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 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 at the surface of the carbon cathode structure during discharge of the cell.

Abstract: An electrolyte for an electric cell whose negative active material (4) is constituted by lithium and whose positive active material is constituted by thionyl chloride. The electrolyte contains at least one solvent and at least one solute, said solvent being thionyl chloride and said solute being chosen from the group which includes lithium tetrachloroaluminate and lithium hexachloroantimonate. According to the invention said electrolyte further includes a complex chosen from the group which includes AlCl.sub.3,So.sub.2 and SbCl.sub.5,SO.sub.2.The voltage rise of electric cells which include such an electrolyte takes negligible time. Figure to be published: FIG. 1.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an oxidizable anode material, specifically lithium, a cathode current collector, and an electrolytic solution in contact with the anode material and the cathode current collector. The solution comprises a solvent of a reducible liquid cathode material, specifically thionyl chloride, and an electrolyte solvent, specifically lithium tetrachloroaluminate, dissolved therein. The solute is present in an amount to produce in excess of 75% of its room temperature saturation concentration in the solvent.

Abstract: A primary cell of high specific energy in which the anode active material (16) is an alkali metal and the cathode active material is sulphur oxychloride which simultaneously acts as an electrolyte solvent, said electrolyte further containing a dissolved salt and a co-solvent. The co-solvent is chosen from among phosphoryl chloride and benzoyl chloride; the dissolved salt is lithium tetrachloroaluminate.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is described, as well as a gas diffusion electrode for the same. The electrode is of the type which is on an exterior surface provided with a catalyst for converting gas to electricity and on an interior surface with a hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material comprises a cohesive porous plastics layer, which defines a closed gas space within the electrode, and which the electrolyte cannot enter, although the electrode is immersed therein. On the other hand, gas can be sucked into and can pass out from the space. When the electrode is partially immersed in the electrolyte, gas is automatically sucked from the atmosphere above the electrolyte level in the cell and into the gas space, due to the subpressure in the space occurring during operation.

Abstract: An improved high energy electrochemical power cell is obtained by adding cupric chloride to the high surface area carbon black cathode of a lithium-inorganic electrolyte cell.

Abstract: A nonaqueous cell comprising a metal anode, a cathode-electrolyte comprising a solute dissolved in a liquid active cathode, such as an oxyhalide, and a carbonaceous cathode collector containing a metal oxide catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is an amorphous substance represented by the following general formula:aLi.sub.x Na.sub.1-x F.bAlF.sub.3wherein a is a mol ratio which is a value in the range of from 0.45 to 0.7, b is a mol ratio which is a value in the range of from 0.3 to 0.55, and x is a value in the range of from 0.1 to 1.0 except the case where a is 0.5 and b is 0.5, or x is a value in the range of from 0 to 1.0 when a is 0.5 and b is 0.5.This amorphous substance is used as a solid electrolyte of an electrochromic display device or the like.

Abstract: A non-aqueous cell containing a corrosive fluid cathode depolarizer such as thionyl chloride (SOCl.sub.2) and a metal cathode such as of cold rolled steel which is substantially corroded by said fluid depolarizer with the cell having improved high rate discharge characteristics.

Abstract: The invention features an electrochemical cell having two fluid-containing compartments separated by a non-selective microporous membrane. Select ions which would normally pass through the membrane under the influence of an ionic field, are prevented from passing through the membrane by a polyelectrolyte which has migrated through the compartment fluid to the membrane. The polyelectrolyte acts as an ionic barrier to the passage of select ions, thus effectively increasing the ion-selective capability of the membrane and, hence, the coulombic efficiency of the electro-chemical cell.

Abstract: A galvanic primary element of the system Li/H.sub.2 O.sub.2 comprises a gas diffusion electrode which separates the lithium electrode from the cathode space which is filled with aqueous H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution. In the working layer which is flanked by capillary active cover layers of the gas diffusion electrode, automatically drawn-in H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is decomposed into H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and O.sub.2 catalytically until the gas pressure is in equilibrium with capillary forces and thereby interrupts the access of additional H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution to the working layer. Short circuiting of the cell or connection of a load causes a reduction of the gas pressure due to electrochemical reaction of the O.sub.2 with the lithium so that fresh reactant solution can flow in. A reaction regime matching the current draw becomes possible because of the property of polyurethane to gel in aqueous H.sub.2 O.sub.2 by virtue of the fact that the H.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: In a redox battery using a titanium redox system or chromium redox system as an active material for the negative electrode or a manganese redox system as an active material for the positive electrode, the electromotive force of the battery and the stability of electrolyte solutions are enhanced by addition of a chelating agent such as citric acid or a complexing agent such as phosphoric acid to the redox system used therein.

Abstract: Compound having the formula MZSX.sub.2, wherein M is an alkali metal, Z is selected from the group consisting of boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium, and X is a halogen.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell containers having a penetrable, self-sealing septum for filling.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a lithium anode, a thionyl chloride depolarizer and a sulphur dioxide passivation control agent which further includes having the pressure relieved to substantially reduce the internal pressure of the cell. The internal cell pressure is relieved by venting for sufficient time at an elevated temperature to reduce the internal cell pressure to less than five psi at room temperature, preferably by a plurality of venting cycles and a temperature ranging from room temperature to the elevated temperature. Normally, the elevated temperature ranges from at least 100.degree. F. to greater than 150.degree. F.

Abstract: An extremely high rate flat cell and a method of fabrication thereof with the cell comprising successive stacked anode and cathode layers within a cell container comprised of two members with co-fitting external flanges. Each cathode layer embodies a metallic extension or tab therefrom for external terminal connection. The extensions of all the cathode layers are substantially symmetrically positioned between said co-fitting external flanges with said flanges and metallic extensions all being simultaneously welded together and electrically interconnected during cell sealing. The anode layers are electrically connected together, preferably by pressure contacting layers to each other adjacent to a metallic terminal member for said anode. Such a cell having a lithium anode, a carbon cathode and a thionyl chloride electrolyte solvent/cathode depolarizer (3" diameter.times.0.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having a carbon current collector cathode structure of improved design. The electrochemical cell includes an elongated housing containing an electrolytic solution and a battery stack in contact with the electrolytic solution. The battery stack includes a concentric arrangement of an anode, a porous separator, and a carbon current collector cathode structure. The carbon current collector cathode structure in accordance with the invention includes an elongated cylindrical porous carbon element having a guide opening therein, and a unitary, tapered, generally V-shaped metal current collector element embedded within the porous carbon element. The current collector element includes first and second spaced-apart, elongated, tapered, generally arcuate, resilient spring members joined together at first ends thereby to define a tapered, conical opening therebetween for the receipt therein of electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A fuel cell which comprises a metal anode immersed in a base electrolyte solution and connected with an electric circuit, a cathode comprising an acid solution, a carbon catalyst and electron distributor plate in that solution and connected with an electron supply and a wettable fluid impermeable membrane and disposed between the electrolyte and cathode solution and establishing an acid-base reactor interface where hydroxyl ions are generated for conduction through the electrolyte to the anode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having two electrodes of opposite polarity cooperating with an electrolyte solution to produce an electrical potential there between during normal operation, configured to minimize explosions upon forced discharge or charging by locating at least a portion of one electrode in close proximity to the other electrode such that a low impedance path is created between the two electrode surfaces whereby the quantity of externally imposed current flowing through the main body of the cell is minimized. In a preferred embodiment, portions of the two electrodes have contiguous surfaces spaced from each other by a porous separator material with the surfaces chosen to allow plating dendritic growth from one electrode to the other at potential differences below that at which electrolysis occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a primary electrochemical cell having an improved cathode current collector and a method for making the current collector. The cell comprises an oxidizable active anode material; and electrolytic solution comprising a reducible soluble cathode and an electrolyte solute dissolved therein; and a cathode current collector comprising a layer of finely-divided catalyst for reducing the solvent, bonded to an inert, electrically-conductive substrate. Preferably, a bonding layer, comprising a finely-divided polymer and a minor amount of conductive material, bonds the catalyst layer to the substrate. The bonding and catalyst layers preferably can be formed by sequentially applying respective dispersions thereof to the substrate, drying, and heating to bond the materials. Soluble cathode cells employing cathode current collectors of the type described have exceptionally rapid discharge properties.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having an oxidizable anode, for example lithium, and an electrolytic solution including a reducible liquid cathode material, for example thionyl chloride. An additive material, for example polyvinyl chloride, in the form of a gel of polyvinyl chloride and the reducible liquid cathode material is dispersed throughout the electrolytic solution. When the temperature of the cell rises due to abnormal conditions, such as those present during a short circuit, the additive material dissolves in the solution limiting the current flow within the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

Abstract: Lithium-iodine cells with cathode having more than about 97% I.sub.2 (by weight) and less than about 2.5% (by weight) poly (2-vinylpyridine) prepared in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A process for producing a solid electrolyte primary cell comprising a lithium anode and an iodine containing cathode. In the process the cell undergoes preliminary cell discharge of at least 2 mAh per cm.sup.2 of the lithium anode surface immediately after its fabrication. Alternatively, the cell may be stored at a relatively low temperature to undergo preliminary self-discharge of at least 3 mAh per cm.sup.2 of the anode surface.

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: Electrochemical storage cell, particularly of the alkali metal and sulfur type having at least one storage cell with insulation around the cell to minimize heat loss, and an interspace between the cell and the insulation. A heat exchanger in the form of a closed hollow body is partially filled with a vaporizable medium. The heat exchanger has two heat exchange zones in open communication. A first heat exchange zone is disposed in the interspace for preventing overheating of the cell by vaporization of the cell contained therein. The second heat exchange zone is disposed adjacent means for absorbing heat to condense vapors of medium which flow from the first heat exchange zone to the second heat exchange zone.

Abstract: In a galvanic primary element of the system Li/H.sub.2 O.sub.2, the aqueous cathode depolarizer H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is fixated as a polyurethane gel. It can thereby be controlled and caused to react with the anode metal in accordance with the current drain requirements. This is accomplished using a ram to press the gel toward a conductor which covers the lithium anode, which may take the form of a metal grid and/or a gas diffusion electrode. The oxygen which forms in the working layer through catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide creates a gas bubble when the current is interrupted or the ram is stopped, thereby interrupting the further supply of hydrogen peroxide to the catalyst.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell employing a liquid cathode comprising an organo halide of at least one element selected from Group IVA and Group VA of the Periodic Table and having an atomic number of 14 or more.

Abstract: Metal/gas battery featuring a sealed pressure vessel containing a plurality of electrode stacks encased in hydrophobic cups having a gap between them.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell employing a liquid cathode which comprises an halogenocarbonylchalcogenyl halide.

Abstract: A rechargable metal oxide-hydrogen cell having an electrode stack within a pressure vessel. The electrode stack is aligned on a control alignment member and has separate positive and negative bars coupling respective positive and negative electrodes to like terminals. A variable conductance heat pipe includes a portion of the alignment member and couples the interior of the electrode stack to a radiator. The heat pipe uses a working fluid such as Freon 21.

Abstract: Electrical energy is generated from acid-base neutralization reactions in electrodialytic cells. Permselective bipolar membranes in these cells are contacted on their cation selective faces by aqueous acid streams and on their anion-selective faces by aqueous base streams. Spontaneous neutralization reactions between the basic anions and acidic cations through the bipolar membranes produce electrical potential differences between the acid and base streams. These potential differences are transmitted to electrodes to produce electrical energy which is withdrawn from the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having substantially longer storage life comprising a lithium anode, a thionyl chloride depolarizer and solvent, a lithium aluminum chloride electrolyte salt and a quantity of sulfur dioxide admixed in the solvent in an amount sufficient to regulate the growth of lithium chloride crystals formed on the lithium anode. This amount of sulfur dioxide is preferrably sufficient to cause the ratio of moles of lithium aluminum chloride to moles of sulfur dioxide to range from 0.9 to 1.5. A most preferred range is from 1.0 to 1.2.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte primary cell comprising a lithium anode, a chlorine cathode and a lithium chloride electrolyte. A solid lithium element operatively contacts the cathode material, and one form of cathode material in a charge transfer complex of an organic donor component material and chlorine. The organic donor component material can be poly-2 vinyl pyridine. Another cathode material can be formed from liquid chlorine. The surface of the lithium anode element which operatively contacts the cathode material can be provided with a coating of an organic electron donor component material. When the lithium anode operatively contacts the chlorine cathode, a solid lithium chloride electrolyte begins to form at the interface and an electrical potential difference exists between conductors operatively connected to the anode and cathode.

Abstract: Protective coatings for anode collector in lithium batteries.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a zinc halogen battery electrolyte composition containing an additive providing improved zinc-on-zinc recyclability. The improved electrolyte composition involves the use of a lead additive to inhibit undesirable irregular plating and reduce nodular or dendritic growth on the electrode surface. The lead-containing electrolyte composition of the present invention appears to influence not only the morphology of the base plate zinc, but also the morphology of the zinc-on-zinc replate. In addition, such lead-containing electrolyte compositions appear to reduce hydrogen formation.

Abstract: Electrochemical power cells having a cathode current collector, a combination liquid active cathode depolarizer electrolyte solvent and an anode that forms surface compounds when in intimate contact with the liquid cathode are enhanced by the addition of a passivation limiting film contiguous to said anode. The passivating film is a member of the cyanoacrilate family of organic compounds.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and the method to operate same are described. The cell comprises at least two compartments, first and second, separated by a semipermeable membrane, said compartments containing first and second solvent, electrolyte and electrode.The first compartment is subdivided by a membrane which behaves as a bipolar electrode during the passage of electric current. The bipolar character of the membrane arises due to the evolution of certain atomic or molecular species on one side of the membrane and the ionization of said atomic or molecular species on the opposite side of the membrane. Said electrode also allows recharging of the second electrode. Means of protecting the second electrode from corrosion due to the presence of the first solvent in the second solvent are also described.

Abstract: A lithium/thionyl chloride electrochemical cell, particularly suitable for use in surgically implanted devices, is disclosed which exhibits a step change in its output voltage sufficiently prior to full cell discharge to enable the timely replacement of the cell under non-critical circumstances.

Abstract: Lithium-halide coatings for interior electrode lead portions in lithium halide batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-celled battery for use in cardiac pacer devices which comprises an outer encasement member and first and second internal cell elements. Each of the first and second cell elements includes an insulating cup, a lithium anode positioned within the cup, and a cathode positioned in contact with said anode. Each of the insulating cups includes an opening therethrough such that the lithium anode in the first cell makes contact with a terminal mounted through and insulated from the encasing means and the anode of the second cell is electrically in contact with the cathode of the first cell. The insulating cup of the second cell is positioned within the insulating cup of the first cell and both first and second cells are positioned within the encasing means such that the terminal contact with the first lithium anode and the encasing means is in contact with the cathode of the second cell.

Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxilary electrodes. In electrochemical devices including those having a circulating electrolyte, such electrodes are designed to have a generally annular shape in order to provide a substantially uniform current density profile along a common electrolyte carrying manifold. The uniform current density profile allows for the elimination of these harmful shunt currents with a minimum of power consumption.

Abstract: A high rate electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode and a cathode using a depolarizer, thionyl chloride with an electrolyte. The depolarizer thionyl chloride has an electrolyte of aluminum chloride dissolved in it, and a conductivity increasing amount of gallium chloride.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having an oxidizable active anode material, a cathode current collector including a catalytic layer for reducing the liquid cathode material, and an electrolytic solution comprising a liquid cathode material and an electrolyte solute dissolved therein. The catalyst layer is a composite material of carbon black particles with platinum particles supported thereon.

Abstract: A fluid depolarized cell containing an inert cathode with finely divided metal powder dispersed within said cathode. The metal powder such as nickel powder catalyzes the reaction of unstable decomposition products of the fluid depolarizer into more stable species. Cell safety and discharge capability are enhanced with reduced cathode passivation.

Abstract: Electrochemical power cells having a lithium anode, a carbonatious current collector, and thionyl chloride active cathode depolarizer and electrolyte solvent are enhanced by adding copper thereto.

Abstract: The invention features an electrochemical cell having two fluid-containing compartments separated by a nonselective microporous membrane. Select ions which would normally pass through the membrane under the influence of an ionic field, are prevented from passing through the membrane by a polyelectrolyte which has migrated through the compartment fluid to the membrane. The polyelectrolyte acts as an ionic barrier to the passage of select ions, thus effectively increasing the ion-selective capability of the membrane and, hence, the coulombic efficiency of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium halide primary cell having means to indicate its end of life. The cell includes at least one lithium anode and a cathode in contact with a major surface of the anode wherein the indicating means comprises a stepped portion on the major surface of said anode which is not in contact with the cathode. The stepped portion of the anode comprises a surface area of from about 40 to 60% of the area of the major surface in contact with the cathode and about 15 to 5% of the total thickness of said anode.

Abstract: A process for carrying out chemical and/or electrochemical reactions in a reaction chamber traversed by a suspension of particles in a fluid is improved due to the fact that the suspension emerging from the chamber is separated into two fractions: a "concentrated fraction" comprising the greater part or all of the particles and a "fluid fraction" comprising the greater part or all of the fluid. The "fluid fraction" is introduced into a reservoir. A flow of the fluid from the reservoir is combined with the "concentrated fraction" in order to form a suspension, which is then introduced into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Novel electrolyte salts having high current carrying capability and which substantially prevent voltage delay in cells containing fluid depolarizers such as thionyl chloride (SOCl.sub.2). The salts contain an alkali or alkaline earth metal cation and a halo-gallate indate or thallate anion. The salts additionally preferably contain a chalcogen such as oxygen, sulfur, selenium or tellurium therein.