Electrochemical primary and secondary cells which utilize alkali or alkaline earth metal anodes such as lithium, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, and catalytic air electrodes which utilize components of the atmosphere, namely, oxygen and water as a source of electrochemical power. The electrolyte system in the electrochemical cells comprises a nonaqueous electrolyte solvent, namely, an organic solvent of sufficient polarity to dissolve an electrolyte salt.
An anode coating for anhydrous electrochemical generating cells is disclosed wherein the anode active material is coated with the insoluble reaction product of the anode metal with an inhibiting reactant such as CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2, O.sub.2, NH.sub.3, and N.sub.2 saturated with respect to water vapor H.sub.2 O. This coating is insoluble in the cell under open circuit conditions and is stable with regard to said electrolyte but is soluble in said electrolyte, when the cell is discharged with a negligible over voltage. The coated anodes and the method for making same are specifically described. Cells with anodes treated according to this invention have been stored at 55.degree. C, for extended periods with negligible self discharge.
A lithium cell comprising a negative electrode containing lithium, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the positive and negative electrodes is improved in internal resistance and shelf life when the negative electrode is surface treated with water, lithium hydroxide, a PF.sub.6 ion-containing compound, or an AsF.sub.6 ion-containing compound.
