In this paper,anhydrous NiCl2 was successfully prepared by two-step dehydration process combining low-temperature loose dehydration and high-temperature sublimation.Then NiCl2-FeS2 composite cathode material was prepared by physical mixing.Its physicochemical proper-ties and electrochemical properties were studied.The anhydrous NiCl2 shows low water absorption,high crystallinity without any oxide impurities.FeS2 composition can effectively improve the peak voltage and high-current load capacity of thermal batteries,and greatly prolonging the working time.When the addition of 10%FeS2,the composite presents the excellent comprehensive electrical perfor-mance of the thermal battery.The pulse specific power reaches up to 20 kW/kg.These results are very helpful for research and development of high voltage and high specific power thermal battery.