LI-AL/FES2 RESEARCH AT ANL (ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY)

Research is being conducted to bring a high-performance secondary battery containing Li-Al/FeS{sub 2} cells with molten-salt electrolyte closer to commercial development. To maintain the electrolyte in the molten state, cells are normally operated at temperatures of 375-425{degree}C. The objective of this research is the development of lithium-alloys/FeS{sub 2} cells that will attain high performance ({approximately}200 Wh/kg and 400 W/kg) and long cycle life (>1000 cycles) and will have the potential for low-cost fabrication. Recent efforts have been concentrated on developing an electrolyte-starved (ES) cell design that is both overdischarge and overcharge tolerant (OCT). Also under investigation is a bipolar configuration that will substantially increase battery performance. 34 figs., 1 tab.