Abstract: In sodium/sulfur batteries, electrical contact is maintained between the sulfur which is nonconductive and an aluminum container or other external electrical conductor, by having electrical contact between the sulfur and conductive carbon fibers and/or mat which contact a molybdenum or chromium coated surface of an aluminum conductor. A terminal portion of the aluminum conductor is uncoated and is employed for making electrical contact to the external conductor. A battery configuration of particular interest has a central .beta.-alumina tube which may serve as the sulfur or sodium container surrounded by sodium or sulfur respectively.

Abstract: A cell casing and a hermetically sealed sodium-sulfur cell are disclosed wherein the cell casing includes a hermetic mechanical seal joining two opposed outer metallic casing portions to a ceramic ring supporting an inner casing of a solid sodium ion-conductive material. A hermetically sealed sodium-sulfur cell has the above type of casing with a sodium negative electrode in the inner casing and a positive electrode of sulfur in conductive material in an outer casing portion surrounding the inner casing.