LITHIUM-DISSOLVED SULFUR BATTERY WITH AN ORGANIC ELECTROLYTE

Prototype cells of the configuration Li/~5M S as Li2Sn, THF, 1M LiAsF6/C have been characterized with regard to capacity, rate, and rechargeability. Virtually 100% of the theoretical capacity could be realized at 50°C at rates below 1.0 mA/cm2. In high rate cell configurations, 75% cathode utilization is possible at ~4 mA/cm2 (C/3-C/4rate). The capacities at high rate are enhanced by Lewis acids, although the ultimate cause of rate limitation is passivation of the current collector by discharge products. The self-discharge rates of Li in contact with 4-5M S (as Li2Sn) solutions reveal capacity losses of 0.5%/day at 25°C to 4.4%/day at 71°C. Based on the experimental results, a practical energy density of ~300 W-hr kg-1 is possible using a standard cell design. Results on the battery's rechargeability are briefly reviewed. © 1979, The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.