Abstract: The chemical composition and thermal properties of the products on the carbon cathode in overdischarged Li/SOCl₂ cells have been investigated by DSC, EDAX and XPS methods. The rate of the exothermic reaction and half life of the hazardous products have been evaluated according to Ozawa's formulation. The results showed that the solid deposits on the passivated cathode were composed of LiCI,Li₂S, Li₂S₂, Li_xS_y,S and elemental lithium. The explosion of the cell at overdiseharged condition is mainly caused by the well-dispersed mixture of fine elemental sulphur and lithium.

Key words: lithium-thionyl chloride cell, overdischarged product, thermal analysis