CELLS WITH SODIUM-HYPOCHLORITE OR CHLORITE AND ANODES OF MAGNESIUM ORALUMINUM

A cell composed of a chlorine oxy-ion salt, acting as the battery posi tive, and anodes of magnesium or aluminum was found to be capable of p roducing potentials and currents comparable to those of conventional b atteries. However, its use would have to be limited to that of a reser ve type of battery with a short service-life because of the chemical i nteraction of the anodes with the electrolyte. This rate of reaction w as considerably reduced by the presence of nitrate ion in the electrol yte. The rate of decomposition of hypochlorite solutions on aging was found not to be significant for their use in a reserve type of battery . The utilization of the reactants in the magnesium-chlorine oxy-ion c ells was about 60% on a continuous discharge. Since these cells after being discharged would contain only a solution of common salt and a sl urry of a metal hydroxide, they were innocuous with respect to the env ironment. Since this characteristic might make the battery of possible interest for a ''green'' motor vehicle, a battery was evaluated with respect to the adaptations that would be necessary for such an applica tion.