A solvated electron lithium electrode for secondary batteries

This paper discusses some recent work performed on a new strategy for achieving electrochemical reversibility by lithium electrodes. The lithium electrode investigated consisted of lithium initially dissolved to liquid ammonia to give a solvated electron solution. Containment of this liquid negative active material from direct contact with a liquid non-aqueous electrolyte present in the cell positive electrode compartment was addressed via the use of a lithium intercalated electronically conducting ceramic membrane of the general composition Li/sub x/WO/sub 2/ (0.1 < x < 1.0). During discharge at the Li,NH/sub 3//Li/sub x/WO/sub 2/ negative electrode, electrochemical oxidation of lithium occurred at the Li/sub x/WO/sub 2//non-aqueous electrolyte interface region with the chemical activity of intercalated lithium within Li/sub x/WO/sub 2/ being maintained by its equilibrium with the solvated electron lithium/ammonia solution