The chemistry of Li-SOCl/sub 2/ cells during anode-limited voltage reversal

Gas chromatography, atomic absorption analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy have been used to identify compounds formed during anode-limited voltage reversal of LiSOCl/sub 2/ cells. Cl/sub 2/, SO/sub 2/, SO/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/, Ni(II) complexes, SCl/sub 2/, and S/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ have been identified as products of the oxidation of 1.5 M LiAlCl/sub 4//SOCl/sub 2/ at 4.5 to 5.5 V /SUB Li/ , 25-30/sup 0/C and a nickel electrode. No safety hazard due to intermediates or products formed by the studied oxidation reactions of 1.5M LiAlCl/sub 4//SOCl/sub 2/ was identified, but additional research is required to assure there is no Li-SOCl/sub 2/ cell safety hazard.