Abstract: An advanced planar alkali metal-beta battery made by stacking a plurality of individual planar cells, where the individual cells comprises a one-piece ceramic unibody construction with an interior divided by an alkali-ion conducting solid electrolyte into separate cathode and anode compartments. The cathode comprises a premanufactured solid pellet of active cathode materials. A bellows is provided to reduce pressure accumulation in the cathode compartment.

Abstract: An electrolyte structure that is useful in battery cells having liquid electrodes and solid electrolyte and in alkali-metal thermoelectric converters is made by applying a dense film of a solid alkali-metal ion conductor on a thick porous metal support.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for bonding nitride and oxide film electrodes on ceramic substrates, which can be used in thermo electric generators. Hydride powders in suspension are coated on a substrate, and heated to selected temperatures for selected periods of times in alternating atmospheres of hydrogen and nitrogen, or oxygen. The method produces satisfactory film electrodes, including electrodes which are greater than 10 microns in thickness.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for bonding nitride and oxide film electrodes on ceramic substrates, which can be used in thermo electric generators. Hydride powders in suspension are coated on a substrate, and heated to selected temperatures for selected periods of times in alternating atmospheres of hydrogen and nitrogen, or oxygen. The method produces satisfactory film electrodes, including electrodes which are greater than 10 microns in thickness.

Abstract: A composite article comprising a porous cermet electrode on a dense solid electrolyte and method of making same. The cerment electrode comprises beta-type-alumina and refractory metal.

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: An improved thermoelectric generator of the type having (1) enclosure means for a first reaction zone; (2) enclosure means for a second reaction zone; (3) a reaction zone separator which (a) separates and essentially completes enclosure of the two reaction zones and (b) comprises a cationically-conductive, solid electrolyte that is essentially impermeable to elemental alkali metal and compounds thereof and ionically conductive with respect to cations of the alkali metal; (4) alkali metal within the first reaction zone and in fluid communication with the solid electrolyte; (5) an electrode within the second reaction zone in electrical contact with the solid electrolyte and sufficiently porous to permit alkali metal vapor to pass therethrough; (6) conduction means for electron flow between the alkali metal within the first reaction zone and the electrode; (7) inlet means for introducing the alkali metal into the first reaction zone; and (8) temperature control means adapted to maintain a temperature in the firs

Abstract: An improved process for recharging secondary cells or batteries of the type which in the discharged state comprise:A. an anodic reaction zone containing a molten alkali metal reactant-anode in electrical contact with an external circuit;B. a cathodic reaction zone containing (1) cathodic reactants selected from the group consisting of (i) a single phase composition comprising molten polysulfide salts of said anodic reactant and (ii) a two phase composition comprising molten sulfur and molten sulfur saturated polysulfide salts of said anodic reactant and (2) an electrode of porous, electronically conductive material which is at least partially immersed in said cathodic reactants; andC. a cation-permeable barrier to mass liquid transfer interposed between and in contact with said anodic and cathodic reaction zones, said porous, electronically conductive material being in electrical contact with both said cation-permeable barrier and an external circuit.