AUTHOR=Tian Qianqiu , Wang Jiajun , Xiang Wendi , Zhao Jun , Guo Hao , Hu Jing , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin 

TITLE=Fabrication of the Ni-NiCl2 Composite Cathode Material for Fast-Response Thermal Batteries

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Chemistry

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2021.679231

DOI=10.3389/fchem.2021.679231

ISSN=2296-2646

ABSTRACT=<p>Thermal batteries with a high power density and rapid activation time are crucial for improving the fast response ability of sophisticated weapons. In this study, an Ni-NiCl<sub>2</sub> composite was prepared <italic>via</italic> hydrogen reduction and employed as a cathode material. Discharge tests on a battery assembled using the fabricated composite revealed that its initial internal resistance decreased and the activation time reduced. Notably, the Ni-NiCl<sub>2</sub> cathode increased the energy output by 47% (from 6.76 to 9.94 Wh in NiCl<sub>2</sub> and Ni-NiCl<sub>2</sub>, respectively) with a cut-off voltage of 25 V; the power density of the novel battery system reached 11.4 kW/kg. The excellent performance of the thermal battery benefited from the high electrode potential and low internal resistance of Ni-NiCl<sub>2</sub>. This study contributes to the development of high-performance electrode materials for next-generation thermal battery-related technologies.</p>