A RECHARGEABLE CADMIUM-BROMINE BATTERY USING ROOM-TEMPERATURE CHLOROALUMINATE MOLTEN-SALTS

Galvanic cells were tested using as electrolytes room temperature molten salts formed by mixing AlCl//3 with 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride (MEICl). Zn and Cd, each with basic melt (containing Cl** minus and AlCl//4** minus ) were the anodes. Br//2 dissolved in basic melt with a reticulated vitreous carbon current collector was the cathode in each case. MEI** plus -selective Nafion was used as a separator. The Zn electrode was found to be irreversible, while the Cd/Br//2 cell is rechargeable with an open-circuit voltage of 2. 0V, an extended temperature range of operation, and potential for high specific energy.