Is Lithium Thionyl Chloride a battery or it it a fuel cell
http://www.nexergy.com/lithium-thionyl-chloride.htm
so its both?
I thought all fuel cells were batteries, at least a cell anyway.
Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl2) is a type of battery, specifically a primary, non-rechargeable battery. It is not a fuel cell.
A fuel cell, on the other hand, is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel (such as hydrogen or methanol) and an oxidant (usually oxygen) into electrical energy. Fuel cells have the ability to produce electricity continuously as long as fuel and oxidant are supplied.
To determine whether Lithium Thionyl Chloride is a battery or a fuel cell, you can follow these steps:
1. Understand the characteristics of a battery: A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy. Batteries can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable (primary). Non-rechargeable batteries are designed for single-use and are discarded once they are depleted.
2. Identify the components of Lithium Thionyl Chloride: Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries consist of lithium metal as the anode, Thionyl Chloride (SOCl2) as the electrolyte, and carbon-based material as the cathode.
3. Assess the mode of operation: Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries operate by utilizing a chemical reaction between lithium and Thionyl Chloride. During discharge, lithium oxidizes, and Thionyl Chloride reduces, producing electrical energy. This chemical reaction is irreversible, making Lithium Thionyl Chloride a primary (non-rechargeable) battery.
By understanding the characteristics, components, and mode of operation of Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries, we can conclude that it is indeed a battery and not a fuel cell.