Mechanistic Studies Related to the Safety of Li / SOCl2 Cells

Abstract

Mechanistic studies of the reactions in cells have been undertaken to improve understanding of the safety problems of these cells. The electrochemical reduction of has been investigated using gas chromatography, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. and have been identified as intermediates in the reduction of , along with a radical species (, , ) and the proposed triplet ground‐state dimer of this radical. and sulfur have been identified as products. Based upon these findings, a mechanism for the electrochemical reduction of has been proposed, and its implications for safety of cells during discharge to +0.5V at 25°–30°C are discussed.