HIGH RATE OXIDATION OF SILVER ELECTRODES IN CHLORIDE SOLUTIONS

The search for a rechargeable battery cathode capable of accepting a high charging rate with a high efficiency showed that flat silver/silver chloride electrodes could be charged under constant current conditions at rates as high as 150 C (300 ma/sq cm). The high rate of charge was accompanied by a considerable evolution of heat at the electrode, and the charging process was generally terminated by the boiling of the electrolyte. Low rates of charge in the same system below 60 ma/sq cm, led to the formation of silver chloride films which could not be discharged efficiently.