POLYHALIDE HIGH ENERGY DENSITY CELLS

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An improved electrochemical cell comprises an alkali metal anode, a cathode, an oxidant of at least one quaternary ammonium polyhalide salt, and a dipolar aprotic electrolyte containing an ionizable salt of an alkali metal. A specific example includes a lithium anode, a carbon cathode, a tetraalkyl-ammonium tribromide salt and an electrolyte of one mole lithium hexafluoride dissolved in propylene carbonate, which cell provides an open circuit voltage of about 306 volts. The oxidant can be incorporated in the cathode structure or be added independently to the cell, e.g., by use of a circulating electrolyte.