STORAGE PROPERTIES OF ADVANCED C-SIZE CALCIUM-THIONYL CHLORIDE BATTERIES

The major drawback of the Ca-TC cell has been rapid corrosion of the calcium anode (i. e. , too short a shelf life). The calcium-thionyl chloride cell is a SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) battery. The goal of this work was to change either the properties of the CaCl//2 SEI or its chemical composition in order that the calcium anode be better protected from corrosion. This was done by changing the electrolyte salt from Ca(AlCl//4)//2 to either Sr(AlCl//4)//2 (type A) or Ba(AlCl//4)//2 (type B). Experimental results show that the modified calcium-thionyl chloride cells are expected to have a shelf life of at least three years at 20 degree C. The modifications cause no apparent penalty in performance. We believe that the progress achieved here increases the feasibility of the commercialization of the Ca-TC battery.