A High Energy Density Lithium/Dichloroisocyanuric Acid Battery System

Abstract

The N‐chloro compound, dichloroisocyanuric acid (DCA), has been discharged vs. lithium in organic nonaqueous electrolytes. The (methyl formate)/DCA system has an open‐circuit voltage of 4.0v. The solubility of DCA in (methyl formate) is 13 w/o (weight per cent) or 0.65M. Chronopotentiometry at platinum electrodes indicates an irreversible electrode reaction . However there are no separate voltage plateaus at platinum or carbon. Coulometric and battery discharge data are complex, probably because of precipitates formed during the reduction of DCA in the presence of lithium salts in methyl formate. At constant 3.2v discharges, average current densities are 5.8 and 3.4 ma/cm2 at 4 and 8 hr, respectively. Excluding grid and container weights 200 whr/lb is achieved in 8 hr. High energy densities (180 whr/lb) are obtained under constant load at 3–10 hr discharge rates. When the cell is activated immediately prior to discharge, self‐discharge and anode passivation are relatively minor problems.