Test cells for the investigation of battery reactions at high internal pressures

Beginning with a construction based on a C-size (LR-14) battery container ( 'can'), encased in a strong PMMA-support and fitted with a removable cell t op equipped with a manometer and a gas-outlet valve, a second and, finally, a more refined third generation cell was developed. The final (3rd generat ion) design provides additional options for experimental work. For example, the system can be flushed with inert gas; a regulating gas-flow valve has been fitted to feed precisely a gas chromatograph with the gaseous reaction products and a reference electrode to measure anode and cathode potentials individually has also been incorporated. Since AA cells (LR-6) are the dom inant monocell battery size, test cells of the second generation were fitte d with an adapter to accomodate either a C- or an AA-size. However, the mos t recent system was designed exclusively for AA-sized cans. The different c ell designs are described and examples of their practical application (e.g. , overcharge experiments) are given.