Abstract: The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of a sodium-sulfur storage battery comprising battery components of metallic members jointed by means of a thermocompression method to an .alpha.-alumina ring which is jointed to a sodium ion conductive solid electrolytic tube using solder glass. According to the invention, thicknesses of the metallic members thermocompressively jointed to upper and lower surfaces of said .alpha.-alumina ring is in a range from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm. Plate-shaped aluminum rings are disposed between said .alpha.-alumina ring and said metallic members respectively and are thermocompressively jointed in air under condition of a temperature in a range from about 600.degree. to about 625.degree. C. and a pressure in a range from about 1200 to about 1600 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a cathode for an electrochemical cell which involves incorporating sodium chloride in dispersed form into an electrolyte permeable matrix and impregnating the matrix with a suitable sodium aluminum halide molten salt electrolyte. The matrix is formed from a transition metal selected from at least one member of the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Mn, and the intermediate refractory hard metal compounds of said transition metals with at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of carbon, silicon, boron, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Abstract: A cell, having a metallic hydroxide, oxide, oxyhydroxide or hydrated oxide added to the cathode. The addition of these compositions to a nonaqueous cell reduces the open circuit voltage (OCV) of a fresh cell in a relatively short period of time; therefore obviating the need for burning in new cells.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell of the alkali metal and chalcogen type with at least one anode space for the alkali metal anolyte, and a cathode space for the chalcogen catholyte, with the anode space and the cathode space separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte wall, the improvement comprising the addition in the anode space of sodium and of a capturing material with O.sub.2 -getter properties in an amount sufficient to absorb detrimental bound or free oxygen.

Abstract: Homogeneous sodium zirconium silico-phosphates having the formulaNa.sub.1+x+4y Zr.sub.2-y (SiO.sub.4).sub.x (PO.sub.4).sub.3-xwhere x is from 1 to 2.8 and y is between 0 and about 0.5, are prepared by heating a zirconium phosphate with an aqueous, alkaline sodium silicate solution and calcining the resulting solid orthorhombic crystalline product. The calcined product is useful as a solid electrolyte for transporting sodium ions in a sodium-sulfur storage battery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sodium-sulfur storage battery utilizing an inside of a sodium-ion conductive solid electrolyte tube as a negative chamber, comprising an .alpha.-alumina ring jointed with solder glass to an open end of said electrolyte tube, a flanged aluminum housing having a fine hole at its bottom incorporated in said solid electrolyte tube, a negative auxiliary cover thermo-compressively jointed through a flange of said aluminum housing to an upper surface of said .alpha.-alumina ring, and a negative cover provided with a negative current collector terminal welded to said negative auxiliary cover.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator device which converts heat energy to electrical energy. An alkali metal is used with a solid electrolyte and a portion of the return line for the alkali metal is located within the generator vacuum space.

Abstract: Alkali metal/sulfur battery cells, in which the cathodic current collector is a shaped article comprising an aluminum substrate coated with molybdenum, have longer service lives if the molybdenum is overcoated with a layer of molybdenum oxides comprising an outer portion consisting of MoO.sub.3.

Abstract: A sodium-tetravalent sulfur molten chloroaluminate cell with a .beta."-alumina sodium ion conductor having a S-Al mole ratio of above about 0.15 in an acidic molten chloroaluminate cathode composition is disclosed. The cathode composition has an AlCl.sub.3 -NaCl mole percent ratio of above about 70-30 at theoretical full charge. The cell provides high energy densities at low temperatures and provides high energy densities and high power densities at moderate temperatures.

Abstract: Solid, crystalline glass ceramic compositions which are useful as ionic conductor materials, especially for use as solid electrolytes in high temperature, high energy density storage batteries. The glass ceramics are derived from sodium or calcium borates containing one or more metal halide, preferably the chlorides and bromides of the metals from Group 2 to 8 of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator device which converts heat energy to electrical energy. An alkali metal is used with a solid electrolyte and a hermetically sealed feedthrough structure.

Abstract: Cracks, in ceramic wall members, on the order of 1 micron or less in width are plugged helium-tight by selectively leaching a component of the wall member with a solvent, letting the resultant leach form a liquid bridge within the crack, removing the solvent and sintering the resultant residue. This method is of particular value for remedying microcracks or channels in a cell member constituting a tubesheet in a hollow fiber type, high temperature battery cell, such as a sodium/sulfur cell, for example.

Abstract: This specification teaches a method of preparing an article which is electronically conductive and resistant to corrosive attack by molten polysulfide salts. The method is carried out by the following steps. A sheet of graphite foil is coated with an amorphous pyrolytic or glassy carbon to fill any openings in and/or through the graphite foil. A thin layer of aluminum metal is coated onto at least one side of the graphite foil. The aluminum metal coated side of the graphite foil is bonded to an aluminum surface of an electronically conductive material. In this manner, an electronically conductive article is formed which is resistant to corrosive attack by molten polysulfide salts.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell of the alkali metal and chalcogen type with at least two electric terminals as well as at least one anode chamber and one cathode chamber which are both provided with at least one current collector and are separated from each other by an alkali-ion-conducting solid electrolyte as well as are bounded at least in some areas by a metallic housing. The two electric terminals are integrated in one component and are connected to each other electrically via the alloy of a fusible component if the temperature in the storage cell rises to a value above the operating temperature of the storage cell.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell of the sodium and sulfur type with at least one anode space for receiving the anolyte and a cathode space for receiving the catholyte, which are separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte and are bounded at least in some areas by a metallic housing. The cathode space is in communication via at least one connecting element with at least one supply container for the sodium polysulfide being formed in the chemical reaction.

Abstract: In a sodium sulphur cell, improved protection of a cathode current collector is obtained by isostatically pressing graphite foil or flakes onto the surface of the collector, which surface is preferably roughened or coated with an intermediate conductive layer such as a nickel-chromium alloy or a conductive carbide providing a rough surface.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell of the alkali metal and sulfur type with an anode space and a cathode space which are separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte and are bounded at least in some regions by a metallic housing. A safety insert is provided for receiving the alkali metal. The alkali metal can emerge via at least one discharge opening into a safety gap. A fusible part is arranged for closing the discharge opening within the safety insert. The part is made of an alloy which contains at least two metals of the groups IB, IIA and/or IIIA of the periodic system. A material for increasing the melting point of the alloy is arranged in the discharge opening.

Abstract: In an electrochemical storage cell of the alkali metal and chalcogen type, the closure has at least two closure elements which are plate-shaped at least in some areas. A first closure element is fastened to the housing and a second closure element is fastened to the rod-shaped current collector. All closure elements are additionally connected on the same side to the insulating ring of the solid electrolyte and are insulated from each other.

Abstract: A rechargeable ambient temperature electrical storage cell utilizing an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and sulfur electrochemical reaction pair. The cell includes an anhdyrous liquid anode separated from an anhydrous, sulfur containing catholyte by a cationic permeable partition.

Abstract: An ionically conducting glass for use as a solid electrolyte in a power or secondary cell containing an alkali metal-containing anode and a cathode separated by an alkali metal ion conducting glass having an ionic transference number of unity and the general formula: A.sub.1+x D.sub.2-x/3 Si.sub.x P.sub.3-x O.sub.12-2x/3, wherein A is a network modifier for the glass and is an alkali metal of the anode, D is an intermediate for the glass and is selected from the class consisting of Zr, Ti, Ge, Al, Sb, Be, and Zn and X is in the range of from 2.25 to 3.0. Of the alkali metals, Na and Li are preferred and of the intermediate, Zr, Ti and Ge are preferred.

Abstract: Alkali metal/sulfur battery cells, in which the cathodic current collector is a shaped article comprising an aluminum substrate coated with molybdenum, have longer service lives if the molybdenum is overcoated with a layer of molybdenum oxides comprising an outer portion consisting of MoO.sub.3.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrically conductive ceramic materials suitable for use at high temperatures and in the presence of corrosive environments, e.g., the sodium-sulfur battery. The ceramic material comprises chromium oxide (Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3) doped with at least 0.02 mole percent lithia, wherein the chromium oxide contains less than about 0.5 mole percent of any impurity selected from the group consisting of sodium oxide and potassium oxide, based on moles of chromium oxide. The doped chromium oxide can be used as coatings on metal or metal alloy so as to form corrosion resistant current collectors which may be container/current collectors.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrically conductive current collectors suitable for use at high temperatures and in the presence of corrosive environments, e.g., the sodium-sulfur battery. The current collectors comprises metal or metal alloys coated with ceramic material comprising chromium oxides doped with at least 0.05 mole percent magnesia. The corrosion resistant current collectors may be container/current collectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical storage cell on the basis of alkali metal and chalcogen, particularly sodium and sulfur. The storage cell has an anode space for receiving the anolyte and a cathode space for receiving the catholyte. The two spaces are separated from each other by a cup-shaped solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is surrounded in the region of the anode space by a capillary structure over the entire length. The capillary structure has at least one widened portion which is formed by an outward-pointing bulge of the capillary structure. The widened portion extends over the entire length of the capillary structure. Each widened portion is traversed in its interior by a canal. The cylinder surface of this canal is formed by a metal screen. The entrance opening of this canal is directly adjacent to the exit opening of a supply container for the sodium.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a housing containing a sodium anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte is a sodium ion conducting alkali metal aluminum tetrahalide and the cathode material is a transition metal chalcogenide, or a reaction product of the chalcogenide and the electrolyte, disposed on a substrate in contact with the electrolyte.

Abstract: In a sodium sulphur cell having, within a metal housing, a ceramic electrolyte tube separating the liquid alkali metal from the cathodic reactant, a current collector extends into the region inside the electrolyte tube and is electrically insulated from the electrolyte by an insulating element. The metal housing is sealed to the insulating element in a region around the current collector which region has a maximum cross-section substantially less than the maximum cross-section of the electrolyte tube and preferably lies wholly within the outer periphery of the electrolyte tube. The small seal areas with the constructions described give improved economy and reliability. The constructon has particular advantages with cells of short length.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell or battery with at least one anode space for receiving the anolyte and one cathode space for receiving the catholyte which spaces are separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte and are bounded at least in some places by a metallic housing. A safety space which is subdivided into at least two safety zones, adjoins at least in some places, the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: In a galvanic solid cell, for example of the Na/SbCl.sub.3 systems, the cathode space is occupied by a self-supporting porous sinter framework of solid electrolyte material, in whose pores the active cathode material is retained. A porous structure can be united with the massive solid electrolyte-separator into a unitary sinter composite of high ion conductivity, to which, if desired, there can also be joined on the anode side a porous sinter framework for receiving the alkali metal. The meltable active electrode materials are introduced by immersion into the porous portions of the sinter composite. The porous solid electrolyte structure can also be used advantageously as the separator system for cells with molten liquid electrodes, e.g. of the Na/S high temperature cell type.

Abstract: Sulfide glasses capable of conducting alkali metal ions are prepared from a nonmetal glass former such as GeS.sub.2, B.sub.2 S.sub.3 and SiS.sub.2 in mixture with a glass modifier such as Na.sub.2 S or another alkali metal sulfide. A molten mixture of the constituents is rapidly quenched to below the glass transition temperature by contact with a metal mold. The rapid quench is sufficient to prevent crystallization and permit solidification as an amorphous solid mixture. An oxygen-free atmosphere is maintained over the mixture to prevent oxidation. A new glass system of (1-X) Na.sub.2 O:XB.sub.2 S.sub.3 is disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal insulation, especially for high-temperature batteries, wherein the thermal insulation has at least one hermetically sealed cavity which contains insulating material, characterized by the feature that the cavity is evacuated and is completely filled with at least one very fine insulating material in powder form in such manner that at least one first region of the cavity can be loaded with full pressure over the area and at least one second region of the cavity has very low thermal conductivity, and that these two regions are arranged immediately adjacent to each other.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell with liquid sodium anode and liquid sulfur cathode disposed in a multiplicity of parallel-connected anode and cathode spaces in a part made of a ceramic, ion-conducting solid electrolyte material. The solid electrolyte part comprises profiled ceramic plates which have been sintered together and form mutually parallel channels with thin partitioning walls. The anode spaces formed by the channels are open at the upper end and closed at the opposite end, and the upper ends communicate with a sodium supply. The cathode spaces are open at the upper and lower ends and communicate with a sulfur and cell reaction products supply. Metallic collectors are sunk into the cathode spaces.

Abstract: Battery containing several individual Na/S cells which are connected to each other by thermo-compression seals, in which the positive/negative electrochemical material is arranged alternatingly between the housing and the electrolytes of the cells, the electrolytes of the cells being separated from each other by electrically conducting/non-conducting plates.

Abstract: Individual rechargeable electric cell with an outer metal housing, an electrolyte tube open at the top arranged coaxially in the housing, liquid sodium in the tube, a current collector extending down through the open end of the tube into the sodium, an alpha-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ring at the open end of the tube, a first flexible flange which connects the current collector to the ring attached to the tube via an aluminum ring, a second flexible flange connected to the housing and to the alpha-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ring via another ring, and sulfur in the space between the housing and tubular electrolyte.

Abstract: A cathode structure for a sodium sulphur cell is formed of a stack of elements of carbon fibre material or predominantly of carbon fibre material, each element being punched out of a sheet of the material having fibres randomly oriented in planes parallel to the plane of the sheet. For a cylindrical cell, the elements are of annular form with a central aperture.

Abstract: Shunt element for an electrochemical storage cell or a group of several parallel-connected storage cells of the alkali metal and chalcogen type, with at least one anode space for the anolyte and a cathode space for the catholyte, which spaces are separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte wall and, at least in places, are bounded by a metallic housing. The shunt element has at least two directly adjoining spaces which can be connected to each other. The first such space is filled with a metal or with a decomposable metal compound. The second such space contains the contact surfaces of at least two electrodes which are arranged at a defined distance from each other. The first electrode is additionally connected to at least one electron-conducting surface of the first space. The two electrodes can be connected to the storage cell or cells.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell based on alkali metal and chalcogen as reactants with an anode space and a cathode space separated by an alkali ion conducting solid electrolyte wall and bounded by a cell wall of light metal such as aluminum. A strongly adhering metal coating is applied to the area of the light metal wall in contact with one of the reactants. The metal coating chemically reacts to form a sulfide without materially affecting conductivity of the cell wall of light metal and without material increase in the internal resistance of the storage cell.

Abstract: In an electrochemical cell, e.g. a sodium sulphur cell, employing tubular beta alumina ceramic material, the electrolyte is put under axial compression, for example using spring means, to reduce the risk of mechanical failure arising from tensile stress in the material.

Abstract: Electrochemical chemical storage cell or battery of the alkali metal and chalcogen type with an anode space and a cathode separated from each other by an alkali-ion conducting solid electrolyte. The cup-shaped solid electrolyte of beta-aluminum oxide is fastened at its open end in a force-locking manner by means of a joining material to an annular insulating body. The joining material contains a mixture of a glass powder and a ceramic powder suspended in a liquid with high viscosity.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical cell comprising an additive-modified molten alkali metal electrode-reactant and/or electrolyte is disclosed. Various electrochemical cells employing a molten alkali metal, e.g., sodium, electrode in contact with a cationically conductive ceramic membrane experience a lower resistance and a lower temperature coefficient of resistance whenever small amounts of selenium are present at the interface of the electrolyte and the molten alkali metal. Further, cells having small amounts of selenium present at the electrolyte-molten metal interface exhibit less degradation of the electrolyte under long term cycling conditions.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an alkali or alkaline metal anode, a cathode or current collector, an electrolyte and an anode neutralizing agent consisting of an inorganic solid positioned contiguous to and in intimate contact with the anode. Said neutralizing agent is nonreactive with all cell components below a predetermined temperature near the melting point of the anode. At or near the melting point of the anode, the agent and anode enter into endothermic or at most mildly exothermic reaction.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell based on alkali metal and chalcogen comprising at least one anode space for the alkali metal anolyte and a cathode space for the chalcogen catholyte, with the anode space and the cathode space separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte wall and a metallic housing bounding the cell. The solid electrolyte wall has a plurality of spaced, outwardly extending hollow recesses, and at least one current collector disposed between each pair of adjacent recesses.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell based on alkali metal and chalcogen with an anode space and a cathode space separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte. The cell is bounded by a metallic housing. A closure seals the top of the cell in a sealing zone. The open end of the can shaped solid electrolyte disposed in the interior of the cell is bonded by a bonding material to a ring-shaped insulating part which defines the two reactant space relative to each other in the sealing zone. In the sealing zone of the storage cell closure, the metallic housing as well as the solid electrolyte and the insulating part fastened to it are covered by a protective layer.

Abstract: In a sodium sulphur cell in which a cylindrical electrolyte tube separates sodium from sulphur/sodium polysulphides, with the sodium lying in an annular region between the electrolyte tube and an anode current collector, the sodium annulus contains zircon sand forming a filler and also constituting a capillary means drawing liquid sodium from a sodium reservoir to lie over the surface of the electrolyte tube.

Abstract: A mixed crystal of the general compositionNa.sub.1+ax Zr.sub.2+22/3x-ax Si.sub.x P.sub.3-x O.sub.12-2/3xwith 0.8.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.9 and 1.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2.3, has a particularly favorable Na-ion conductivity, particularly when a=0.88 and x=2.2. This makes its use desirable as the solid electrolyte in Na/S cells. The high density of the single phase monoclinic crystallized material, which reaches almost 3.10 g/cm.sup.3, is the result of high temperature sintering, carried out in pure oxygen.

Abstract: An improvement in solid electrolytes of advanced secondary batteries of the sodium-sulfur, sodium-halogen, and like combinations is achieved by providing said battery with a cermet electrolyte containing a metal dispersion ranging from 0.1 to 10.0 vol. % of a substantially nonreactive metal selected from the group consisting essentially of Pt, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, their alloys, and their physical mixtures in the elemental or uncombined state, the remainder of said cermet being an ion-conductive ceramic material.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell or battery of the alkali metal and chalcogen type with at least one anode space intended for receiving the anolyte and a cathode space for receiving the catholyte. The spaces are separated from each other by an alkali-ion-conducting solid electrolyte wall, and sulfur or sulfides are filled into the cathode space. The cathode space is filled with two or more porous layers of which always at least one is ion-conducting and one is electron-conducting. At least one ion-conducting layer rests at least in regions against the solid electrolyte, and at least one electron-conducting layer rests at least in some areas against the metallic housing of the storage cell. An electron-conducting layer is adjacent to each ion-conducting layer and vice versa. At least the electron-conducting layer is impregnated with sulfur.

Abstract: A battery module for a sodium sulphur battery containing a plurality of cells comprises a container housing the cells with an evacuated region between the cells and the walls of the container, this evacuated region containing a plurality of layers of metal foil between the cells and the wall. At least one tube extends through the module in contact with the cells for conveying a thermally-conductive fluid by means of which the cells can be heated or cooled.

Abstract: A sodium sulphur battery formed of a plurality of modules each containing a cell or cells has a passage through each module for a heating and/or cooling fluid and thermostatically controlled valve means for controlling the flow of fluid through this passage which valve means is open at temperatures above a predetermined temperature, e.g. 370.degree. C. for passage of a coolant fluid and is also open at temperatures below another predetermined temperature, e.g. 300.degree. C. for passage of a heating fluid. The valve is preferably gradually closed and opened between these tempteratures. Each valve is controlled in accordance with the temperature of the associated module.

Abstract: Sodium ion conducting glasses are disclosed that have a resistivity not over 10.sup.5 ohm cm. at 300.degree., are resistant to corrosive attack by liquid sodium, resist devitrification, are resistant to moisture, and are composed essentially of soda, alumina, silica, and boric oxide. The glasses are particularly useful in forming membranes to separate electrolytes in electrochemical cells such as the sodium-sulfur battery.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a secondary electrochemical cell wherein an electrically conductive current collector is in electrical contact with a particulate mixture of gray cast iron and an alkali metal sulfide and an electrolyte including alkali metal halides or alkaline earth metal halides. Also present may be a transition metal sulfide and graphite flakes from the conversion of gray cast iron to iron sulfide. Also disclosed is a method of distributing carbon flakes in a cell wherein there is formed an electrochemical cell of a positive electrode structure of the type described and a suitable electrolyte and a second electrode containing a material capable of alloying with alkali metal ions. The cell is connected to a source of electrical potential to electrochemically convert gray cast iron to an iron sulfide and uniformly to distribute carbon flakes formerly in the gray cast iron throughout the positive electrode while forming an alkali metal alloy in the negative electrode.