BATTERY CHARGE TRANSFER MECHANISMS

摘要

The present invention provides a secondary cell having a negative electrode compartment (15) and a positive electrode compartment (25), which are separated by an alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane (40). An alkali metal negative electrode (20) disposed in the negative electrode compartment (15) oxidizes to release alkali ions as the cell discharges and reduces the alkali ions to alkali metal during recharge. The positive electrode compartment (25) includes a positive electrode (30) contacting a positive electrode solution (35) that includes an alkali metal compound and a metal halide. The alkali metal compound can be selected from an alkali halide and an alkali pseudo-halide. During discharge, the metal ion reduces to form metal plating on the positive electrode. As the cell charges, the metal plating oxidizes to strip the metal plating to form metal halide or pseudo halide or corresponding metal complex.