Abstract Electrochemical cells utilizing lithium negative electrodes capable of discharge at high rate in which the lithium electrode operates in substantially insoluble manner utilizing a nonaqueous electrolyte in which lithium and its oxidation products formed during discharge are insoluble, in which the lithium is not corroded and which has acceptable conductivity and in which excessive electrode polarization and passivation is prevented. The composition of the non-aqueous electrolyte comprises at least a solution of a tetrabutylammonium salt in propylene carbonate and advantageously a solution of tetrabutylammonium chloride (C4H9)4 NCl in propylene carbonate mixed with tetrabutylammonium perchlorate. The concentration of tetrabutylammonium salts in propylene carbonate is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1 mole per liter and advantageously the ratio of tetrabutylammonium perchlorate concentration to tetrabutylammonium chloride concentration expressed in moles per liter does not exceed 10.
An electrochemical generator according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the said solution in propylene carbonate is in the range of 0.5 to 1 mole per liter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrochemical generator according to claim 1, wherein the concentration ratio of tetrabutylammonium perchlorate to tetrabutylammonium chloride expressed in moles per liter is <about 10.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electrochemical generator according to claim 1, wherein said positive electrode is of the Ag/AgCl type.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A non-aqueous electrolyte for an electrochemical cell having a strongly electro-negative Li/LiCl electrode comprising a mixed solution of tetrabutyl ammonium perchlorate and tetrabutyl ammonium chloride in propylene carbonate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A non-aqueous electrolyte according to claim 5, wherein the concentration of mixed solution in propylene carbonate is in the range of about 0.5 to 1 mole per liter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A non-aqueous electrolyte according to claim 5, wherein the concentration ratio of the tetrabutylammonium perchlorate to tetrabutylammonium chloride expressed in moles per liter is < about 10.