Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell of a design for reducing or minimizing parasitic self-discharge of the cell during storage and subsequent discharge of the cell. The cell includes a tubular porous carbon cathode structure disposed within a metal housing of the cell and spaced from an anode structure by an insulative separator material. The carbon cathode structure and the anode structure are exposed to an electrolytic solution including a reducible soluble cathode (e.g., thionyl chloride) which is catalytically reduced during discharge of the cell at the surface of the carbon cathode structure.The anode structure includes an elongated, cylindrical lithium electrode located centrally within, and spaced from, the housing, and a thin, bare, flexible metal element at the potential of the lithium electrode and coupled between the lithium electrode and a feedthrough member provided in a top cover of the housing.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell of a design for reducing parasitic self-discharge of the cell during storage and subsequent discharge of the cell. The cell includes a tubular porous carbon cathode structure within a metal housing of the cell and spaced from an anode structure by an insulative separator material. The carbon cathode structure and the anode structure are exposed to an electrolytic solution including a reducible soluble cathode (e.g., thionyl chloride) which is catalytically reduced during discharge of the cell at the surface of the carbon cathode structure. The anode structure includes an elongated, cylindrical, lithium member located centrally within, and spaced from, the housing, and an electrically-conductive metal assembly at the potential of the lithium electrode and connected between the lithium electrode and a feedthrough member provided in a top cover for the housing.