Development of lithium/metal sulfide batteries at Argonne National Laboratory: summary report for 1977. [Li--Al or Li--Si anode; FeS, FeS/sub 2/, or NiS/sub 2/ cathode]

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Highlights for 1977 of Argonne National Laboratory's program on the development of lithium/metal sulfide batteries are presented. Intended applications are electric-vehicle propulsion and stationary-energy-storage applications such as load-leveling. The battery cells consist of a lithium--aluminum or lithium--silicon alloy negative electrode, an FeS or FeS/sub 2/ positive electrode, and a molten LiCl--KCl electrolyte, which requires an operating temperature of 400 to 450/sup 0/C. Most of the cells tested during the year were of a prismatic design, with capacities in the range of 100 to 200 Ah. Subcontracts were continued with industrial firms on the development of cell fabrication techniques and fabrication of electrical feedthroughs and electrode separators. Proposals were solicited for the development, design, and fabrication of a 40 kWh battery to be tested in an electric van early in 1979. After testing the 40 kWh battery, electric-vehicle batteries with higher performance, longer lifetime, and potentially lower cost in mass production will be fabricated. Conceptual designs for a 6 Mwh battery module for stationary energy storage were completed. Cells of about 4 kWh capacity are to be assembled into submodules. Nearly 200 cells were fabricated by industrial subcontractors in 1977 for testing; approximately 45 additional cells of various designs were fabricatedmore » and tested at ANL to evaluate different types of electrodes, current collectors, separators, and other cell components. Work was continued on the development and testing of materials for various cell components, and post-test examinations of cells were made to evaluate the behavior of cell materials and to determine the causes of cell failure. Chemistry studies during the year were concerned primarily with the electrochemistry of FeS/sub 2/ and NiS/sub 2/ electrodes. 10 figures, 6 tables. « less