Abstract: An autoclavable elctrochemical cell which may be used in an implantable medical device. The anode active material is lithium or other material from groups IA and IIA of the Periodic Table and having a melting point greater than about 150 degrees C. The cathode active material is silver vanadium oxide or other metal oxide or carbon monoflouride. The solvent for the electrolyte has a boiling point greater than about 100 degrees C. and a dielectric constant greater than about 5 so that the cell may be dimensionally and chemically stable during repeated exposures of about one hour each to the autoclaving temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolyte solvents for ambient-temperature lithium-sulfur batteries. The disclosed solvents include at least one ethoxy repeating unit compound of the general formula R.sub.1 (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n R.sub.2, where n ranges between 2 and 10 and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are different or identical alkyl or alkoxy groups (including substituted alkyl or alkoxy groups). Alternatively, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may together with (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n form a closed ring. Examples of linear solvents include the glymes (CH.sub.3 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3). Some electrolyte solvents include a donor or acceptor solvent in addition to an ethoxy compound as described.