Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an anode which is an alloy of an oxidizable metal, specifically lithium, and an element having a lower oxidation potential, for example calcium. The cell is partially discharged to deplete the amount of lithium at the surface of the anode. Then the cell is conditioned, preferably by annealing at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. for one to two weeks. This treatment produces an anode having a surface region which is either a layer consisting mostly of the element or a lithium compound of the element. This protective coating on the anode limits the short circuit current which can flow through the cell.

Abstract: A lithium, thionyl chloride battery is provided with an electrolyte which kes it safe under a reverse voltage condition. The electrolyte is niobium pentachloride which is dissolved in the thionyl chloride.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a zinc halogen battery electrolyte composition containing an additive providing increased battery capacity. The improved electrolyte composition involves the use of a bismuth additive to inhibit undesirable irregular plating and reduce nodular or dendritic growth on the zinc electrode.

Abstract: A thin, integrated carbon/insulator structure, and a method for fabricating same, for use in a primary electrochemical cell. A quantity of a wet carbon slurry material including a mixture of carbon black, water and/or isopropyl alcohol, and a binder such as finely-divided "Teflon" in suspension, is deposited onto a porous fiberglass substrate and rolled to a prescribed thickness. The rolling operation causes a portion of the slurry material to diffuse into the surface of the porous fiberglass substrate and permanently adhere to and unite with a surface portion of the fiberglass substrate in an integrated, interlocking fashion.The fiberglass substrate having the layer of carbon slurry material integrated therewith is then dried to cause the layer of carbon slurry material to dry and shrink to the form of a layer of carbon plaque having a network of cracks produced therethrough in a random pattern as a result of the shrinkage during drying.

Abstract: A high-rate, low-temperature, primary electrochemical cell. The cell in accordance with the invention includes an elongated cylindrical metal housing within which a vertical array of battery stack components is disposed and exposed to a cathodelectrolyte solution. Each of the battery stack components has an opening therein through which an elongated metal rod located centrally within the housing passes and serves as an electrical terminal for the cell.The components of the battery stack include a plurality of thin, flat, circular, lithium anode discs secured to the metal rod, and a plurality of carbon current collector cathode/insulator structures arranged in the array in alternation with the lithium anode discs.

Abstract: A nonaqueous cell comprising a liquid cathode-electrolyte an active metal anode, such as lithium, a cathode collector, such as carbon, and a separator disposed between said anode and said cathode collector and wherein the surface of the separator facing the anode is coated with a vinyl polymer film.

Abstract: A nonaqueous cell utilizing an active metal anode, such as lithium, a cathode collector and an ionically conductive cathode-electrolyte comprising a solute dissolved in a liquid cathode, such as an oxyhalide, and wherein a vinyl polymer is dissolved in the cathode-electrolyte.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode and iodine monochloride as the cathode-electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for the useful storage of electrical energy is described in which an electrochemical cell employing a halide electrolyte and an ungraphitized carbon positive electrode is charged at a voltage substantially below the conventional decomposition voltage required to produce free halogen from the selected electrolyte. An unidentified chemical complex is formed and stored at the positive electrode, and the positive electrode may thereafter be employed as an electrical energy source in a primary or secondary battery.

Abstract: The battery system includes a metallic anode, a cathode/electrolyte comprising a liquid inorganic solvent containing a mixture of an interhalogen having a discharge potential higher than the solvent and a soluble salt of the anode metal, and a high-surface-area cathode current collector means coupled with the cathode/electrolyte.

Abstract: Charge transfer complex cathodes for use in solid cell systems wherein the cathodes are the reaction products of a halogen such as iodine or bromine with a carbonaceous pitch such as mesophase pitch.

Abstract: Described is an electrode assembly comprising;a. a porous electrode having a first and second exterior face with a cavity formed in the interior between said exterior faces thereby having first and second interior faces positioned opposite the first and second exterior faces;b. a counter electrode positioned facing each of the first and second exterior faces of the porous electrode;c. means for passing an oxidant through said porous electrode; andd. screening means for blocking the interior face of the porous electrode a greater amount than the blocking of the respective exterior face of the porous electrode, thereby maintaining a differential of oxidant electrode surface between the interior face and the exterior face.The electrode assembly is useful in a metal, halogen, halogen hydrate electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: An abuse resistant electrochemical cell having an active metal anode, a fluid cathode depolarizer, an inert cathode and an electrolyte solution. The cell components are arranged in terms of relative capacities and configuration such that a sufficient amount of the dischargeable anode metal is utilized prior to the cell reaching zero volts (caused by deactivation of the cathode) whereby, upon forced discharge, polarization of both anode and cathode and deep cell reversal occur within a short period of time thereafter. This short period of time is no greater than 15% of the initial discharge time to zero volts. The cell additionally contains sufficient fluid depolarizer such that a portion thereof remains at the time of such deep cell reversal.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell or battery with at least one anode filled with a molten alkali metal as the anolyte and at least one cathode chamber filled with a sulfur-containing catholyte substance with the anode chamber and the cathode chamber separated from each other by an alkali-ion-conducting solid electrolyte. To the catholyte substance in the cathode chamber is added a chemical compound of the polar bond type which can charge the sulfur positively while absorbing electrons. This induces mobilization of the sulfur phase in the cathode chamber and prevents major accumulation of liquid sulfur as an insulator. As a result the cell can be repeatedly recharged with large currents to a greater capacity.

Abstract: A lithium halogen cell comprising a lithium anode, a solid electrolyte comprising lithium halide and a cathode comprising a charge transfer complex of a monomer and a halogen. The monomer is an aromatic tertiary amine which forms a complex with the halogen, and one monomer found to be satisfactory is pyrrole.

Abstract: Novel cathode materials for use in electrochemical cells. The cathode materials consist essentially of a conductive saturated solution comprised of iodine dissolved in an organic component selected from certain pyridine derivatives, as set forth herein. Preferably, the cathode materials further include, in addition to the saturated solution or liquid phase, an iodine solid phase. Large amounts of the solid phase, relative to the liquid phase, may be used.

Abstract: A sealed lithium-type electrochemical cell is described which comprises a casing, a lithium-type anode positioned within the casing, a cathode positioned within the casing, the cathode functioning with a lithium-type anode and a solid lithium-sodium beta"-alumina electrolyte, and a solid lithium-sodium beta"-alumina electrolyte positioned within the casing between the anode and cathode and in contact with both the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A metal-halogen battery assembly, specifically a zinc-bromine battery assembly of the rechargeable type, is disclosed herein along with its method of operation. The assembly includes a housing having an internal chamber, a liquid separator or membrane which divides the chamber into two sections, a metal-reacting negative section and a halogen-reacting positive section, and two electrodes, a negative electrode fixedly located within the metal-reacting chamber section and a positive electrode fixedly located within the halogen-reacting chamber section. The assembly also includes metal and halogen containing electrolyte solution, a first fixed volume of which is continuously circulated and recirculated through the negative chamber section while a separate, lesser volume of the solution is circulated and recirculated through the positive chamber section.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electricity producing cell of the reduction-oxidation (REDOX) type divided into two compartments by a membrane, each compartment containing a solid inert electrode. A ferrous/ferric couple in a chloride solution serves as a cathode fluid which is circulated through one of the compartments to produce a positive electric potential disposed therein. A chromic/chromous couple in a chloride solution serves as an anode fluid which is circulated through the second compartment to produce a negative potential on an electrode disposed therein. The electrode is an electrically conductive, inert material plated with copper, silver or gold. A thin layer of lead plates onto the copper, silver or gold layer when the cell is being charged, the lead ions being available from lead chloride which has been added to the anode fluid.

Abstract: An electric current-producing cell which contains:(a) an anode metal higher than hydrogen in the electromotive series and having an atomic number no greater than 30;(b) a cathode material containing thiocyanogen, said material being selected from the group consisting of:(i) thiocyanogen of the formula:(SCN).sub.2 ;(ii) parathiocyanogen of the formula:(SCN).sub.xwherein x is greater than 2;(iii) halothiocyanogen of the formula:YSCNwherein Y is a halogen selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I;(iv) parahalothiocyanogen of the formula:(YSCN).sub.

Abstract: Abuse resistant electrochemical cells having consumable fluid depolarizer/electrolyte solvents, active metal anodes and inactive conductive cathodes which are made resistant to abusive forced discharge or cell reversal conditions by maintaining excess portions of both the fluid depolarizer/electrolyte solvent with electrolyte and the active metal anode at the end of cell discharge. The remaining portion of the active metal is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the cell and substantially faces the entire surface of the originally adjacent inactive cathode. The remaining portion of the fluid depolarizer/electrolyte solvent is sufficient for maintaining electrical and thermal conductivity whereby heat concentration is prevented.

Abstract: A rechargeable zinc halogen battery has an aqueous electrolyte containing ions of zinc and halogen and an amount of polysaccharide and/or sorbitol sufficient to prevent zinc dendrite formation during recharging. The electrolyte may also contain trace amounts of metals such as tungsten, molybdenum and lead.

Abstract: An ambient temperature electric cell of primary and secondary nature, characterized by the use of the dithionite salt of an active (alkali or an alkaline earth) metal as the charging agent, and including processes for manufacturing and for operating the same. The dithionite salt is dissolved and suspended in an anhydrous electrolyte comprised of a suitable solvent, which may also contain another salt of the same active metal and may be saturated with sulfur dioxide. To form the cell, a sealed and evacuated enclosure having a negative electrode and a positive current gathering electrode is filled with the electrolyte and subjected to a charging current sufficient to plate the active metal onto the negative electrode, while the positive electrode is saturated with sulfur dioxide. In the case of a secondary cell, the dithionite produced upon discharge is available as a partially dissolved and suspended salt in the electrolyte.

Abstract: The use of lithium hexafluroarsenate dissolved in acetronitrile as an electrolyte in a reserve electrochemical cell having a lithium anode, a sulfur dioxide depolarizer and a means for maintaining the electrolyte and depolarizer remote from the anode prior to activation.

Abstract: A safe high energy density battery which includes a lithium anode, a cathte of bromine, and an electrolyte of tetrabutylammonium bromine.

Abstract: The pH of an electrolyte used in an electrochemical reaction in which hydrogen is generated is controlled by converting at least a portion of the hydrogen generated into an electrolyte soluble form.

Abstract: A HCl electrochemical energy storage system comprises a cell having therein an aqueous HCl electrolyte in which at least a portion of the HCl is present in disassociated form and an electrode of ungraphitised carbon, and communicating with said cell, at least one member of the group of means for storing hydrogen and means for storing chlorine, said means for storing hydrogen comprising graphitised carbon, and said means for storing chlorine comprising ungraphitised carbon.

Abstract: In a secondary battery employing an aqueous lead salt solution as the electrolyte, salts of manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, thallium, bismuth and/or antimony are additionally present in concentrations of from 0.1 to 100 mmole/l.

Abstract: A rechargeable aqueous zinc-halogen cell is described which includes a casing, an ion exchange membrane in the casing defining a positive and a negative electrode compartment, an electrode substrate in each compartment, at least the electrode substrate in the positive compartment consisting of vitreous carbon, an aqueous electrolytic solution containing a zinc salt selected from the class consisting of zinc bromide, zinc iodide, and mixtures thereof in both compartments, and halogen in the positive compartment.

Abstract: A super high energy density battery which includes a lithium anode, a catyte of liquid bromine trifluoride, and an electrolyte of antimony pentafluoride.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus comprising a cell having a plurality of chambers defined in the cell by cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes arranged alternately, a high concentration electrolyte and a low concentration electrolyte being filled alternately in said plurality of chambers, and a pair of electrodes guided into the chambers disposed on both the ends of said cell, respectively, and the open circuit voltage between said electrodes being higher than the decomposition voltage of water.

Abstract: A lithium primary cell including lithium as the anode, a solution of an iganic salt in an inorganic solvent as the electrolyte, and a current collector as the cathode is improved in cell performance by coating the lithium anode with calcium.

Abstract: Secondary batteries with aqueous acid solutions of lead salts as electrolytes and inert electrode base plates also contain redox systems in solution. These systems have a standard potential of from -0.1 to +1.4 V relative to a standard hydrogen reference electrode, do not form insoluble compounds with the electrolytes and are not oxidized or reduced irreversibly by the active compositions applied to the electrode base plates, within their range of operating potentials.

Abstract: A method, a cell, an electrolyte and an additive for the non-dendritic deposition of lithium is described.The additive which causes the non-dendritic deposition of lithium from non-aqueous electrolytes and particularly organic electrolytes is a metal, reducible by lithium and capable of forming lithium-rich metallics or alloys.

Abstract: A sealed lithium electrochemical cell with sodium beta-alumina ion-conductive electrolyte is described which comprises a casing, an anode positioned within the casing, the anode selected from the class consisting of lithium, lithium as a solid alloy, and lithium in a non-aqueous electrolyte, a cathode positioned within the casing, the cathode functioning with a lithium-type anode and a solid sodium beta-alumina ion-conductive electrolyte, and a solid sodium beta-alumina ion-conductive electrolyte positioned within the casing between the anode and cathode and in contact with both the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A carbon cathode structure is described comprising an aggregate of discrete, porous, semi-rigid carbon conglomerates which are impressed from both sides onto a screen-like substrate for physical support thereby. The substrate additionally functions as a current collector by uniformly and electrically contacting the interior of the resulting structure. Electrolyte-conducting channels formed between adjacent conglomerates of the thick, porous cathode structure serve to maximize the cell rate capability and cell discharge capacity.

Abstract: A dendrite-inhibiting electrolytic solution and rechargeable aqueous zinc-halogen cell containing the solution are described. The electrolytic solution contains a zinc compound, a non-ionic surfactant additive of oxaalkyl or polyoxaalkyl perfluoroalkane sulfonamide in an amount of from 0.001 to 10 weight percent of the solution, and an organic solubilizer in an amount from 5 to 50 weight percent of the solution. The cell includes a casing, a pair of spaced apart porous electrode substrates in the casing, an ion exchange membrane separator between the electrode substrates defining a positive and a negative electrode compartment, an electrolytic solution containing a zinc compound in the positive compartment, and the above electrolytic solution containing the additive and the solubilizer in the negative zinc electrode compartment.

Abstract: Electric accumulators of the type comprising an anode compartment containing an anode formed from at least one metal selected from the group consisting of metals belonging to Groups Ia, IIa, IIb and IIIb of the periodic table of elements; a cathode compartment containing a cathode formed at least partly from a conducting member comprising a substance capable of accepting electrons, to form anions by cathodic reduction, and an electrolyte consisting of a substance capable of dissolving the product or products generated during discharge of the accumulator; the anode compartment and cathode compartment being separated from each other by a wall impervious to fluids and formed from a solid mineral electrolyte capable of allowing selective migration of the anode metal, in the form of cations are improved by adding to the anode compartment a salt of the anode metal between the anode and the separation wall.

Abstract: An improved aqueous metal-halogen electrochemical cell, particularly a zinc bromide cell, contains a water soluble tetraorgano-substituted ammonium salt in the electrolyte which forms a substantially water insoluble liquid complex with cathodic halogen thereby reducing self-discharge of the cell. Particularly preferred as the ammonium salt is N-ethyl, N-methyl morpholinium bromide.

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: A rechargeable aqueous metal-halogen cell is described which includes a casing, a pair of spaced apart porous electrode substrates in the casing, a fine-porous separator between the electrode substrates defining a positive and a negative electrode compartment, an electrolytic solution containing a zinc salt selected from the class consisting of zinc bromide, zinc iodide, and mixtures thereof in both compartments, and an organic halogen complexing additive in the electrolytic solution of at least the positive compartment.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, an anode-cathode configuration providing for direct anode-cathode contact by use of a mesh-screen cathode essentially contacting the anode over its full surface. Optionally, the screen is supported on a plurality of ribs formed on or attached to a cathode backplate, the ribs forming electrolyte channels between the cathode screen and the cathode backplate.The configuration can be utilized for both unipolar and bipolar electrodes. Provision is made for maintaining contact between the cathode screen and the anode as the anode is consumed, thereby maintaining efficiency of the battery. Voltage and power output of the cell is controlled by varying electrolyte concentration or temperature, or both.

Abstract: Electrolytes are disclosed which are useful in solar energy conversion and which have a wider range of wavelength response and enhanced activity compared to the photoredox system contained therein. These electrolytes contain one or more photosensitizing dyes which luminesce within the range of wavelengths absorbed by the photoredox system.

Abstract: A rechargeable aqueous metal-halogen cell is described which includes a casing, a pair of spaced apart porous electrode substrates in the casing, a micro-porous separator between the electrode substrates defining a positive and a negative electrode compartment, an aqueous electrolytic solution containing a zinc salt selected from the class consisting of zinc bromide, zinc iodide, and mixtures thereof in both compartments, and an organic halogen complexing additive of nitrobenzene in the electrolytic solution of at least the positive compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical type cell employing an outer active metal anode, a separator and an inner disposed cathode or cathode collector in the form of at least two arcuate bodies, said cathode or cathode collector having outward resilient biasing means for providing continuous physical contact between the anode-separator-cathode or cathode collector interfaces.

Abstract: The terminal pin assembly for a battery including an elongated cylindrical pin having a first end for extension exterior of the battery and a second end for extension interior of the battery where the second end has a larger cross-sectional area than the first end. Header means are included forming one end of the battery and defining an opening through which the pin extends such that the opening has a diameter larger than the first end of the pin. Bracket means are mounted on the interior side of the surface of the header means and extend inward from the surface, with the bracket means having a diameter larger than the opening in the header means. Sealing means are provided and are mounted on the exterior end of the pin and have a diameter essentially equal to the bracket means, whereby the bracket means is forceably enclosed about the sealing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical type cell employing an outer cathode or cathode collector, a separator and an inner disposed anode in the form of at least two discrete bodies, said anode bodies having centrally disposed biasing means for continuously exerting an outward force against said anode bodies so as to provide good physical contact between the anode-separator-cathode or cathode collector interfaces.

Abstract: A device to convert solar energy into electricity, making use of the reversible photogalvanic principle. This principle is based on the spontaneous light and dark reactions between two electrochemical half cells constructed from a reversible electrochemical reaction. The device uses photosensitizers that operate in a broad band infrared spectral region.The specific photosensitizer used is chlorophyll a coated on a platinum electrode suspended in an ionic salt solution on one side of the cell and a platinum electrode is also suspended on the other side of the half cell in a hydroquinone solution, and the electrodes are electrically connected, these solutions are interconnected by a salt bridge which permits the flow of cation charge reversibly between said first and second half cells upon on-off light irradiation of the chlorophyll coated electrode.

Abstract: A cell is fabricated using a solid alkali metal anode and a fluid cathode which are separated by a modified aluminate solid barrier which permits the flow of only the alkali metal ions. The fluid cathode can contain a solid, gaseous, or liquid oxidizer in a liquid electrolyte. Operating temperatures for these cells range from less than -40.degree. C to approximately 95.degree. C. At ambient temperatures, energy densities of the cells range from approximately 0.7 to 1.8 watt-hour per cubic centimeter. These cells are electrically rechargeable by raising their temperature above the melting point of sodium.

Abstract: Gels are formed from silica powders and hydrochloric acid. The gels can then be impregnated into a polymeric foam and the resultant sheet material can then be used in applications where the transport of chloride ions is desired. Specifically disclosed is the utilization of the sheet in electrically rechargable redox flow cells which find application in bulk power storage systems.