Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a cathode for an electrochemical cell which involves incorporating sodium chloride in dispersed form into an electrolyte permeable matrix and impregnating the matrix with a suitable sodium aluminum halide molten salt electrolyte. The matrix is formed from a transition metal selected from at least one member of the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Mn, and the intermediate refractory hard metal compounds of said transition metals with at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of carbon, silicon, boron, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Abstract: A thermally activated electrochemical cell utilizes an anode constructed of lemental lithium and transition metal powder. Iron is disclosed to be the best mode of transition metal powder. The cell uses nitrate salt electrolyte containing lithium nitrate and silver nitrate as a cathode enhancer. Electrical performance of this cell includes open circuit potentials of approximately +3.4 volts at 300.degree. C. and thermal activation within the range of 123.degree. to 465.degree. C. Current densities as high as 1,250 mA/cm.sup.2 have been demonstrated.

Abstract: A sodium-tetravalent sulfur molten chloroaluminate cell with a .beta."-alumina sodium ion conductor having a S-Al mole ratio of above about 0.15 in an acidic molten chloroaluminate cathode composition is disclosed. The cathode composition has an AlCl.sub.3 -NaCl mole percent ratio of above about 70-30 at theoretical full charge. The cell provides high energy densities at low temperatures and provides high energy densities and high power densities at moderate temperatures.

Abstract: The active material is constituted by an alkali metal in the zero valent state which alkali metal is inserted into an insertion compound. The insertion compound receiving the alkali metal has an ordered three-dimensional lattice structure and is constituted by at least one intermetallic compound having polyatomic anionic clusters with atoms chosen from the group constituted by gallium, boron and aluminum, and with structuring counter ions chosen from the group constituted by alkaline earth and alkali ions.

Abstract: A method of making a negative electrode, the electrode made thereby and a secondary electrochemical cell using the electrode. Silicon powder is mixed with powdered electroactive material, such as the lithium-aluminum eutectic, to provide an improved electrode and cell.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell and an anode structure for an electrochemical cell. The anode structure comprises a substantially non-electronically conductive micromolecular sieve carrier wherein electrochemically active anode material in the form of an electronically conductive electropositive substance is sorbed and held in dispersed form, and a reservoir or source of the electropositive substance in contact with the carrier. The electropositive substance is liquid at the operating temperature of the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a housing containing a sodium anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte is a sodium ion conducting alkali metal aluminum tetrahalide and the cathode material is a transition metal chalcogenide, or a reaction product of the chalcogenide and the electrolyte, disposed on a substrate in contact with the electrolyte.

Abstract: An improved secondary electrochemical cell is disclosed having a negative electrode of lithium aluminum, a positive electrode of iron sulfide, a molten electrolyte of lithium chloride and potassium chloride, and the combination that the fully charged theoretical capacity of the negative electrode is in the range of 0.5-1.0 that of the positive electrode. The cell thus is negative electrode limiting during discharge cycling. Preferably, the negative electrode contains therein, in the approximate range of 1-10 volume % of the electrode, an additive from the materials of graphitized carbon, aluminum-iron alloy, and/or magnesium oxide.

Abstract: Compositions in the NbF.sub.5 (TaF.sub.5)-P.sub.2 O.sub.5 system which are liquid at room temperature and exhibit relatively high ionic conductivities, useful for example, as electrolytes in batteries or other electrochemical cells, are described.

Abstract: A thermally activated electrochemical cell is provided having a low melting oint electrolyte. The electrolyte is composed of a layer of a mixture of lithium perchlorate and lithium nitrate adjacent the anode and of a layer of a mixture of lithium perchlorate, lithium nitrate, and silver nitrate adjacent the cathode of the cell.

Abstract: A chalcogenide cathode is made by applying a slurry of a mixture containing at least one intercalatable layered transition metal chalcogenide cathode active material, a conductivity enhancing agent and a binding agent in a vehicle therefor to a high porosity current collector substrate which has been previously treated by applying and drying an adhesion promoting agent thereon and then heating the substrate in an inert atmosphere to drive off the vehicle and coalesce the binding agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rechargeable current-producing cell comprising:(a) an anode made by an alkali or an earth-alkali metal;(b) a non-aqueous electrolyte solution;(c) a cathode formed by alkali metal salts of chromium dichalcogenides of general formula M'.sub.x M".sub.y CrB.sub.2, wherein M' and M" are metals of group I A of the Periodic Table, B is a chalcogen and x and y have values between zero and one.

Abstract: A method of making an electrode for an electrochemical cell in which particulate electrode-active material is mixed with a liquid organic carrier chemically inert with respect to the electrode-active material, mixing the liquid carrier to form an extrudable slurry. The liquid carrier is present in an amount of from about 10 to about 50 percent by volume of the slurry, and then the carrier is removed from the slurry leaving the electrode-active material.

Abstract: An alkali salt composition free from hydroxides, melting at a temperature in the region of or greater than 180.degree., and usable in its molten state as a negative electrolyte for accumulators comprising an alkali metal negative electrode and an alkali alumina separator, contains an alkali metal amide, at least one alkali halide and an alkali hydride. It may also contain aluminium amide.

Abstract: A tubular high-temperature storage cell is provided. This cell comprises a central rod electrode of one polarity and a second electrode which encases said central electrode. Between both electrodes, a large separator is interposed. One electrical terminal from the central rod electrode is provided at the center of the cell top through a feedthrough sleeve. The opposite terminal is welded directly to the cell container can or to the cell top lid. The cell container itself also can act as a current collector.

Abstract: A secondary electrochemical cell with the positive and negative electrodes separated by a molten salt electrolyte with the negative electrode comprising a particulate mixture of lithium-aluminum alloy and electrolyte and an additive selected from graphitized carbon, Raney iron or mixtures thereof. The lithium-aluminum alloy is present in the range of from about 45 to about 80 percent by volume of the negative electrode, and the electrolyte is present in an amount not less than about 10 percent by volume of the negative electrode. The additive of graphitized carbon is present in the range of from about 1 to about 10 percent by volume of the negative electrode, and the Raney iron additive is present in the range of from about 3 to about 10 percent by volume of the negative electrode.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a seal (25) for fused salt batteries (10) having a current conducting rod (19) partially within said battery and partially outside which includes a layer of compressible material (32) on the body of the current conducting rod leaving exposed the opposite ends thereof and a swaged metal sheath (33) covering and compressing the layer of material to approximately its maximum density. Optionally, a sealing glass (35) having a low coefficient of thermal expansion approximating that of the current conducting rod and the metal sheath can also be employed over the end of the rod and/or a plating (31) of a conductive metal can be provided over the end of the current conducting rod outside of the battery and/or a separate coating (28) of a different material can be deposited on the rod between the rod and the layer of compressible material. A process is also provided for forming the seal.

Abstract: A molten salt cell is described in which a special material is used as the active material in the negative electrode. Such active material permits extensive cycling of the battery and does not significantly alter cell voltage. Molten salt cells made in accordance with this invention exhibit high energy content and high discharge rates. In addition, they can be cycled extensively without significant loss of capacity.

Abstract: An alkali salt composition free from hydroxides, melting at a temperature in the region of or greater than 180.degree., and usable in its molten state as a negative electrolyte for accumulators comprising an alkali metal negative electrode and an alkali alumina separator, contains an alkali metal amide, at least one alkali halide and an alkali hydride. It may also contain aluminium amide.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and an anode for use in an electrochemical cell are disclosed. The cell in its charged state comprises an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. The anode comprises a polysulphide or a polyselenide of an alkali metal such as sodium, potassium, or lithium sorbed into a zeolite molecular sieve carrier.

Abstract: An electrolyte for use in an electrochemical cell is disclosed of the alkali metal-aluminium-halide type. The electrolyte has a melting point below 140.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure and conforms with the stoichiometric productMAlX.sub.4whereinM represents lithium cations, a mixture of lithium and potassium cations or a mixture of sodium and potassium cations; andX represents a mixture of chloride and fluoride anions.A method of reducing the melting point of a sodium-aluminium-chloride or lithium-aluminium-chloride electrolyte by doping it with a potassium fluoride, sodium fluoride, or lithium fluoride, to obtain said electrolyte with a melting point below 140.degree. C. is disclosed, as are various electrochemical cells employing the product electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell, the electrode comprising an electrochemically active substance selected from:(a) the group comprising or including the halogens, the alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals the first and second series of transition elements, lead, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, and aluminium;(b) an oxygen, sulphur or selenium composition; or(c) a composition containing carbon, baron, silicon or nitrogen with any of the substances of (a) or (b);and a zeolite molecular sieve carrier wherein the electrochemically active substance is sorbed and is held in dispersed form for effective use in a cell. An electrochemical cell including a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte, at least one electrode comprising an electrode as defined above.

Abstract: An electrode for a high temperature secondary electrical storage cell including an alkali metal negative electrode, a molten salt electrolyte, and a transition metal sulfide as the positive electrode, formed by mechanically loading a precut form or graphite felt or foam with FeS.sub.x powder, coating or impregnating the precut form with a high carbon yield resin, curing the resin at an intermediate temperature, and carbonizing the resin at a temperature below 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A calcium electrode for an electrochemical cell with an electrolyte consing of molten nitrates and up to 10 mole percent halides.

Abstract: A high temperature secondary cell of pelletized construction contained within a close fitting inert tube. Anode active material is lithium. Cathode active material is an iron sulphide or titanium disulphide. Electrolyte is a mixture of lithium halides. The cell is bounded by separator plates extending beyond the inner peripheral surface of the inert tube.

Abstract: A method of preparing an electrochemical cell including a metal sulfide as the positive electrode reactant and lithium alloy as the negative electrochemical reactant with an alkali metal, molten salt electrolyte is disclosed which permits the assembly to be accomplished in air. The electrode reactants are introduced in the most part as a sulfide of lithium and the positive electrode metal in a single-phase compound. For instance, Li.sub.2 FeS.sub.2 is a single-phase compound that is produced by the reaction of Li.sub.2 S and FeS. This compound is an intermediate in the positive electrode cycle from FeS.sub.2 to Fe and Li.sub.2 S. Its use minimizes volumetric changes from the assembled to the charged and discharged conditions of the electrode and minimizes electrode material interaction with air and moisture during assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to accumulators comprising halogen electrodes operating with fused halide based electrolyte.Such accumulators can include an electrochemical chain aluminium/mixture of aluminium halide and alkalin metal halide/metallic derivatives introduced into graphite.Application to the constitution of accumulators including halogen electrodes for considerable storage of halogen.

Abstract: A negative electrode composition is presented for use in a secondary, high-temperature electrochemical cell. The cell also includes a molten salt electrolyte of alkali metal halides or alkaline earth metal halides and a positive electrode including a chalcogen or a metal chalcogenide as the active electrode material. The negative electrode composition includes up to 50 atom percent lithium as the active electrode constituent and a magnesium-aluminum alloy as a structural matrix. Various binary and ternary intermetallic phases of lithium, magnesium, and aluminum are formed but the electrode composition in both its charged and discharged state remains substantially free of the alpha lithium-aluminum phase and exhibits good structural integrity.

Abstract: A thermally activated reserve battery operable within a temperature range of about 165.degree. to 250.degree. C and composed of a lithium-aluminum alloy anode, a molybdenum pentachloride cathode and a separating electrolyte composed of sodium tetrachloroaluminate.

Abstract: A high efficiency pyrotechnically activated lithium-chlorine primary cell ving a high voltage output, high energy density, and a high rate of discharge comprises a porous graphite gas diffuser, a fused alkali metal salt electrolyte, a lithium anode in contact with the electrolyte, a lithium vapor barrier, and a cartridge containing a pyrotechnic material disposed within the anode, all of the components being stacked inside a container which serves as the cell case. The lithium vapor barrier comprises a porous metal ring impregnated with lithium-chloride and is designed to prevent vaporized lithium from penetrating the barrier, contacting the chlorine cover gas and exothermically reacting.

Abstract: A secondary electrochemical cell includes electrodes separated by a layer of electrically insulative powder. The powder includes refractory materials selected from the oxides and nitrides of metals and metaloids. The powdered refractory material, blended with electrolyte particles, can be compacted in layers with electrode materials to form an integral electrode structure or separately assembled into the cell. The assembled cell is heated to operating temperature leaving porous layers of electrically insulative, refractory particles, containing molten electrolyte between the electrodes.

Abstract: A fused salt thermal device having two spaced electrodes to provide an active thermal cell space therebetween, a reservoir containing an inorganic fusible salt electrolyte which is solid at a temperature below a predetermined activation temperature and which is molten at or above the activation temperature, and means permitting circulation of the fused salt electrolyte between the active thermal cell space and the reservoir during the generation of electricity in order to replenish spent electrolyte. Preferably, the fused salt thermal device has a metal electrode and an electrically conductive porous electrode spaced therefrom to provide an active thermal cell space with a reservoir containing an inorganic fusible salt electrolyte in fluid communication with the porous electrode so that upon activation of the thermal device the molten salt electrolyte circulates between the active thermal cell space and the reservoir through the porous electrode.

Abstract: 1. An electrolyte for a fused electrolyte cell consisting essentially of a mixture of 45 to 55 mole percent of CaCl.sub.2 ; 30 to 54 mole percent of NaCl; and 1 to 15 mole percent of KCl, containing proportions of each component substantially as determined by a three system diagram of such components; and a depolarizing agent.

Abstract: An electrode system includes a reservoir of liquid-metal reactant, and a wick extending from a submersed location within the reservoir into the molten electrolyte of an electrochemical cell structure. The wick is flooded with the liquid metal and thereby serves as one electrode within the cell. This electrode system has application in high-temperature batteries employing molten alkali metals or their alloys as active material within an electrode submersed within a molten salt electrolyte. It also can be used in electrochemical cells where the purification, separation or electrowinning of liquid metals is accomplished.

Abstract: A molten salt electrochemical system for battery applications comprises tetravalent sulfur as the active cathode material with a molten chloroaluminate solvent comprising a mixture of AlCl.sub.3 and MCl having a molar ratio of AlCl.sub.3 /MCl from greater than 50.0/50.0 to 80/20.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high temperature lithium-sulfur secondary battery, characterized in that the cathode pellet is made from titanium disulphide. An electrolyte pellet is preferably prepared from a mixture of alkali metal halides.

Abstract: A compact modular electrical energy storage device comprising one or more cell modules in which certain components of the device are maintained in a substantially fixed position in the device by utilizing a resilient porous body of compressed carbon fibers to resiliently urge the components into physical contact with one another. The invention further provides means for maintaining the cell components in such fixed position during cell operation at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.A preferred compact cell module construction particularly suitable for use in a high-temperature, high-energy-density lithium battery includes two positive electrode assemblies positoned in opposing relationship by a U-shaped spacer member maintained in contact with a separator member of each positive electrode assembly by a resilient porous body of compressed graphite fibers, a unitary double-faced negative electrode assembly being positioned between the two positive electrode assemblies.

Abstract: Positive and negative electrodes are provided as rigid, porous carbonaceous matrices with particulate active material fixedly embedded. Active material such as metal chalcogenides, solid alloys of alkali metal or alkaline earth metals along with other metals and their oxides in particulate form are blended with a thermosetting resin and a solid volatile to form a paste mixture. Various electrically conductive powders or current collector structures can be blended or embedded into the paste mixture which can be molded to the desired electrode shape. The molded paste is heated to a temperature at which the volatile transforms into vapor to impart porosity as the resin begins to cure into a rigid solid structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for filling an electric cell which coises a compartment for receiving a liquid electrode, an electrolyte, and a constraining means in the compartment for constraining the liquid electrode to wet a surface of the electrolyte. The method comprises the steps of introducing liquid electrode material into the compartment, thereby to contact the constraining means with the liquid electrode material. The liquid electrode material is then subjected to a pressure sufficient to force the liquid electrode material to penetrate the constraining means and thereby wet the electrolyte. The gas is maintained in the cell to ensure that the liquid electrode material remains in the constraining means.

Abstract: A secondary battery comprising: (A) discharge and charge zones containing alkali metal/sulfur cells, the cells in said discharge zone being adapted to operate in a discharge mode and having an electrode which is more readily wet by molten sulfur than by molten polysulfide salts of said alkali metal, and the cells in the charge zone being adapted to operate in a charge mode and having an electrode which is more readily wet by molten polysulfide salts of said alkali metal than by molten sulfur; (B) a storage zone adapted to store molten sulfur and molten polysulfide salts from said cells; (C) means for transporting reactant materials including molten sulfur and molten polysulfide salts of said alkali metal beween said storage zone and said charge and discharge zones; and (D) means for transporting molten alkali metal from said charge zone to said discharge zone.

Abstract: An improved secondary battery or cell of the type having: (A) one or more anodic reaction zones containing a molten alkali metal reactant-anode in electrical contact with an external circuit; (B) one or more cathodic reaction zones containing (1) a cathodic reactant which, when said battery or cell is at least partially discharged, is selected from the group consisting of (i) a single phase composition comprising molten polysulfide salts of said anodic reactant and (ii) a two-phase composition comprising molten sulfur and molten sulfur saturated polysulfide salts of said anodic reactant and (2) an electrode which is at least partially filled with said cathodic reactant; and (C) a cation-permeable barrier to mass liquid transfer interposed between and in contact with said anodic and cathodic reaction zones, said electrode being in electrical contact with both said cation-permeable barrier and an external circuit.

Abstract: A secondary battery utilizing a molten sodium negative reactant, mixture of metal halides, sulfur positive reactant melt having a carbon powder dispersed within the melt, a molten sodium haloaluminate electrolyte, and a selectively ionically-conductive separator positioned between the negative and positive reactants.

Abstract: An improved energy conversion device of the type comprising: (A) an anodic reaction zone, (i) which contains a molten alkali metal anode-reactant in electrical contact with an external circuit, and (ii) which is disposed interiorly of a tubular cation-permeable barrier to mass liquid transfer; (B) a cathodic reaction zone (i) which is disposed exteriorly of said tubular cation-permeable barrier, and (ii) which contains an electrode which is in electrical contact with both said tubular cation-permeable barrier and said external circuit; (C) a reservoir for said molten alkali metal which is adapted to supply said anode-reactant to said anodic reaction zone; and (D) a tubular ceramic header (i) which connects said reservoir with said anodic reaction zone so as to allow molten alkali metal to flow from said reservoir to said anodic reaction zone, (ii) which is sealed to said tubular cation-permeable barrier, and (iii) which is impervious and nonconductive so as to preclude both ionic and electronic current leakag

Abstract: An improved secondary battery or cell of the type having: (A) one or more anodic reaction zones containing a molten alkali metal reactant-anode in electrical contact with an external circuit; (B) one or more cathodic reaction zones containing (1) a cathodic reactant which, when said battery or cell is at least partially discharged, is selected from the group consisting of (i) a single phase composition comprising molten polysulfide salts of said anodic reactant and (ii) a two phase composition comprising molten sulfur and molten sulfur saturated polysulfide salts of said anodic reactant; (C) a cation-permeable barrier to mass liquid transfer interposed between and in contact with said anodic and cathodic reaction zones; and (D) electrode means within said cathodic reaction zone for transporting electrons to the vicinity of said cation-permeable barrier during discharge of said battery or cell and for transporting electrons away from the vicinity of said cation-permeable barrier during charge of said battery o

Abstract: An improved electrical conversion device of the type comprising: (1) an anodic reaction zone containing a molten alkali metal reactant-anode in electrical contact with an external circuit; (2) a cathodic reaction zone containing a cathodic reactant comprising a liquid electrolyte which is electrochemically reactive with said anodic reactant and an electrode of porous conductive material which is at least partially immersed in said cathodic reactant; and (3) a cation-permeable barrier to mass liquid transfer interposed between and in contact with said anodic and cathodic reaction zones, said porous conductive material being in electrical contact with both said cation-permeable barrier and an external circuit; the improvement of the invention comprising a modification of the cathodic reaction zone of the device such that there are a plurality of channels and/or spaces within the zone which are free of the porous conductive material and which in combination with said porous conductive material are adapted to all

Abstract: An electrode system includes a reservoir of liquid-metal reactant, and a wick extending from a submersed location within the reservoir into the molten electrolyte of an electrochemical cell structure. The wick is flooded with the liquid metal and thereby serves as one electrode within the cell. This electrode system has application in high-temperature batteries employing molten alkali metals or their alloys as active material within an electrode submersed within a molten salt electrolyte. It also can be used in electrochemical cells where the purification, separation or electrowinning of liquid metals is accomplished.