Preparation and characterization of the Zr/CuO pyrotechnical battery

Abstract

A pyrotechnical battery is successfully prepared, including an anode and cathode having pyrotechnic charges with Zr, CuO and asbestos. The anode and cathode are separated by a separator formed from LiF, ZrO₂, and a fibrous sponge. A digital phosphor oscilloscope (DPO) is used to analyze discharge characterization of the pyrotechnical battery. Then the properties of the electrode materials are characterized by EDS, SEM and a temperature recorder, respectively. The discharge mechanism and safety characteristic are also discussed. The results indicate that the combustion temperature of electrode materials is determined as 1 500.6 °C according to thermometry analysis (the case temperature of the battery is lower). The combustion product is identified as ZrO₂, Cu₂O and Cu by X-ray diffraction (XRD). When the diaphragm is completely melted, Li⁺ migration and an embedded-based conductive process are formed. Then an electromotive force will immediately reach to the maximum. The discharge performance of the pyrotechnical battery then takes on stability. The electromotive force is up to 2.29 V, and that discharge time continues for more than 18 s. The current density in the small area (less than 2.88 Acm⁻²) is most effective. The conversion efficiency of electric energy is 96%. The pyrotechnical battery is very safe for the production and use processes.

Keywords

electrochemistry / molten salt / pyrotechnical battery / conductive mechanism / current density

References

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