We disclosed that a few kinds of aromatic compounds having thianthrene derivatives with acetyl or other functional groups were stable up to about 4.2-4.3 V against lithium. These materials, called redox shuttle, have lately been employed as a chemical overcharge protection agent that consumes the excess current during battery overcharge. They oxidized above 4 V and worked as redox shuttle when introduced into the electrolyte of a Carbon/LiCoO2 prismatic battery within less than one hour rate (1C). We also studied thermal properties of batteries containing the
above-mentioned materials with ARC (Accelerating Rate Calorimeter). We ascertained that the current supplied over the full charge was not stored, but instantly and quite completely consumed in an oxidation-reduction reaction.
Abraham KM, Pasquariello DM, Willstaedt EB, J. Electrochem. Soc., 137, 1856, 1990
Abraham KM, Rohan JF, Pasquariello DM, "Chemical Overcharge Protection of Lithium and Lithium Ion Batteries," U.S. Patent, No. 5858573, EIC Laboratories, Inc., 1999
David W, "Battery Incorporating Hydraulic Activation of Disconnect Safety Device on Overcharge," Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,093,763, Moli Energy Ltd., 1990