The rate capability of a Li/SOCl2 cell depends on the common surface area between the carbon cathode and the lithium anode. The common surface area is the area where the two electrodes are directly facing each other in close proximity. Rate capability can be sated as a function of current density, that is the amount of current drawn from the cell per unit common surface area. Most commonly, current density is stated as milliamperes per square centimeter (mA/cm2)
Li/SOCl2 cells develop maximum capacity when they are discharged at current densities between 0.1 mA/cm2 and 2.0 mA/cm2. Li/SOCl2 cells can be discharged at current densities outside the nominal range stated above, but some reduction in capacity may result.
For example, a cell with 150 cm2 of common surface area can be discharged at 300 mA (150 cm2 X 2.0 mA/cm2) without a loss in capacity. A cell discharged at higher rates may lose capacity due to cathode freeze-over. (See Cathode Freeze-over).
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