摘要 |
An electrochemical cell having an anode which is an alloy of an oxidizable metal, specifically lithium, and an element having a lower oxidation potential, for example calcium. The cell is partially discharged to deplete the amount of lithium at the surface of the anode. Then the cell is conditioned, preferably by annealing at a temperature of about 70 DEG C. for one to two weeks. This treatment produces an anode having a surface region which is either a layer consisting mostly of the element or a lithium compound of the element. This protective coating on the anode limits the short circuit current which can flow through the cell. |