrolyte. The nickel/nickel chloride is dispersed in solid form in a porous electronically conductive electrolyte-permeable matrix which is impregnated by the molten salt electrolyte, and antimony in finely divided solid form is mixed with the nickel/nickel chloride in the matrix. The mass ratio of antimony to the nickel in the nickel chloride in the cell in its fully charged state is 2:100-130:100.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin-film palladium electrode as a reversible redox-active positive electrode in a supercapacitor configuration. A room-temperature chloroaluminate molten salt composed of an organic chloride, mixed with a molar excess of aluminum chloride, is used as the supercapacitor electrolyte. In this electrolyte, the palladium surface can be reversibly oxidized to an insoluble thin-film of palladium chloride. Reduction of this palladium chloride thin film back to palladium metal, generates a high current density. The capacitance of this supercapacitor electrode is 150-550 times that of a double-layer capacitor electrode. By combining the thin-film palladium supercapacitor positive electrode (cathode) with a suitable negative electrode (anode), e.g. a metallic aluminum anode, a high power supercapacitor cell, capable of delivering a charge at high current density, at near constant voltage of ca.1 V, is provided per the present invention.

Abstract: Molten carbonate type or phosphoric acid type fuel cells and a method for supplementing these fuel cells with an electrolyte are disclosed. A fuel cell having an extended life is provided by scattering a plurality of sealed supplementary electrolyte containers made of a material which is soluble in the electrolyte at elevated temperatures, and supplying the supplementary electrolyte from the dissolved containers to the fuel cell while the cell is working.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a bimodal positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal, and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at the cell operating temperature. The positive electrode has an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride at least partially present as a charging product, and additives of bromide and/or iodide and sulfur in the positive electrode or the electrolyte. Electrode volumetric capacity is in excess of 400 Ah/cm.sup.3 ; the cell can be 90% recharged in three hours and can operate at temperatures below 160.degree. C. There is also disclosed a method of reducing the operating temperature and improving the overall volumetric capacity of an electrochemical cell and for producing a positive electrode having a BET area greater than 6.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.2 /g of Ni.

Abstract: A design and process for making hermetically sealed thermocompression feedthrough and peripheral seal for high temperature Li Alloy FeS.sub.x battery cells and battery enclosures. The selected materials and processes parameters are developed to match the high temperature Li Alloy/FeS.sub.x system.

Abstract: The apparatus is a combined Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) and a thermionic energy converter which are mated by the use of a common heat transfer device which can be a heat pipe, pumped fluid or a simple heat conduction path. By adjusting the heat output surface area of the thermionic converter and the heat input surface area of the AMTEC, the heat transfer device accomplishes not only the transfer of heat from the output of the thermionic converter to the input of the AMTEC, but also the transformation of the heat density to match the requirements of the AMTEC input. The electrical current through the combined devices is also matched by adjusting the heated surface area of the AMTEC.

Abstract: In an electric power generating element, either positive or negative electrode includes a composition containing an organic compound as a main agent and the positive electrode has an electrically conductive substance so that relatively low-temperature thermal energy is efficiently converted to electric energy. Polyethylene glycol is employed as the organic compound and graphite or a graphite composition is employed as the conductive substance. Salt providing ionic conductivity may be added to the organic compound or polyethylene glycol, and the negative electrode may be formed of a metal having an ionization tendency as large as or larger than copper or a composition of the metal.

Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell has a molten sodium anode separated by sodium ion-conducting solid electrolyte separator from a solid cathode comprising an electronically conductive electrolyte-permeable porous matrix. The matrix is impregnated with a molten salt electrolyte, and has solid active cathode material dispersed therein. The molten salt electrolyte comprises a substantially equimolar mixture of sodium chloride and aluminium chloride. The active cathode material comprises at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Cu and Mo having, dispersed therein, at least one additive element selected from the group consisting of As, Bi, Sb, Se and Te. The atomic ratio of transition metal:additive element in the active cathode material is 99:1-30:70, the cell having a charged state in which the active cathode material is chlorinated. The invention also provides a method of making such cell.

Abstract: An alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) having a plurality of cells structurally connected in series to form a septum dividing a plenum into two chambers, and electrically connected in series, is provided with porous metal anodes and porous metal cathodes in the cells. The cells may be planar or annular, and in either case a metal alkali vapor at a high temperature is provided to the plenum through one chamber on one side of the wall and returned to a vapor boiler after condensation at a chamber on the other side of the wall in the plenum. If the cells are annular, a heating core may be placed along the axis of the stacked cells. This arrangement of series-connected cells allows efficient generation of power at high voltage and low current.

Abstract: An energy compression device includes at least one bipolar element comprising a positive electrode formed of cobalt disulfide, a negative electrode formed of a lithium alloy, an inert porous separator disposed between and in contact with the electrodes, and a lithium cation salt dispersed through the separator and in contact with, and preferably dispersed through, the electrodes.

Abstract: A high-temperature battery for a vehicle with an electric drive and that supplies the electric drive with power has a thermally insulating housing in order to avoid thermal losses. The battery also has a cooling system that limits the operating temperature during the charging and during the power drain. The dissipated heat of the cooling system is used to heat the vehicle. There is provision for the vehicle to be preheated during the charging of the battery so that during the driving mode the temperature to which the passenger compartment has been heated merely has to be maintained. Thus, even when the overall amounts of dissipated heat from the cooling system are low, heating to a comfortable degree is possible.

Abstract: An improved multicell battery of the type heated to an operating temperature and having a plurality of battery cells stacked in series. Each cell having an anode and a cathode which are separated from one another by a separator. Both the anode and the cathode contain an electrolyte that is liquid at the operating temperature. The improvements include providing a pyrotechnic heat source around the outer periphery of each cell. Insulation is preferably provided around the cells. The preferred insulations are compressed foil and peg foil. The separators are preferably made of aluminum nitride. Cobalt disulfide is the preferred cathode material.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an alkali metal negative electrode such as sodium and a positive electrode including Ni or transition metals, separated by a .beta." alumina electrolyte and NaAlCl.sub.4 or other compatible material. Various concentrations of a bromine, iodine and/or sulfur containing additive and pore formers are disclosed, which enhance cell capacity and power. The pore formers may be the ammonium salts of carbonic acid or a weak organic acid or oxamide or methylcellulose.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical refining of an impurity-containing melt using a solid electrolyte ionic conductor to remove the impurity from the melt is provided. Also provided are an apparatus for performing the method, and a batch and a continuous method for electrochemical refining of a melt.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a bimodal positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal, and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at the cell operating temperature. The positive electrode has an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride at least partially present as a charging product, and additives of bromide and/or iodide and sulfur in the positive electrode or the electrolyte. Electrode volumetric capacity is in excess of 400 Ah/cm.sup.3 ; the cell can be 90% recharged in three hours and can operate at temperatures below 160.degree. C. There is also disclosed a method of reducing the operating temperature and improving the overall volumetric capacity of an electrochemical cell and for producing a positive electrode having a BET area greater than 6.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.2 /g of Ni.

Abstract: The invention provides a high temperature electrochemical power storage cell which has a cathode compartment containing a molten alkali metal aluminium halide molten salt electrolyte and a cathode which comprises an electronically conductive electrolyte-permeable porous matrix. The matrix has, dispersed therein, an active cathode substance THal.sub.2 in which Hal is the halide of the electrolyte and T is a transition metal selected from Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Mn and mixtures thereof, the matrix being impregnated with said molten electrolyte. The matrix comprises the transition metal T of the active cathode substance in porous form and the cathode includes, embedded in the matrix, a metallic current collector having a coating thereon which is chemically and electrochemically inert in the cell environment and is electronically conductive, the metal of the current collector being no more noble than any transition metal of the active cathode substance.

Abstract: Low temperature molten compositions are comprised of a mixture of an inorganic halide salt such as aluminium trichloride, and a quaternary alkyl phosphonium halide salt, such as tetramethylphosphonium chloride, and are useful as electrolytes in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: There is provided a primary cell having an anode material, an electrolyte material and a cathode material, wherein the cathode material, in the pre-discharge condition thereof, is Na.sub.6 V.sub.10 O.sub.28. In one aspect, the invention comprises a thermal cell having a lithium metal or lithium alloy anode, an electrolyte material comprising at least one lithium salt and the aforementioned cathode material. In another aspect, the invention comprises an improved conventional room or ambient temperature cell having a lithium anode, a nonaqueous electrolyte and the aforementioned cathode material.

Abstract: A high voltage electrochemical cell is provided which includes an active metal as anode, such as sodium, a mixture of a transition metal halide or sulfide, e.g. CuCl.sub.2 and graphite as the cathode and an electrolyte of a room temperature chloroaluminate molten salt such as MEIC-AlCl.sub.3 buffered to Lewis acid-base neutrality by an excess of metal halide, such as NaCl, to provide a discharge potential or open-circuit voltage of up to 2.78 V or more. The battery cell of the present invention is believed the first to use sodium as an active metal anode in a room temperature, molten salt electrolyte. The battery cell of the present invention is useful for long-life, low drain applications, e.g. remote sensors and surveillance equipment.

Abstract: A high-temperature storage battery is bounded by a thermal insulation and has an inner space in which electrically interconnected storage cells are disposed and secured. The storage cells are secured in such a way that an adequate cooling and heating of the storage cells is made possible. In order to form a storage cell block, the storage cells are embedded in a sealing compound or a course-grained loose material. Cooling devices are integrated in the storage cell block or disposed on the outside directly adjacent the block for conducting heat to the block. Heating elements are provided for heating up the storage cells.

Abstract: A light weight, thermal battery having a cathode, an anode and a solid complex of SO2 and lithium tetrachloroaluminate as the solid electrolyte therein. The solid complex of SO2 and lithium tetrachloroaluminate is represented by the formula LiAlCl4·xSO2, wherein 1.0<x<4. The thermal battery is activated by heating the battery to temperatures of approximately between 35° C. to 90° C. A method of making the thermal battery is taught.

Abstract: The addition of cathode materials comprising In.sup.+++, Pb.sup.++ or Cd.sup.++ ion, e.g. in the form of salts such as In(NO.sub.3).sub.3, Pb(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2 or the corresponding perchlorates, to oxyanionic electrolyte cells increases cell potential. Such cathodic materials are added to lower melting fused salt oxyanionic electrolytes such as nitrate or perchlorate electrolytes, e.g. LiNO.sub.3, KNO.sub.3 or LiCl0.sub.4, in a concentration sufficient to increase cell potential, using Li or Ca anodes. A suitable metal current collector such as a Ni screen can be used as a cathode. The above cathodic materials can be used in conjunction with other cathodic materials such as AgNO.sub.3, which undergoes reduction to the free metal.

Abstract: The addition of cathode materials comprising Cu.sup.++, Fe.sup.+++, Cr.sup.+++ or Au.sup.+++, in the form of salts such as the nitrate or halide, e.g. Fe(NO.sub.3).sub.3 or CuCl.sub.2, to low melting nitrate electrolyte cells increases cell potential. Other ions such as Co.sup.++, Eu.sup.+++, La.sup.+++, Ni.sup.++, Mn.sup.++, Ce.sup.+++, Pr.sup.+++, Nd.sup.+++, Gd.sup.+++, Sm.sup.+++ and Tb.sup.+++, in the form of salts thereof, can also be used, but yield smaller cell potentials. Such cathodic materials in the form of a suitable salt, such as a nitrate or halide, e.g. Fe(NO.sub.3).sub.3 or CuCl.sub.2, are added to low melting fused nitrate electrolytes, e.g. a LiNO.sub.3, KNO.sub.3 mixture, in a concentration sufficient to increase cell potential, using Li or Ca anodes. A suitable metal current collector such as a Ni screen can be used as a cathode. The above cathodic materials can be used in conjunction with other cathodic materials such as AgNO.sub.3, which undergoes reduction to the free metal.