Authors : Dario R Dekel
As a rule, thermal batteries consist of a series or series-parallel arrays of cells. Each cell comprises an anode, electrolyte-separator, cathode, and a pyrotechnic heat source. Activation of the cell occurs when sufficient heat is applied to melt the electrolyte. Lithium alloys and immobilized molten lithium are typically used as anodes. Molten lithium anodes possess the advantage of higher capacity and faster kinetics. One disadvantage is the formation of lithium nitride due to nitrogen attack, which results in serious degradation of the lifetime of thermal batteries. The author proposes a new lithium anode composite for thermal batteries, consisting of a new composition of Li-Al-Fe (lithium, aluminium, iron). Good electrical characteristics are exhibited by these new anodes, similar to those displayed by conventional Li-Fe anodes. There is no indication that the anodes are being nitrided during normal anode production or during battery aging. 1 tab.
