Feasibility study of sulphone-based electrolytes for a medium-temperature reserve cell concept

The author describes a feasibility study on materials for a medium-temperature reserve primary cell, which is activated by melting a lithium-salt-sulphone mixture to provide electrical power. The aim was to define performance parameters for use as a high energy density battery capable of current density in the range 5 to 50 mA/cm². The cathode was silver chromate and vanadium oxide. The most promising test cell used a silver chromate carbon, di-p-tolylsulphone-lithium perchlorate, electrolyte and lithium-aluminum alloy anode. Maximum current capability was 40 mA/cm². It was observed that voltage drops were rather high due to the high internal resistance of some sulphone-based cells. These cells could power a heat sensor