Purification process for lithium battery electrolytes

A method is described for purifying electrolytes used in alkali battery systems. An electrolyte is mixed with or fed through a column containing a mercury amalgam of the alkali of the electrolyte salt. The amalgam reduces the alkali-metal reactive impurities within the electrolyte. The electrolyte is also mixed with an oxidizing agent or fed through a column containing the oxidizing agent in order to oxidize impurities in the electrolyte. Electrolytes so treated will exhibit improved cycling capabilities, because the electrolyte will now be devoid of impurities which respectively can react with the anode and cathode of the battery.