Abstract: In a flexible non-aqueous electrochemical cell, the electrolyte resides substantially entirely within the porous anode, cathode, and separator. In manufacturing the flexible non-aqueous electrochemical cell, the volume within the cell available to receive the electrolyte is substantially limited to the pores of the anode, cathode, and separator.

Abstract: A small, portable electrochemical power cell, having an output voltage of over 4 V, and preferably over 5 V, includes an anode, a cathode comprising a fluorine compound and an electrolyte to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode. A method of fabricating such an electrochemical power cell includes the step of adding a fluorine compound to the cathode and/or to the electrolyte solvent.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises a housing defining an interior space, and a separator in the housing dividing said space into an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. A sodium anode is in the anode compartment, a cathode being in the cathode compartment, electrochemically coupled by the separator to the anode. The anode is molten, the separator being a conductor of sodium cations and comprising at least 5 tubes having open and closed ends, the cathode being in the tubes and each tube communicating with a header space in an electronically insulating header. The relationship of the combined area of the tubes available for sodium conduction, and the volume of the interior space, as defined by the quotient: ##EQU1## (in which l is a unit length), has a value of at least 1.0 l.sup.-1.

Abstract: A current collector for a molten salt battery using liquid sodium as an anode active material, which current collector has excellent electrolyte resistance and low electrical resistance and is able to be produced simply and rapidly at a low cost, and includes a current collector material in which a carbon composite material obtained by calcining a mixture of expanded powder with a thermosetting resin under a non-oxidizing atmosphere is bonded to a porous carbon material having a porosity of 99 to 30% and an average pore diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 .mu.m. The above current collector is produced by a process including bonding a carbon composite material obtained by calcining a mixture of an expanded graphite powder with a thermosetting resin under a non-oxidizing atmosphere, to a porous carbon material having a porosity of 99 to 30% and an average pore diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 .mu.

Abstract: The invention provides a high temperature rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell a method of operating such cell, a cathode for the cell and a method of making the cell. A solid electrolyte sodium ion conductor separates a cell housing into anode and cathode compartments respectively containing molten sodium anode material and a nickel-containing active anode material. The active cathode material is dispersed in a porous matrix which is electronically conductive and has a sodium aluminium halide molten salt electrolyte, containing sodium and chlorine ions, impregnated therein. The cathode compartment contains an additional metal selected from iron, cobalt, antimony and mixtures thereof. The molten salt electrolyte has, dissolved therein, sodium iodide, which forms 1-20% by mass of the sodium halide in the cathode compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed are positive electrodes containing active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The cells include active-sulfur, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor. These materials are provided in a manner allowing at least about 10% of the active-sulfur to be available for electrochemical reaction. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The method begins with a step of combining the electrode components in a slurry. Next, the slurry is homogenized such that the electrode components are well mixed and free of agglomerates. Thereafter, before the electrode components have settled or separated to any significant degree, the slurry is coated on a substrate to form a thin film. Finally, the coated film is dried to form the electrode in such a manner that the electrode components do not significantly redistribute.

Abstract: A low temperature molten ionic liquid composition comprising a mixture of a metal halide and an alkyl-containing amine hydrohalide salt is described which is useful as a catalyst and a solvent in alkylation, arylation and polymerization reactions or as an electrolyte for batteries. The metal halide is a covalently bonded metal halide which can contain a metal selected from the group comprised of aluminum, gallium, iron, copper, zinc, and indium, and is most preferably aluminum trichloride. The alkyl-containing amine hydrohalide salt may contain up to three alkyl groups, which are preferably lower alkyl, such as methyl and ethyl.

Abstract: A module for liquid electrolyte, electric energy storing devices. The module includes a double-walled container having an innerwall and an outerwall and a rim. The container includes a first well for holding liquid electrolyte electric energy storing devices and which is defined by the inner wall. The container also includes a first electrolyte reservoir having a shelf and a lid for covering the first reservoir. The innerwall and outerwall define a second electrolyte reservoir which surrounds the first electrolyte reservoir so that the first and second reservoirs are in nested relationship. The reservoirs are designed so that a physical puncture of the module will cause the electrolyte from the first reservoir to mix with the electrolyte from the second before it leaks from the module.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises a cell casing defining a negative electrode compartment for containing an alkali metal negative electrode; and a plurality of flat plate solid electrolyte electrode holders in the casing and extending parallel to opposed walls of the casing. Each electrode holder comprises a pair of spaced plates and provides a positive electrode compartment containing a liquid electrolyte, and a positive electrode. The positive electrodes are electrically connected in parallel and define, together with envelopes, a positive plate stack. When the cell is fully charged, the major portion of the liquid alkali metal is contained in the negative electrode compartment outside the positive plate stack. Wicking means for the liquid alkali metal are provided adjacent at least the plates of the holders. The level of the liquid alkali metal remains substantially constant in the wicking means.

Abstract: Power density of a sodium/transition metal halide cell, particularly a Na/NiCl.sub.2 cell is enhanced by forming a high area foil nickel chloride electrode such as a film of sintered nickel chloride deposited on an expanded metal screen and folded or coiled into a compact form and immersed in the aluminate salt catholyte disposed within a beta alumina solid electrolyte tube.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolyte/separator for battery and related electrochemical systems including a molten electrolyte composition and an electrically insulating solid salt dispersed therein, to provide improved performance at higher current densities and alternate designs through ease of fabrication.

Abstract: Disclosed are battery cells comprising a sulfur-based positive composite electrode. Preferably, said cells are secondary cells, and more preferably thin film secondary cells. In one aspect, the cells can be in a solid-state or gel-state format wherein either a solid-state or gel-state electrolyte separator is used. In another aspect of the invention, the cells are in a liquid format wherein the negative electrode comprises carbon, carbon inserted with lithium or sodium, or a mixture of carbon with lithium or sodium. The novel battery systems of this invention have a preferred operating temperature range of from -40.degree. C. to 145.degree. C. with demonstrated energies and powers far in excess of state-of-the-art high-temperature battery systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are battery cells comprising a sulfur-based positive composite electrode. Preferably, said cells are secondary cells, and more preferably thin film secondary cells. In one aspect, the cells can be in a solid-state or gel-state format wherein either a solid-state or gel-state electrolyte separator is used. In another aspect of the invention, the cells are in a liquid format wherein the negative electrode comprises carbon, carbon inserted with lithium or sodium, or a mixture of carbon with lithium or sodium. The novel battery systems of this invention have a preferred operating temperature range of from -40.degree. C. to 145.degree. C. with demonstrated energies and powers far in excess of state-of-the-art high-temperature battery systems.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical refining of an impurity-containing low carbon steel melt using a solid electrolyte ionic conductor to remove the impurity from the melt is provided. Also provided are an apparatus for performing the method, and a continuous method for electrochemical refining of a low carbon steel melt.

Abstract: Fuel cells containing an anode of molten metal into which carbon has been dissolved, and a carbon-ion electrolyte, can be improved by making the molten metal the same that used as the cation in the solid carbon-ion electrolyte. Molten metals so selected are advantageous to use with carbon-ion electrolytes with the fluorite or perovskite prototype crystal structures. The improved device is an electrochemical fuel cell consisting of a cathode in contact with oxygen, an anode of liquid metal, especially molten metals of the lanthanide group or actinide group containing dissolved carbon, and a lanthanide- or actinide-containing carbon-ion electrolyte separating the anode and cathode electrodes.

Abstract: Carbon-ion electrolytes, combined into a fuel cell containing an electrode of liquid metal into which carbon or coal has been dissolved, can be used for producing electric power by the flameless combustion of coal via an electrochemical process. The resulting device is an electrochemical cell consisting of a cathodic electrode in contact with oxygen, an anodic electrode of liquid metal solvent containing dissolved carbon, and a carbon-ion electrolyte separating the anode and cathode electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell 10 housing a cylindrical housing 12 and a solid electrolyte separator tube 24 located concentrically therein, dividing the housing into an electrode compartment in the tube and an electrode compartment outside the tube. The cell has a solid electrolyte holder 36, 74 located in the tube and containing active electrode material 54. One of the electrode compartments contains active anode material, the other containing active cathode material. The electrode material in the holder is in electronic contact with the electrode material 54 in the housing outside the tube.

Abstract: A thermoelectrochemical converter useful for generating electrical potential by converting heat into electricity. A liquid metal cathode is placed in contact with a liquid Lewis acid catholyte, and a liquid metal anode is placed in contact with a liquid Lewis base anolyte. Anolyte and catholyte reactants consumed at the anode and cathode during the electrochemical reaction are directly regenerated thermally and recycled to the anode and cathode to replenish the consumed anolyte and catholyte.

Abstract: The invention provides a high temperature rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell comprising a cell housing defining a cathode compartment containing a cathode and containing an anode structure located within the cathode compartment and comprising a plurality of holders filled with active anode material which is molten at the operating temperature of the cell. The anode structure defines a conduit containing active anode material and the holders are flattened in shape and spaced along the conduit in series from one another. The interior of each holder is in communication with the conduit and each holder has a pair of oppositely outwardly facing major faces extending transversely to the conduit and comprising a material which is a conductor of the active anode material.

Abstract: A microporous sheet comprising a polymeric matrix having a liquid insoluble, particulate, activated polysaccharide media dispersed therein; use of the sheet in affinity chromatography or ion-exchange chromatography or as a biochemical reactor or battery separator; processes for manufacturing the sheet; apparatus containing the microporous sheet as its active element; and methods for using such sheet.

Abstract: A system for converting heat energy into electricity includes a conversion cell comprising a pair of spaced-apart electrodes having an electrolyte therebetween. The electrolyte is selected to pass negatively-charged hydrogen ions and to inhibit the passage of atomic hydrogen and positive hydrogen ions. Inducing a flow of hydrogen through the cell, a current may be generated between the electrodes as electrons are gained by the hydrogen as it enters the cell and lost by the hydrogen as it leaves the cell. In the preferred embodiment, hydrogen flow is induced by reacting the hydrogen leaving the cell with a mixture of lithium and sodium to form the metal hydride. The metal hydride is then thermally decomposed to release the hydrogen and the molten metal to be recycled to the cell. In this way, the thermal energy used to decompose the metal hydride is converted into electrical energy by passing the hydrogen through the conversion cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an anode composed of a substrate having a mixture of non-lithium alkali metals, a cathode comprising an electrically conductive carbonaceous material and an electrolyte comprising an electrolyte salt and a non-aqueous solvent. The anode is provided with a skin or coating of an alkali metal.

Abstract: An improved sodium-sulfur thermal battery having a sodium electrode and sulfur electrode separated by a porous separator wherein the separator is sufficiently porous to allow preliminary migration of fluid sodium metal, fluid sulfur and fluid sodium polysulfides through the separator during operation of the battery in order to form a mixed polysulfides electrolyte gradient within the porous separator.

Abstract: An improved thermal battery having a sodium composite electrode and a cathode separatd by a porous separator. The sodium composite electrode includes sodium metal and a protective metal which is effective in protecting the sodium metal from reaction with water or air. This sodium composite structure is useful in other systems besides batteries, in order to control the reactivity of sodium.

Abstract: A primary rechargeable electrical energy storage device comprising a housing having an electrically non-conductive interior surface, at least one cell postioned in said housing, each cell comprising an anode consisting of a low melting metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkali metal alloy and alkali metal eutectic mixture, said anode having a barrier of lithium nitride, a separator surrounding said anode, said separator being capable of transporting ionic species and electrically isolating said anode, a cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: An electric storage device comprising an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte comprising the lithium salt of an aliphatic acid having 10 to 24 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An improved high temperature electrochemical cell employing a molten alkali metal anolyte, a solid ceramic electrolyte containing mobile alkali metal ions, and a molten sulfur/selenium catholyte is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an anode composed of a molten mixture of non-lithium alkali metals, a cathode comprising an electrically conductive carbonaceous material and an electrolyte comprising an electrolyte salt and a non-aqueous solvent.

Abstract: Electrical energy is generated by feeding oxygen through a solid electrolyte wall in contact with a bath of molten metal, the positive electrode being provided on the surface of this wall defining the gas space while the negative electrode is provided in the melt. Carbon monoxide released when the oxygen reacts with dissolved carbon in the melt is collected for further use and the carbon in the melt is replenished in the form of solid carbon particles which can be entrained into the melt in carbon monoxide gas.

Abstract: A system for converting heat energy into electricity includes a conversion cell comprising a pair of spaced-apart electrodes having an electrolyte therebetween. The electrolyte is selected to pass negatively-charged hydrogen ions and to inhibit the passage of atomic hydrogen and positive hydrogen ions. Inducing a flow of hydrogen through the cell, a current may be generated between the electrodes as electrons are gained by the hydrogen as it enters the cell and lost by the hydrogen as it leaves the cell. In the preferred embodiment, hydrogen flow is induced by reacting the hydrogen leaving the cell with lithium or sodium to form the metal hydride. The metal hydride is then thermally decomposed to release the hydrogen and the molten metal to be recycled to the cell. In this way, the thermal energy used to decompose the metal hydride is converted into electrical energy by passing the hydrogen through the conversion cell.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell and an anode structure for an electrochemical cell. The anode structure comprises a substantially non-electronically conductive micromolecular sieve carrier wherein electrochemically active anode material in the form of an electronically conductive electropositive substance is sorbed and held in dispersed form, and a reservoir or source of the electropositive substance in contact with the carrier. The electropositive substance is liquid at the operating temperature of the cell.

Abstract: High-temperature battery with at least one electrochemical storage cell of the alkali metal and chalcogen type and thermal insulation which surrounds the storage cell and is provided with feedthroughs for the electric conductors. Each of the electric conductors brought into the high-temperature battery consists of at least two subconductors which are connected to each other detachably and in an electrically conducting manner via at least one contact element. The contact element forming the contact point is arranged in the interior of the high-temperature battery.

Abstract: High-temperature battery with at least one storage cell which is surrounded by thermal insulation and is fastened by means of a mounting in the interior of the thermal insulation. At least one detachable mounting is provided which has at least two clamping elements which are arranged one below the other at a defined distance for the self-supporting fastening of each storage cell. Each clamping element is connected to the adjoining clamping elements arranged in the same plane. The clamping elements of at least one plane are fastened to at least one support of the mounting.

Abstract: A system and method for thermally regenerating an electrochemical concentration cell having first and second aluminum electrodes respectively positioned in contact with first and second electrolytes separated by an ion exchange member, the first and second electrolytes being composed of different concentrations of an ionic solvent and a salt, preferably an aluminum halide. The ionic solvent may be either organic or inorganic with a relatively low melting point, the ionic solvent and the salt form a complex wherein the free energy of formation of said complex is less than about -5 Kcal/mole. A distillation column using solar heat or low grade industrial waste heat receives the first and second electrolytes and thermally decomposes the salt-solvent complex to provide feed material for the two half cells.

Abstract: A boron nitride bonded boron nitride fiber article and the method for its manufacture which comprises forming a shaped article with a composition comprising a bonding compound selected from boron oxide and boric acid and a structural fiber selected from the group consisting of boron oxide, boron nitride and partially nitrided boron oxide fibers, heating the composition in an anhydrous gas to a temperature above the melting point of the compound and nitriding the resulting article in ammonia gas.

Abstract: Electrochemical storage cell of the alkali metal-and-chalcogen type with at least two spaces (anode and cathode space) separated by an alkali-ion-conducting solid electrolyte for receiving the reactants. The cathode space contains as catholyte at least one chalcogen or chalcogenide in dissolved or melted form, preferably sulfur or sulfides, as well as carbon- or graphite felt as the electrode material. The felt is provided with a layer that is porous, i.e., the surface of its fibers expose, in island-fashion, an alkali-ion-conducting substance which permits improved rechargeability at lower temperatures.

Abstract: A boron nitride bonded boron nitride fiber article and the method for its manufacture which comprises forming a shaped article with a composition comprising boron oxide fibers and boric acid, heating the composition in an anhydrous gas to a temperature above the melting point of the boric acid and nitriding the resulting article in ammonia gas.

Abstract: A thermal battery comprising at least one cell, and preferably a plurality of stacked cells wherein each cell comprises an anode of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and alloys thereof. Positioned against each cell anode is a homogeneous mixture, preferably in wafer form, of the electrolyte, depolarizer, and binder. The active depolarizer species of the present invention comprises iron pyrite (FeS.sub.2) which provides a lower internal resistance to the battery and improves start times over conventional depolarizers used in thermal batteries.

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: Electrically conducting components of sodium/sulfur batteries subject to the corrosive attack of the cell reactants are protected by aluminiding to provide a conductive, protective coating of a metal aluminide. The protective coating finds particular application in the metal conducting container forming the sulfur compartment, where the metal aluminide reacts with the sulfur and sodium polysulfide to form a protective, doped, aluminum sulfide coating, which is conductive due to the presence of the metal from the container.