Galvanic cells compressibility

The galvanic cell studied (shown in Fig. 5.24) utilizes a highly porous solid electrolyte that is a eutectic composition of LiCl and KCl. This eutectic has a melt temperature of 352 °C and has been carefully studied in prior electrochemical studies. Such solid electrolytes are typical of thermal battery technology in which galvanic cells are inert until the electrolyte is melted. In the present case, shock compression activates the electrolyte by enhanced solid state reactivity and melting. The temperature resulting from the shock compression is controlled by experiments at various electrolyte densities, which were varied from 65% to 12.5% of solid density. The lower densities were achieved by use of microballoons which add little mass to the system but greatly decrease the density. 

Fig. 5.24. The electrochemical properties of the galvanic cell shown have been studied under high pressure shock compression. The cell is composed of anode, electrolyte, and cathode materials studied in independent applications of thermal batteries.

Gottingen (where he was offered a professorship in 1901). He became full professor at Harvard in 1901, being appointed in 1912 to the Erving professorship on the retirement of Prof. Jackson. Besides atomic weights, Richards worked on the compressibility of solid elements (which led him to the idea of compressible atoms ) and on the thermodynamics of galvanic cells (see p. 620). All his work is characterised by great accuracy and originality. ... 

Materials of construction for the zinc/mercuric oxide cells are limited not only by their ability to survive continuous contact with strong caustic alkali, but also by their electrochemical compatibility with the electrode materials. As far as the external contacts are concerned, these are decided by corrosion resistance, compatibility with the equipment interface with respect to galvanic corrosion, and, to some degree, cosmetic appearance. Metal parts may be homogeneous, plated metal, or clad metal. Insulating parts may be injection-, compression-, or transfer-molded polymers or rubbers. 

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