Influence of allotropic modifications of sulphur on the cell voltage in Mg-CuI(S) seawater activated battery

The increase in cell voltage of Mg-CuI seawater activated batteries effecte d by sulphur addition is strongly influenced by the kind of sulphur allotro pe used for the purpose. Cyclohexasulphur (S-6), cyclooctasulphur (S-8), an d cyclododecasulphur (S-12) were evaluated for the benevolence vis-a-vis th at of commercial grade sulphur. Sulphur participates in the electrochemical reaction, the elevation in cell voltage being in the order of reactivity o f the allotropes: S-6 > S-12 > S-8> commercial grade sulphur. Battery perfo rmance results are discussed in the light of UV, IR and EPR spectra and mag netic susceptibility measurements. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All right s reserved.