Abstract: A rechargeable non-aqueous electrochemical cell with a complex electrolyte salt such as a complex of an alkali metal salt and an ether.

Abstract: The safety of a cell such as a Li/MnO.sub.2 cell is improved by complexing the volatile electrolyte solvent normally used therein with the electrolyte salt whereby efficient solvation of the salt is obtained without detrimental free volatile solvent.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell containing a decomposing electrolyte solvent, further contains small amounts of an additive material such as lithium sulfide which causes partial self discharge of the cathode of the cell with non-reactive products. The self discharge partially deactivates substantially all of the active cathode surface as a reaction site thereby reducing the decomposition of the electrolyte solvent.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte cell particularly one containing a beta manganese dioxide cathode wherein the cathode is normally rigorously heat treated to drive off contained water. The heat treatment is substantially reduced or eliminated (allowing up to 2% water by weight of the cathode to remain in the cell) by utilizing as an electrolyte salt in the cell, a salt which reacts with water to only form a weak oxidizing agent which in turn does not react with the electrolyte solvent to form a gaseous product. Alternatively, an electrolyte solvent is initially utilized in the cell, which solvent does not react with strong oxidizing agents to form a gaseous product.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrochemical cell and a method for the construction thereof wherein the cell contains a metal salt additive such as lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3) or calcium nitrate Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2 which reduces the reactivity of substantially the entire active cathode surface. Electrolyte solvents such as propylene carbonate are thereby substantially prevented from reacting, on the surface of the cathode, with oxidizing agents within the cell. Decomposition of the electrolyte solvent with gaseous evolution is substantially reduced and cell stability is enhanced. The metal salt additives are particularly useful in nonaqueous cells containing manganese dioxide cathodes.