Abstract: An interpenetrating network assembly with a network of connected flakes of nano-scale crystalline carbon and nano-scale particles of an electroactive material interconnected with the carbon flakes is provided. The network assemblies are particularly suited for energy storage applications that use metal oxide electroactive materials and a single charge collector or a source and drain. Interpenetrating networks of graphene flakes and metal oxide nanosheets can form independent pathways between source and drain. Nano-scale conductive materials such as metal nanowires, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon or carbon black can be included as part of the conductive network to improve charge transfer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a solid-state supercapacitor. The solid-state supercapacitor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a solid-state ionogel structure between the first electrode and the second electrode. The solid-state ionogel structure prevents direct electrical contact between the first electrode and the second electrode. Further, the solid-state ionogel structure substantially fills voids inside the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A mesoporous, nanocrystalline, metal oxide construct particularly suited for capacitive energy storage that has an architecture with short diffusion path lengths and large surface areas and a method for production are provided. Energy density is substantially increased without compromising the capacitive charge storage kinetics and electrode demonstrates long term cycling stability. Charge storage devices with electrodes using the construct can use three different charge storage mechanisms immersed in an electrolyte: (1) cations can be stored in a thin double layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface (non-faradaic mechanism); (2) cations can interact with the bulk of an electroactive material which then undergoes a redox reaction or phase change, as in conventional batteries (faradaic mechanism); or (3) cations can electrochemically adsorb onto the surface of a material through charge transfer processes (faradaic mechanism).

Abstract: An active biological material encapsulated in a glass is formed using a sol-gel process. A metal alkoxide is mixed with water and exposed to ultrasonic energy at a pH.ltoreq.2 to form a single phase solution which is then buffered to a pH between about 5 and 7. The buffered solution is then mixed with the active biological material and the resultant gel is aged and dried. The dried product is a transparent porous glass with substantially all of the added active biological material encapsulated therein, the biological material retaining a high level of activity.

Abstract: A method for growing crystals of sodium beta" alumina is described. The crystals are grown by Czochralski type processes or analogous methods wherein single crystals are formed from a flux or melt. The melt is a eutectic type liquid primarily containing Na or K, (Li, Mg or other divalent element, e.g. Ni.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, Cr.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, etc.) Al, in proportions to produce beta" alumina. To lower the melt temperature to where e.g. Na.sub.2 MgAl.sub.10 O.sub.17 beta" or Na.sub.2 Li.sub.1/2 Al.sub.11/2.degree.17 beta" can crystallize in its stability region (approximately less than 1700.degree. C. for the Mg version and approximately less than 1600.degree. C. for the Li version) high valent ions, which do not enter the structure, particularly V.sup.5+, Nb.sup.5+, Ta.sup.5+, Zr.sup.4+ and/or Hf.sup.4+ are added to the melt. The method has allowed the growth of single crystals of the Li-stabilized sodium and potassium varieties for the first time.

Abstract: Beta double prime alumina is provided having a sensible amount of at least one polyvalent cationic species intercalated therein. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, such beta double prime alumina is provided having trivalent and/or tetravalent cationic species intercalated therein, especially species derived from the lanthanide and actinide series of elements. Certain of the foregoing materials exhibit phosphorescence or fluorescence, and some are believed to be capable of producing laser emission upon suitable irradiation.Methods for modifying beta double prime aluminas comprising contacting crystals of the aluminas with polyvalent cation-containing salts such as in the molten state or in the gaseous state are also provided. Laser and other optical devies are disclosed employing the modified beta double prime aluminas of this invention.

Abstract: Sodium resistant sealing glasses have aluminoborate glass compositions in which glass stability is improved by the incorporation of specific mixtures of modifying alkali earth oxides of calcium oxide, strontium oxide and barium oxide. These modifying alkali earth oxides are present in a total weight percent range from 15 to 40 weight percent of the glass composition.Also disclosed is the employment of the above glasses as seals in sodium-sulfur cells.

Abstract: Thermocompression methods of forming sodium-sulfur cell casings are described. One method includes positioning an assembly within a die, the assembly having an inward flange at one end of an open ended metallic container positioned against an aluminum washer adjacent each opposite major surface of an electrically insulating ceramic ring, applying pressure to each flange within its respective container, and heating the assembly in an inert atmosphere to bond the containers to the ceramic ring. Another method includes the above steps except that the pressure is applied to the opposite edge of each container.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a composite body which comprises bonding a moderately deformable metallic element to at least a portion of at least one major surface and to an associated portion of the edge surface of a solid ion-conductive electrolyte material element which contains mobile ions of a metal different from the metallic element. A method is disclosed for bonding a composite body to a deformable metallic casing which comprises pressing the sharp edge at the open end of the casing against the composite body while employing an inert atmosphere, elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Novel assembly method and sodium/sulfur battery prepared thereby are provided whereby, in a preformed sulfur compartment, the sulfur electrode is prepared in situ, providing for graduated resistance from the beta-alumina electrolyte to the container wall. The method employs providing for a high resistance conductor as a relatively thin sheet adjacent the beta-alumina electrolyte and a conductive sulfur electrolyte extending from the high resistance conductor to the container wall, whereby the electrolyte is composed of sulfur and small carbon fibers. Conveniently, the high resistance film is positioned adjacent the beta-alumina electrolyte and appropriate amounts of the carbon fiber are introduced into the electrolyte chamber, followed by the addition of molten sulfur.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte material composite body is described which comprises an ion-conductive electrolyte portion selected from a specific class and an ion-insulating surface portion of a divalent ion substituted beta-alumina, and both portions having the same mechanical and physical properties. A method of forming such a body and a method of bonding the body to a metallic element are also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a composite body which comprises bonding a moderately deformable metallic element to at least a portion of at least one major surface and to an associated portion of the edge surface of a solid ion-conductive electrolyte material element which contains mobile ions of a metal different from the metallic element. A method is disclosed for bonding a composite body to a deformable metallic casing which comprises pressing the sharp edge at the open end of the casing against the composite body while employing an inert atmosphere, elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for bonding a moderately deformable metallic element to a solid ion-conductive electrolyte material element which contains mobile ions of a metal different from the metallic element. The method includes juxtaposing the elements, and applying an electric potential across the elements to convert a surface portion of the electrolyte material element to an ion-insulating material and to effect bonding between the juxtaposed surfaces.

Abstract: A composite body is described which comprises a body of solid ion-conductive electrolyte material, the body having a casing portion with one open end and a header integral with the casing adjacent its open end, and a surface portion of an ion-insulating material on only the exterior surfaces of the header portion of the body. A method of forming such a composite body is also described.

Abstract: A composite body is described which comprises a body of solid ion-conductive electrolyte material, the body having a casing portion with one open end and a header integral with the casing adjacent its open end, and a surface portion of an ion-insulating material on only the exterior surfaces of the header portion of the body. A method of forming such a composite body is also described.

Abstract: A composite body has a substrate with opposite major surfaces, the substrate has a solid ion-conductive electrolyte material region and at least a portion of at least one major surface of a solid ion-insulating material region, and at least one moderately deformable metallic element bonded directly to the ion-insulating material of the substrate, the metal of the metallic element different from the metal of the mobile ions of the solid ion-conductive electrolyte material region.