Lithium batteries using molten nitrate electrolytes

The lithium anode is sufficiently stable in the molten LiNO/sub 3/-KNO/sub 3/ molten sale eutectic (mp=124/spl deg/C) for possible applications in thermal batteries as well as in batteries for electric vehicles. The lithium anode reaction is readily reversible in this molten nitrate electrolyte. This anode can be discharged over a temperature range of 150-350/spl deg/C when the liquid lithium (mp=181/spl deg/C) is immobilized by iron powder or by a porous lithium-boron matrix. Transition metal oxide cathode materials are being investigated for possible applications in the Li/LiNO/sub 3/-KNO/sub 3/ system. The goal is a rechargeable, high energy and power density battery that can deliver 4 V per cell.