Abstract: A metal-ion battery is provided. The metal-ion battery can include a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode and the negative electrode are separated by the separator and the electrolyte is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The negative electrode can include a negative electrode current-collector and a negative electrode active layer, wherein the negative electrode current-collector has a porous structure and the negative electrode current-collector directly contacts to the surface of the negative electrode active layer. The electrolyte can include an ionic liquid and a metal halide.

Abstract: A road embedded battery includes a first encapsulation layer disposed on top of a road grade base. A first conductor mesh is disposed on top of the first encapsulation layer and an anode material is embedded into to first conductor mesh. A permeable membrane is disposed on top of the anode material. A second conductor mesh is disposed on top of the permeable membrane and a cathode material is embedded into the second conductor mesh. A second encapsulation layer is disposed on top of the cathode material.

Abstract: Energy storage devices comprising a solid-state electrolyte/separator are disclosed. The storage device comprises an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode is a Si-dominant electrode, a solid-state separator between the first electrode and the second electrode wherein the separator comprises an inorganic solid-state material. The energy storage devices may also comprise a small amount of standard liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: A battery module includes a battery cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells, a sensing assembly which covers a front and rear of the battery cell assembly when mounted thereto, a module case which receives the battery cell assembly and the mounted sensing assembly, and a thermally conductive adhesive interposed between an upper inner surface of the module case and an upper side of the battery cell assembly. The sensing assembly includes a first busbar frame assembly positioned at the front of the battery cell assembly, a second busbar frame assembly positioned at the rear of the battery cell assembly, and a sensing wire which connects the first and second busbar frame assemblies and runs across the upper side of the battery cell assembly in a diagonal direction. The thermally conductive adhesive is disposed on two sides of the sensing wire.

Abstract: A positive electrode composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery, including: titanium boride particles; and a positive electrode active material comprising lithium transition metal complex oxide particles that comprise nickel in a composition and have a layered structure. The titanium boride particles comprise an oxygen component in a content of greater than or equal to 1.5 wt % and less than or equal to 2.9 wt %. A content of the titanium boride particles relative to the lithium transition metal complex oxide particles is less than or equal to 1.5 mol % in titanium equivalent terms.

Abstract: A lithium-air or lithium-oxygen electrochemical generator comprising at least one electrochemical cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte conducting lithium ions disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode wherein the negative electrode comprises, as active material, a lithium and calcium alloy.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device having a metal component in contact with water. The marine vessel propulsion device includes an anticorrosive anode made of a metal material that is less corrosion-resistant than the metal component, is electrically connected to the metal component, and is disposed in contact with the water contacting the metal component, a primary reference electrode isolated from the metal component and the anticorrosive anode, and disposed in contact with the water contacting the metal component, and a potentiometer that detects a potential difference of the metal component or the anticorrosive anode with respect to the primary reference electrode.

Abstract: A heat transfer (exchange) composition comprising a halide salt matrix having dispersed therein nanoparticles comprising elemental carbon in the absence of water and surfactants, wherein said halide is fluoride or chloride, wherein the halide salt may be an alkali halide salt (e.g., lithium fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, rubidium fluoride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, rubidium chloride, and eutectic mixtures thereof) or an alkaline earth halide salt (e.g., fluoride or chloride salt of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, or barium), and wherein the nanoparticles comprising elemental carbon may be solid or hollow, and wherein the composition may further include nanoparticles comprising a fissile material (e.g., U, Th, or Pu) dispersed within the composition. Molten salt reactors (MSRs) containing these heat transfer compositions in coolant loops in thermal exchange with a reactor core, as well operation of such MSRs, are also described.

Abstract: A device for storing electrical energy is disclosed. The device includes an electrochemical cell having a cathode chamber for holding a liquid cathode material and an anode chamber for holding a liquid anode material. The cathode and anode chambers are separated by a solid electrolyte, wherein the solid electrolyte is surrounded by a planar construction having openings, through which the cathode material can flow. The planar construction is made of an electrically conductive material. The cathode chamber includes at least one segment, wherein each segment has a jacket composed of an electrically conductive material and the jacket is fastened to the planar construction having openings in a fluid-tight and electrically conductive manner and wherein each segment is filled with a porous felt or a porous material different from porous felt. A method for assembling and starting up the device and a method for operating the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanofilm-encapsulated sulfide glass solid electrolyte structures and methods for making the encapsulated glass structures involve a lithium ion conducting sulfide glass sheet encapsulated on its opposing major surfaces by a continuous and conformal nanofilm made by atomic layer deposition (ALD). During manufacture, the reactive surfaces of the sulfide glass sheet are protected from deleterious reaction with ambient moisture, and the nanofilm can be configured to provide additional performance advantages, including enhanced mechanical strength and improved chemical resistance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the gelation of a positive electrode mixture and to reduce an increase in the resistance of a positive electrode of a sodium ion secondary battery. The invention relates to a sodium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and a sodium-ion-conducting nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode contains positive electrode active material particles, a conductive additive, and a binder. Each positive electrode active material particle includes an oxide particle that absorbs and releases sodium ions and a covering layer covering the oxide particle. The oxide particle contains an oxide A containing Ni and Mn. The covering layer contains at least one material B selected from the group consisting of a ceramic and a carbonaceous material. The binder contains a fluorocarbon resin.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrode assembly which includes a first step of forming a molded body that contains an active material, a second step of dipping the molded body in a melt of a solid electrolyte in a first atmosphere, thereby impregnating the melt into voids inside the molded body; and a third step of cooling the molded body impregnated with the melt by moving the molded body to a second atmosphere whose temperature is lower than that of the first atmosphere, thereby combining the molded body with the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of making such compositions, for making lithium-containing anodes and cathodes. Disclosed are batteries comprising such anodes and/or cathodes, and uses for such batteries. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method of producing a positive electrode composition for a non-aqueous secondary battery is provided. The method includes heat-treating titanium boride particles at a temperature in a range of 150° C. to 300° C. under an oxygen-containing atmosphere to obtain heat-treated particles and mixing the heat-treated particles with a positive electrode active material comprising lithium transition metal complex oxide particles that comprise nickel in a composition and have a layered structure such that a content of the heat-treated particles relative to the lithium transition metal complex oxide particles is less than or equal to 1.5 mol % in titanium equivalent terms.

Abstract: Provided are a non-aqueous electrolyte battery and a non-aqueous electrolyte battery system that can be repeatedly charged and that have good storage characteristics in a high-temperature environment. A non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention includes an electrode body in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are laminated with a separator interposed therebetween, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode has a laminated body including a metal base layer that does not form an alloy with Li, and Al active layers respectively bonded to both faces of the metal base layer, or a laminated body including a metal base layer that is made of a metal selected from Ni, Ti, and Fe, or an alloy thereof, and an Al active layer bonded to the metal base layer. A Li—Al alloy is formed at least on a surface side of each Al active layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode having a first liquid phase having a first active metal, a positive electrode having a second liquid phase having a second active metal, and a liquid electrolyte having a salt of the first active metal and a salt of the second active metal. The electrochemical cell also includes a bipolar faradaic membrane, disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, having a first surface facing the negative electrode and a second surface facing the positive electrode. The bipolar faradaic membrane is configured to allow cations of the first active metal to pass through and to impede cations of the second active metal from transferring from the positive electrode to the negative electrode and is at least partially formed from a material having an electronic conductivity sufficient to drive faradaic reactions at the second surface with the cations of the positive electrode.

Abstract: An alloy includes lithium, silicon and tin. An anode may be formed of an anode material containing the alloy of lithium, silicon and tin. The anode material may include an electrolyte. The anode material may be a pressed powder pellet that is solid at ambient temperature. A battery, for example, a thermal battery, can contain an electrolyte-separator, a cathode, and/or an anode with the alloy of lithium, tin and silicon. The anode formed of the alloy consisting of lithium, tin and silicon can have a melting point from about 500° C. to about 600° C. or higher making it suitable for use in a thermal battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an energy storage device comprising at least one electrochemical cell comprising a negative current collector, a negative electrode in electrical communication with the negative current collector, an electrolyte in electrical communication with the negative electrode, a positive electrode in electrical communication with the electrolyte and a positive current collector in electrical communication with the positive electrode. The negative electrode comprises an alkali metal. Upon discharge, the electrolyte provides charged species of the alkali metal. The positive electrode can include a Group IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA of the periodic table of the elements, or a transition metal (e.g., Group 12 element).

Abstract: Provided are an electrolyte for a sodium secondary battery and a sodium secondary battery using the same. More particularly, the sodium secondary battery includes an anode containing sodium, a cathode containing a transition metal, and a sodium ion conductive solid electrolyte provided between the anode and the cathode, wherein the cathode is impregnated in an electrolyte containing a molten sodium salt and an electrolyte additive, the electrolyte additive including an inorganic sodium salt.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells having molten electrodes having an alkali metal provide receipt and delivery of power by transporting atoms of the alkali metal between electrode environments of disparate chemical potentials through an electrochemical pathway comprising a salt of the alkali metal. The chemical potential of the alkali metal is decreased when combined with one or more non-alkali metals, thus producing a voltage between an electrode comprising the molten alkali metal and the electrode comprising the combined alkali/non-alkali metals.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a negative electrode having at least two active metals, a positive electrode having a metal or alloy, and an electrolyte having a cation of each of the active metals. The electrolyte defines first and second interfaces with the positive electrode being in contact with the first interface and the negative electrode being in contact with the second interface. The electrolyte is configured to allow the cations of the active metals to be transferred from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharging and to be transferred from the positive electrode to the negative electrode during charging. The electrolyte exists as a liquid phase and the negative electrode and the positive electrode exist as liquid or partially liquid phases at operating temperatures of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising a molten anode, a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte salt, wherein the electrolyte salt is situated between the molten anode and the cathode during the operation of the electrochemical cell, and the molten anode comprises an aluminum material; also provided are batteries comprising a plurality of such rechargeable electrochemical cells and processes for manufacturing such rechargeable electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A fault tolerant battery system includes an electrical storage cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The electrical storage cell is provided with a normally open bypass circuit path that is closed in the event of an overdischarged, or open-circuit failure of, the electrical storage cell. The bypass circuit path includes a first electrical conductor connected to the negative terminal of the electrical storage cell, a second electrical conductor connected to the positive terminal of the electrical storage cell, and a shorting gap between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for detecting a hazardous condition by a conductive layer in an energy storage device. An energy storage device assembly includes a conductive layer configured to cause a change in an electrical parameter in the event of a hazardous condition. A melting point of the conductive layer is lower than a boiling point of a liquid coolant. An electrical sensor is electrically connected to the conductive layer and configured to detect a change in the electrical parameter in the conductive layer. Upon detecting a change in the electrical parameter associated with a hazardous condition, an energy management system suspends operation of the energy storage device.

Abstract: The present invention aims to a liquid electrolyte for a fluoride ion battery having high stability with respect to a fluoride ion. The present invention attains the object by providing a liquid electrolyte for a fluoride ion battery comprising: a fluoride salt; an alkali metal amide salt having an alkali metal cation and an amide anion; and a glyme represented by general formula: R1—O(CH2CH2O)n—R2 (in which R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group with 4 or less carbon atoms or a fluoroalkyl group with 4 or less carbon atoms, and n is in the range of 2 to 10).

Abstract: The present invention aims to a liquid electrolyte for a fluoride ion battery having high stability with respect to a fluoride ion. The present invention attains the object by providing a liquid electrolyte for a fluoride ion battery comprising: a fluoride salt; an alkali metal amide salt having an alkali metal cation and an amide anion; and a glyme represented by general formula: R1—O(CH2CH2O)n—R2 (in which R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group with 4 or less carbon atoms or a fluoroalkyl group with 4 or less carbon atoms, and n is in the range of 2 to 10).

Abstract: An additive that is added to the NaAlX4 electrolyte for use in a ZEBRA battery (or other similar battery). This additive has a moiety with a partial positive charge (?+) that attracts the negative charge of the [AlX4]? moiety and weakens the ionic bond between the Na+ and [AlX4]? moieties, thereby freeing some Na+ ions to transport (move). By using a suitable NaAlX4 electrolyte additive, the battery may be operated at much lower temperatures than are typical of ZEBRA batteries (such as, for example, at temperatures between 150 and 200° C.). Additionally, the additive also lowers the viscosity of the electrolyte solution and improves sodium conductivity. Non-limiting examples of the additive SOCl2, SO2, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, CH3SOCH3), CH3S(O)Cl, SO2Cl2. A further advantage of using this additive is that it allows the use of a NaSICON membrane in a ZEBRA-type battery at lower temperatures compared to a typical ZEBRA battery.

Abstract: A metal-ion battery includes: (1) an anode including aluminum; (2) a cathode including a layered, active material; and (3) an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode to support reversible deposition and dissolution of aluminum at the anode and reversible intercalation and de-intercalation of anions at the cathode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by the composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. The composite electrolyte membrane includes a layer of alkali ion-conductive material and one or more layers of alkali intercalation compound which is chemically stable upon exposure to a chemically reactive anolyte solution or catholyte solution thereby protecting the layer of alkali ion-conductive material from unwanted chemical reaction. The layer of alkali intercalation compound conducts alkali ions. The cell may operate and protect the alkali ion-conductive material under conditions that would be adverse to the material if the intercalation compound were not present. The composite membrane may include a cation conductor layer having additional capability to protect the composite electrolyte membrane from adverse conditions.

Abstract: A positive electrode composition is presented. The composition includes granules that comprise an electroactive metal, an alkali metal halide, and a metal sulfide composition that is substantially-free of oxygen. A molar ratio of the electroactive metal to an amount of sulfur in the metal sulfide composition is between about 1.5:1 and about 50:1. The positive electrode composition is substantially free of iron oxide, iron sulfate, cobalt oxide and cobalt sulfate. An energy storage device and a related energy storage system are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a sodium molten-salt battery having good charge-discharge cycle characteristics. The sodium molten-salt battery includes a positive electrode that contains a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode that contains a negative electrode active material, and a molten-salt electrolyte that contains a sodium salt and an ionic liquid that dissolves the sodium salt. The negative electrode active material contains non-graphitizable carbon. The ionic liquid is a salt of a bis(sulfonyl)imide anion and a first onium cation that does not cause a Faradaic reaction with the non-graphitizable carbon. The molten-salt electrolyte contains a second onium cation in an amount of 1,000 ppm by mass or less. The second onium cation is represented by a general formula (1): R1R2R3R4N+ where R1 to R4 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

Abstract: A cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent disposed in the granule bed, wherein a transverse cross-sectional distribution of the porous absorbent in the granule bed varies in a longitudinal direction from a first position to a second position. In another embodiment, a cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent coating on a surface adjacent to the granule bed.

Abstract: Lithium sulfur battery cells that use water as an electrolyte solvent provide significant cost reductions. Electrolytes for the battery cells may include water solvent for maintaining electroactive sulfur species in solution during cell discharge and a sufficient amount of a cycle life-enhancing compound that facilitates charging at the cathode. The combination of these two components enhances one or more of the following cell attributes: energy density, power density and cycle life. For instance, in applications where cost per Watt-Hour (Wh) is paramount, such as grid storage and traction applications, the use of an aqueous electrolyte in combination with inexpensive sulfur as the cathode active material can be a key enabler for the utility and automotive industries, for example, providing a cost effective and compact solution for load leveling, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Abstract: Provided is a sodium secondary battery including a graphite felt having a maximum porosity on a surface facing a solid electrolyte and a decreased porosity in a thickness direction, as a cathode current collector impregnated with an electrolyte.

Abstract: The battery has rod cells, which are arranged next to one another in multiple rows and the end-side electrical contacts of which are respectively electrically connected to one another in parallel and in series by a common contact plate. For effective cooling, a flat heat exchange pocket, through which a heat transfer medium flows, abuts against these contact plates. This heat exchange pocket consists of a multilayered thin film having an electrically insulating outer layer.

Abstract: A battery is provided with an associated method for transporting metal-ions in the battery using a low temperature molten salt (LTMS). The battery comprises an anode, a cathode formed from a LTMS having a liquid phase at a temperature of less than 150° C., a current collector submerged in the LTMS, and a metal-ion permeable separator interposed between the LTMS and the anode. The method transports metal-ions from the separator to the current collector in response to the LTMS acting simultaneously as a cathode and an electrolyte. More explicitly, metal-ions are transported from the separator to the current collector by creating a liquid flow of LTMS interacting with the current collector and separator.

Abstract: In a secondary battery, a negative electrode, an electrolytic solution for negative electrode, a diaphragm, an electrolytic solution for positive electrode, and a positive electrode are disposed in order. The negative electrode includes a negative-electrode active material that has an element whose oxidation-reduction potential is more “base” by 1.5 V or more than an oxidation-reduction potential of hydrogen, and whose volume density is larger than that of lithium metal. The diaphragm includes a solid electrolyte transmitting ions of said element alone. A secondary battery with high volumetric density is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell having an negative electrode compartment and a positive electrode compartment. A solid alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane is positioned between the negative electrode compartment and the positive electrode compartment. A catholyte solution in the positive electrode compartment includes a halide ion or pseudohalide ion concentration greater than 3M, which provides degradation protection to the alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane. The halide ion or pseudohalide ion is selected from chloride, bromide, iodide, azide, thiocyanate, and cyanide. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell is a molten sodium rechargeable cell which functions at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 150° C.

Abstract: The battery includes a cathode configured to generate oxygen ions during discharge of the battery. The battery also includes an oxygen ion-conducting electrolyte that receives the oxygen ions from the cathode during discharge of the battery. The battery further includes an anode that has an anode active medium positioned in the pores of a porous anode current collector. The anode active medium receives the oxygen ions conducted through the oxygen ion conducting electrolyte during discharge of the battery. Additionally, the anode active medium includes an elemental metal that reacts with the oxygen ions to form a metal oxide during discharge of the battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell includes a housing; a solid electrolyte tube, which defines an inner space of the housing as a first electrode chamber and a second electrode chamber; a first electrode material in the first electrode chamber; a second electrode material in the second electrode chamber; and an electron channel unit arranged in the second electrode chamber for guiding movement of electrons in the second electrode chamber, the electron channel unit having a non-constant thickness.

Abstract: Sodium energy storage devices employing aspects of both ZEBRA batteries and traditional Na—S batteries can perform better than either battery alone. The hybrid energy storage devices described herein can include a sodium anode, a molten sodium salt catholyte, and a positive electrode that has active species containing sulfur. Additional active species can include a transition metal source and NaCl. As a product of the energy discharge process, Na2Sx forms in which x is less than three.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic cell in which a light absorption layer is formed by promoting chalcogenation. The method includes providing a microporous member, arranging an object on a first side of the microporous member, and arranging a chalcogen source on a second side of the microporous member opposite to the first side, heating the chalcogen source, transmitting a liquefied or evaporated portion of the heated chalcogen source through the microporous member, and exposing the object to the liquefied or evaporated portion of the heated chalcogen source that has passed through the microporous member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an energy storage device comprising at least one electrochemical cell comprising a negative current collector, a negative electrode in electrical communication with the negative current collector, an electrolyte in electrical communication with the negative electrode, a positive electrode in electrical communication with the electrolyte and a positive current collector in electrical communication with the positive electrode. The negative electrode comprises an alkali metal. Upon discharge, the electrolyte provides charged species of the alkali metal. The positive electrode can include a Group IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA of the periodic table of the elements, or a transition metal (e.g., Group 12 element).

Abstract: Pressure relief mechanisms can provide an outlet for cathode pressure buildup during battery operation. Mechanical cathode modifications can control cathode interfaces during battery operation. Pressure relief mechanisms and mechanical modifications can be utilized to improve performance, longevity and/or to prevent failure of batteries, such as during cycling of liquid metal batteries.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and/or maintaining a column height of an electrolyte relative to a separator surface within an energy storage device. Embodiments of the invention provide a wicking component, a current collector, and a bias component. The current collector is positioned to force the bias component to press the wicking component tight to an inner surface of a separator. The bias component maintains contact between the wicking component and the surface of separator and creates a capillary gap in which sodium wicks.

Abstract: An intermediate temperature molten sodium-metal halide rechargeable battery utilizes a molten eutectic mixture of sodium haloaluminate salts having a relatively low melting point that enables the battery to operate at substantially lower temperature compared to the traditional ZEBRA battery system and utilize a highly conductive NaSICON solid electrolyte membrane. The positive electrode comprises a mixture of NaX and MX, where X is a halogen selected from Cl, Br and I and M is a metal selected Ni, Fe, and Zn. The positive electrode is disposed in a mixed molten salt positive electrolyte comprising at least two salts that can be represented by the formula NaAlX?4-?X??, where 0<?<4, wherein X? and X? are different halogens selected from Cl, Br and I. The positive electrode may include additional NaX added in a molar ratio ranging from 1:1 to 3:1 of NaX:NaAlX?4-?X??.

Abstract: Cell and batteries containing them employing a transition metal chalcogenide positive electrode (cathode) in combination with a liquid alkali metal haloaluminate. At operating temperatures, the positive electrode (cathode) of the invention comprises a solid matrix comprising electroactive cathode material permeated with and in physical and electrical contact with liquid alkali metal haloaluminate electrolyte. The positive and negative electrodes are separated with a solid alkali metal conducting electrolyte. The transition metal chalcogenide is not in direct physical contact with the solid electrolyte. Electric and ionic conductivity between the solid electrolyte and the positive electrode is mediated by the liquid alkali metal haloaluminate electrolyte. More specifically, the cells are sodium/iron sulfide cells. Batteries of the invention are useful for bulk energy storage, particularly for electric utility grid storage, as well as for electric vehicle propulsion.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution, and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrode solution. In such cases, the electrolyte membrane can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, a NaSICON membrane. Furthermore, in such cases, the liquid positive electrode solution can comprise any suitable positive electrode solution, including, but not limited to, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, when the cell functions, the sodium negative electrode is molten and in contact with the electrolyte membrane. Additionally, the cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 170° C. Indeed, in some instances, the molten sodium secondary cell is functional between about 110° C.