Page 417 - Lindens Handbook of Batteries

14.82 PriMAry BATTerieS

FIGURE 14.82 Comparison of Li/CuO and Zn/alka-
line/MnO AA-size batteries at 20°C.
2

The discharge proceeds stepwise, CuO → Cu O → Cu, but the detailed mechanism has not
2
been clarified. 1,54 A double-plateau discharge has been observed at high-temperature (70°C)
discharges at low rates, which blends into a single plateau under more normal discharge
conditions. 55

14.11.2 Construction

The construction of the Li/CuO button-type battery shown in Fig. 14.83a similar to other
conventional and lithium/solid-cathode cells. Copper oxide forms the positive electrode and
lithium the negative. The electrolyte consists of lithium perchlorate in an organic solvent
(dioxolane).
The cylindrical batteries (Fig. 14.83b) use an inside-out bobbin construction. A cylinder of pure
porous nonwoven glass is used as the separator, nickel-plated steel for the case, and a polypropylene
gasket for the cell seal. The can is connected to the cylindrical copper oxide cathode and the top to
the lithium anode.

14.11.3 Performance
Button Battery. The performance of the 60 mAh Li/CuO button cell under various discharge con-
ditions and temperatures is shown in Fig. 14.84.

Cylindrical Bobbin Li/CuO Battery. Typical discharge curves for this system are shown in
Fig. 14.85. After a high initial load voltage, the discharge profile is flat at the relatively light
loads. The bobbin construction does not lend itself to high-rate discharges, and the battery
capacity is significantly lowered with increasing discharge rates. The Li/CuO cylindrical bat-
tery operates over a wide temperature range, typically from -20 to 70°C, although the battery
can operate outside these limits but with changes in the discharge profile or load capability.