Section I introduces the material contained in the rest of the report. Section II presents the origin and characteristics of humic materials as we understand them today and outlines the methods that have been used to separate and analyze these substances. Section III focuses on the general problem of metal-organic interactions and treats some of the factors that are important in chelating and complexing of metal ions by humic substances. Section IV deals specifically with the complexing of radionuclides by organic substances, treated from the standpoint of both empirical and experimental studies.

This report contains historical information on the Li-alloy/FeS system that will be useful in its future applications. This document includes the following: (1) the chemical and electrochemical reactions for the Li-alloy/FeS system, accomplishments in past cell development efforts, and performance attained by state-of-the-art cells vs performance goals; (2) detailed drawings of state-of-the-art cell designs, documentation of cell fabrication techniques, and comparisons of alternative types of cell components (such as BN felt vs MgO powder separators, stainless vs low-carbon steel cell housings) and fabrication techniques (such as charged vs uncharged electrodes); (3) results of post-test cell analyses, including cell failure mechanisms, electrode morphology and active material distribution, and in-cell corrosion rates; (4) data from trade-off studies between specific power and energy; (5) discussion of battery design considerations (e.g., volumetric energy density, battery charger, and high-efficiency thermal insulation); (6) results of cost studies, which include materials and manufacturing costs of cells and batteries and heating costs involved in battery operation; and (7) projections of cell designs having the greatest potential for meeting electric-vehicle performance requirements.

Quarterly report on activities of Argonne National Laboratory's Nuclear Technical Programs, including a review of studies of the ability of backfill to inhibit groundwater flow in a nuclear waste repository.