Abstract: A high temperature storage battery comprises a battery housing defining a cell storage cavity, and a plurality of non-aqueous high temperature electrochemical cells within the storage cavity. A base is provided below the cells, and there is a reservoir for released cell reactants in or below the base. At least one access opening through which reactants which are accidentally released from the cells can enter the reservoir, is provided.

Abstract: A method of making a cathode suitable for an electrochemical cell of the type having a molten sodium anode, a beta"-alumina separator, and a cathode which comprises one or more transition metals selected from the group comprising Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Mn. The method comprises heating a particulate starting material comprising at least one member of the group of transition metals in an oxidizing atmosphere to cause its particles to become at least partially oxidized, and to adhere together to form a unitary porous matrix. This matrix is then heated in a reducing atmosphere at least partially to reduce the oxide formed during the formation of the matrix, and the reduced matrix is then impregnated with a sodium aluminium chloride molten salt electrolyte. Sodium chloride in dispersed form is incorporated into the matrix, preferably by mixing sodium chloride in particulate form with the particulate transition metal starting material, before the heating in an oxidizing atmosphere to form the matrix.