The Mechanisms of Thionyl Chloride Reduction at Solid Electrodes

An experimental technique has been devised which allows in situ sampling of electrolyte from a functioning cell, followed by rapid FTIR analysis for soluble reaction products. Disulfur monoxide is observed as an intermediate discharge product. The half‐life of is estimated to be about 20 min. The presence of is consistent with sulfur chemistry, as well as the accepted stoichiometry of the battery system. A possible safety hazard for low temperature discharges of cells is identified.