The electrochemical behavior of lithium in alkaline aqueous electrolytes

We present a DC anodic polarization and AC impedance analysis of pure lithium in alkaline aqueous electrolyte. This analysis allowed us to study the behavior of pure lithium in different electrolytes, and also to study the effects that selected inorganic compounds have on the oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions at ambient temperature. We found that high concentrations of potassium hydroxide decrease the lithium oxidation and the hydrogen evolution rates at the anode surface. The inorganic compounds in the electrolyte were found to have a stronger influence on the anodic partial current than on the cathodic partial current.