Evaluation of Room-Temperature Chloroaluminate Molten Salts as Electrolytes for High Energy Density Batteries.

摘要

This report reviews past battery studies using room-temperature chloroaluminate electrolytes, pointing out problems experienced. The report then summarizes attempts to circumvent these problems. A cell is described that uses a sodium anode, a copper (II) chloride cathode, and room-temperature chloroaluminate electrolyte buffered to the neutral composition. Cells give an open circuit voltage greater than 2.75 volts and discharge near 1 milliAmperes per centimeters squared at voltages greater than 2 volts for more than 20 hours. Cell failure is attributed to the formation of a nonconductive coating on the sodium electrode. Suggestions for future studies are presented. While the room-temperature chloroaluminates appear suitable for high-voltage, low-current batteries, their physical properties may limit their potential for high energy density batteries. Keywords: Battery, LiCl, Electrode, KCl, Molten salt, Electrodes, Sodium, Chloroaluminate, Cadmium, High energy density batteries, Ionic liquids. (JG)