Abstract: Homotetra-alkyl substituted quaternary ammonium salts, or mixtures thereof which crystallize at 30.degree. C. or lower are included as an additive to the electrolyte of halogen cells. To maintain the salts as liquids, means for heating the additives to temperatures greater than 30.degree. C. are included in the cell. The additives form complexes with elemental chlorine, bromine, iodine, or mixtures thereof in the electrolyte which complexes comprise predominantly electrolyte insoluble liquids at temperatures in excess of 30.degree. C. The additives are characterized by rapid halogenation and dehalogenation while liquid; and thus, if maintained at temperatures in excess of 30.degree. C., are well suited for halogen storage in battery or fuel cell applications.

Abstract: Alkyl or haloalkyl substituted quaternary ammonium salts having a nitrogen cation symmetry number no greater than three, or mixtures thereof, are added to the electrolyte of otherwise conventional halogen cells. The compounds form complexes with elemental chlorine, bromine, iodine, or mixtures thereof in the electrolyte which complexes, comprise predominantly electrolyte-insoluble liquids at the temperatures at which the cells are normally run, are characterized by rapid halogenation and dehalogenation, and thus are well suited for halogen storage in battery or fuel cell applications. The shelf-life and capacity of electrochemical systems containing an additive of the invention are improved.

Abstract: Organic-aqueous two-phase electrolytes are disclosed in which the organic phase is capable of complexing halogen in cells and batteries of the type which utilize the electrochemical reaction X.sub.2 .revreaction.2X.sup.-, where X is Br, Cl, I or a combination of these halides. The organic phase of the two-phase electrolyte contains an organic halogen salt which provides both conductivity and the ability to complex halogens and prevent them from being dissolved in the aqueous phase of the electrolyte of the cell or battery in which they are used.

Abstract: Halogen complexing ethers are disclosed as an additive for use in complexing halogen in cells and batteries of the type which utilize the electrochemical reaction X.sub.2 .revreaction. 2X.sup.-, where X is Br, Cl, I or mixtures thereof. The ethers form insoluble oil-like complexes with the halogens which prevent the halogens from being dissolved in the electrolyte of the cell or battery in which they are used.

Abstract: Halogen complexing alcohols and nitriles are disclosed as additives for use in complexing halogens in cells and batteries of the type which utilize the electrochemical reaction X.sub.2 .revreaction.2X.sup.-, where X is Br, Cl, I, or a combination of these halides. The alcohols and nitriles form insoluble oil-like complexes with the halogens which prevent the halogens from being dissolved in the electrolyte of the cell or battery in which they are used.

Abstract: An electrode for use in electrochemical cells in which a halogen is an active electrochemical agent. The electrode comprises a high surface area conductive matrix, preferably of carbon, with a polymer grafted thereto. The polymer has halogen active quaternary ammonium, sulfonium, or phosphonium sites or mixtures thereof incorporated into its structure which holds the halogen at the electrode until discharge.A cell and battery which utilize the electrode and an aqueous electrolyte containing beneficial additives are also disclosed.