Primary Batteries. Lithium Battery Session. An Overview of the Primary Lithium Battery Program,

Advances have been made recently in the area of both solid and liquid cathode reactants for non-reserve lithium primary cells. Amongst the solid cathode reactants, carbon monofluoride has already served as the basis for a successful sealed low-rate cell. Improvements appear quite possible through the utilization of modified CF formulations and of other carbon-fluorine compounds. Amongst the liquid cathode reactants, sulfur dioxide has served as the basis for the most successful lithium cell yet fully developed. Providing engineering and stability problems are solved, thionyl chloride and other oxyhalides of phosphorous and sulfur may provide the basis for cells of much better performance than that of the Li-SO2 system.