Patent ID: 9236643
Filing Date: 2016-01-12
CPC Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method of operating an electrochemical cell, comprising: a plurality of electrodes comprising a fuel electrode that comprises aluminum and an air electrode that absorbs gaseous oxygen, and an ionically conductive medium comprising an organic solvent, the cell being operable in a discharge mode; the method comprising: operating the cell in the discharge mode, wherein gaseous oxygen is reduced at the air electrode and the aluminum is oxidized at the fuel electrode; wherein during non-use of the cell, the organic solvent promotes formation of a protective interface between the aluminum of the fuel electrode and the ionically conductive medium; and wherein at an onset of the discharge mode, at least some of the protective interface is removed from the aluminum to thereafter permit oxidation of the aluminum during the discharge mode.