Sulfur-Based Lithium-Organic Electrolyte Secondary Batteries.

摘要

The overall aim of this program was the development of a rechargeable lithium battery utilizing an organic solvent. Specifications included operation over the range -40 to +160 F (-40 to +70 C), energy density approaching 100 Whr/lb, a cycle-life in excess of 500, and high charge retention. A system meeting all these specifications would represent a considerable advance in the state of the art. An analysis of possible alternatives suggested the likelihood of developing such batteries with positive electrodes based on sulfur. Two general classes are promising: soluble sulfur positives, and positives based on higher sulfides of transition metals, particularly on sulfur-rich compounds of titanium, niobium and vanadium. Initially, both systems were investigated. Then, since only one of the two approaches towards sulfur based cathodes could be continued within the scope of this investigation, it was decided to concentrate on the transition metal sulfides as they have more immediate prospects for practical use.