KSCN, a neutral salt, is positioned in the separator. NH 4 SCN ensures ionic conductivity and provides an acid environment to enhance anode activity, as well as reducing the ammonia's vapor pressure. In this design, dry electrolyte salts separate the electrodes, and the ammonia vapor in the electrode compartment activates the battery. Advantages of the ammonia battery were arming and fusing applications at a good low temperature performance. The first ammonia vapor batteries had slow activation, and scientists began to work on liquid ammonia reserve batteries.
Ammonia batteries have pros and cons.
Ammonia batteries last in excess of 10 years on the shelf if they are not activated, and can withstand normal temperatures of -70 to 74 degrees Celsius. Liquid ammonia has a low viscosity, so activation times are enhanced. Ammonia batteries operate anywhere between -55 and 74 degrees Celsius due to the high conductivity of ammonia electrolytes. Because of excessive internal pressure, ammonia batteries require hermetic seals. Depending on the type of ammonia battery, voltage can be anywhere between 1.1 to 3.0 volts per cell.