CYCLING OF THE SULFOLANE-BASED CATHODIC REAGENT IN THE LI-SO2 CELL

The use of sulfolane-based perchlorate electrolyte is shown to be high ly effective for cycling of the depolarizer in the Li - SO2 cell. The Li - SO2 system with a supporting electrolyte of the composition sulfo lane + 1 M LiClO4 has exhibited properties characteristic of battery s ystems. The reduction of sulfur dioxide is shown to be controlled by t he diffusion of SO2 to the electrode surface and the dimerization of t he intermediate products of reduction of SO2. The cycling ability of t he graphitic-carbon electrode in electrolyte of the composition sulfol ane + 1 M LiClO4 + 2.75 M SO2 has been estimated. The specific dischar ge capacity of the system is as low as 4.5-5.5 mA/cm2. The 1:1 (by vol ume) sulfolane - acetonitrile mixture seems promising for realizing th e secondary Li-SO2 cell.