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: The present invention provides an ionic and electronic insulator interposed between a BASE tube and a tube mounting member in an AMTEC cell for preventing shunt currents from forming between BASE tube electrodes. In a first embodiment of the invention, an insulator is formed integral with the BASE tube by leaching out an alkali metal ion component of the BASE tube at a desired location. In a second embodiment of the present invention, an alpha alumina ring is brazed to the end of the BASE tube. In a third embodiment of the present invention, a glass material seal is formed between the BASE tube and the mounting member.

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: The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte thin film and a manufacturing method for the same. The solid electrolyte thin film of the present invention comprises yttrium stabilized zirconia and is characterized in that the thickness of the film is 10 to 50 .mu.m. In an embodiment, 80% or more of the surface area of the film is occupied by crystals having a crystal grain size of 6 to 18 .mu.m. The present invention also includes a method for producing a solid electrolyte thin film comprising a sintered body of solid electrolyte powders. The method includes regulating the grain size of said solid electrolyte powders in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 .mu.m; preparing a slurry solvent by mixing a binder and other materials with a solvent containing 10 to 80 wt % of a low volatile solvent, and mixing the slurry solvent with the solid electrolyte powder; and coating the obtained slurry onto a substrate. The slurry composition is prepared so that it has a viscosity in the range of 1 to 500 cps.

Abstract: A highly reliable sodium-sulfur battery includes a cell container for the positive electrode which is hardly deteriorated by corrosion. The cell container for the positive electrode is made of a Co base alloy containing Cr, Ni, and Mo, wherein carbide containing at least one of Cr, W, and Mo is precipitated, or the cell container for positive electrode is assembled by integrating plural members made of a high corrosion resistance alloy containing Cr by welding, and a readily deformable portion is provided to the cell container for positive electrode, whereby the reliability of the sodium-sulfur battery can be significantly improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cell of the type employing an alkali metal flowing between a high-pressure zone and low-pressure zone in the cell through a solid electrolyte structure. The cell preferably includes a condenser communicating with the low-pressure zone for condensing alkali metal vapor migrating through the low-pressure zone from the solid electrolyte structure. An artery is coupled to the condenser for directing condensed alkali metal from the condenser toward a hot end of the cell. An evaporator for evaporating the condensed alkali metal is coupled to the artery channel and communicates with the high-pressure zone. The artery and evaporator combine to form a return channel which preferably includes a graded pore size capillary structure for creating a region having a large pore size transitioning in any predetermined manner to a region having a relatively smaller pore size.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkali metal thermal to electric conversion (AMTEC) cell of the type employing an alkali metal flowing between a high-pressure zone and low-pressure zone in the cell through a solid electrolyte structure. According to the invention, the cell preferably includes a condenser communicating with the low-pressure zone for condensing alkali metal vapor migrating through the low-pressure zone from the solid electrolyte structure. A return channel is coupled to the condenser for directing condensed alkali metal from the condenser toward a hot end of the cell. An evaporator is coupled to the return channel for evaporating the condensed alkali metal and communicates with the high-pressure zone. The evaporator includes means for controlling an evaporation front position of the alkali metal in response to variations in the temperature gradient within the cell as caused by load changes on the cell.

Abstract: After opening spent NaS cells, one or more NaS cells are loaded to and maintained in separator plates within a heating tank in such a way that the opening or openings thereof are oriented downwards. After no less than the time required to melt the Na and after Na has drained from the opening, the NaS cells from which Na has drained are removed from the separator plates within the heating tank and, in addition to this, a number of other opened NaS cells equal in number to those removed are loaded into and maintained in the empty spaces within the separator plates from which these NaS cells have been removed. In the recovery of Na, this method is efficient and time reducing and, furthermore, according to this method it is possible to make recovery facilities simpler and smaller.

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: 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 lithium sulfur secondary battery is provided with a cathode containing a highly basic polymer compound in a composition or in a form of a film. The lithium sulfur secondary battery gives a longer cyclic life of charging/discharging and high energy density.

Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical cell comprises a housing in the form of a canister which is polygonal in cross-section so that it has a plurality of peripherally spaced corners. A solid electrolyte separator which is a conductor of sodium ions, separates the interior of the housing into an anode compartment containing an anode and a cathode compartment containing a cathode. The separator is tubular or cup-shaped, having a closed end and an open end, and having a plurality of peripherally spaced radially outwardly projecting ribs or lobes corresponding in number to the corners of the housing. The separator is concentrically located in the housing, with each lobe of the separator being peripherally aligned with, and projecting towards, one of said corners of the housing. Anchoring components anchoring the separator in position relative to the housing, are provided.

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: There is provided a disulfide type electrode material that can realize a remarkably improved energy density if used in a secondary battery as well as a secondary battery that shows a remarkably improved energy density. Such an organic electrode material comprises two or more than two but not more than six continuous S--S bonds.

Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical cell is provided, comprising a housing divided by a pair of concentric separator tubes into two anode compartments each containing molten alkali metal active anode material, the alkali metal in each anode compartment being electronically connected to the alkali metal in the other anode compartment, and a cathode compartment sandwiched between the anode compartments. The cathode compartment contains cathode material comprising a porous electrolyte-permeable electronically conductive matrix with a charged state in which it has a transition metal halide active cathode material dispersed therein, the matrix being impregnated with molten salt electrolyte. The cell comprises a cathode current collector tube located between the separator tubes, so that an inner part of the cathode is located between the smaller separator tube and the current collector tube, an outer part of the cathode being located between the current collector tube and the larger separator tube.

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 battery is provided comprising an aluminum anode, an aqueous sulfur catholyte, and a second electrode capable of reducing sulfur. A polysulfide cathode (for use with the above battery or independently) includes solid sulfur at ambient temperatures, and the cathodic charge stored in that solid sulfur can be directly accessed. An anode (for use with the above battery or independently) is also described, with the ability to utilize a substantial fraction of the anodic charge stored in the aluminum when immersed in electrolytes containing over 10 molar alkaline hydroxide.

Abstract: Novel batteries containing single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are provided. The polymers are polysiloxanes substituted with fluorinated poly(alkylene oxide) side chains having associated ionic species. The polymers have the following structure ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and n are as defined herein.

Abstract: A beta-alumina solid electrolyte for use in a sodium-sulfur battery is composed of beta-alumina crystals having a degree of orientation toward the C axis thereof, of 0.2-0.4 and an aspect ratio of 4.0 or less. The beta-alumina solid electrolyte is composed of the beta-alumina crystals having a degree of orientation toward the C axis thereof, of 0.2-0.4 and has such a particle diameter distribution that the average particle diameter is 3 .mu.m or less, the proportion of the particles having a particle diameter of 5 .mu.m or less is 90% or more, and the maximum particle diameter is 300 .mu.m or less. A process for producing a beta-alumina solid electrolyte using an alumina source material, a magnesium source material and a sodium source material, uses a magnesium-aluminum spinel as the magnesium source material and subjects all materials to mixing, granulation, molding and firing to obtain a beta-alumina solid electrolyte without subjecting the materials to calcination.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell, a cathode therefor and methods of making them. The cell is of the high temperature alkali metal/transition metal halide type, having a molten sodium anode, a nickel/nickel chloride cathode, an essentially sodium aluminium chloride molten salt electrolyte and a solid electrolyte sodium ion conducting separator which separates the sodium from the molten salt electrolyte. The nickel/nickel chloride is dispersed in solid form in a porous electronically conductive electrolyte-permeable matrix which is impregnated by the molten salt electrolyte, and antimony in finely divided solid form is mixed with the nickel/nickel chloride in the matrix. The mass ratio of antimony to the nickel in the nickel chloride in the cell in its fully charged state is 2:100-130:100.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for disposing of a spent NaS cell, which process comprises the steps of: cutting an opening in the NaS cell for flowing out sodium from the cell and allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the NaS cell; placing oil on sodium inside the inner tube of the spent NaS cell in a given thickness, while the cut opening is directed upwardly; setting the spent NaS cell in a workpiece-setting vessel outside a heating oil vessel, while the cut opening is directed downwardly, thereby flowing out the oil on the sodium inside the inner tube, said workpiece-setting vessel being provided at a bottom with a hole for allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the the spent NaS cell, immersing the spent NaS cell set in the workpiece-setting vessel into oil in the heating oil vessel in the state that the cut opening is directed downwardly; sodium is melted in the oil of the heating oil vessel and flown out therein through the cut opening; and then the inner tube is pulled out from the NaS cell.

Abstract: An alkaline gel electrolyte for an electrochemical cell is based on a polymeric binder of polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate. Potassium hydroxide and/or sodium hydroxide is blended into the polymeric binder or matrix, and the resulting solution is used to cast a film that is useful as a gel electrolyte. The hydroxide in the solution is between about 1% to 25% by weight, and the polymer concentration is between about 0.5% to 10% by weight. The resulting gel electrolyte film contains between 10 to 90% water by weight. A nickel or iron porphine modifier may be added in an amount between about 1 to 1000 parts per million. The alkaline gel electrolyte is useful in combination with asymmetric inorganic electrodes to make electrochemical cells, and can also function as a separator. Improved power density and higher cycle life is achieved with the gel electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making solid-phase active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The method begins with a step of combining the electrode components (including an electrochemically active material, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor) in a slurry. Next, the slurry is homogenized such that the electrode components are well mixed and free of agglomerates. Very soon 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 process for disposing of sodium sulfur cells, comprising the steps of: cross-cutting each of the cells to form an opening; setting a plurality of the cells, as one set, into a work-setting pipe unit such that the opening of each of the cells is downwardly directed; flowing down sodium from a set of the cells inside a heating oil through the opening by heating; inserting pawls of a chuck into an inner tube of each of a plurality of the cells through the opening and a bottom of the work-setting pipe unit; and extracting the inner tube from an outer tube in each of the cells.

Abstract: The premature capacity failure of Ni/NiCl.sub.2 secondary cells due to agglomeration of nickel particles on the surface of the NiCl.sub.2 cathode is prevented by addition of a minor amount, such as 10 percent by weight of a transition metal such as Co, Fe or Mn to the cathode. The chlorides of the transition metals have lower potentials than nickel chloride and chlorinate during charge. A uniform dispersion of the transition metals in the cathodes prevents agglomeration of nickel, maintains morphology of the electrode, maintains the electrochemical area of the electrode and thus maintains capacity of the electrode. The additives do not effect sintering. The addition of sulfur to the liquid catholyte is expected to further reduce agglomeration of nickel in the cathode.

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 sodium sulfur cell comprising an anode active material of metallic sodium, and a cathode active material of sulfur or sodium polysulfide, and a beta alumina solid electrolyte separator, the above active materials containing, as an impurity, calcium of at most 20 ppm and/or potassium of at most 200 ppm, by weight. The cell of the invention has excellent characteristics, particularly prolonged electromotive life.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a bimodal positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal, and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at the cell operating temperature. The positive electrode has an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride at least partially present as a charging product, and additives of bromide and/or iodide and sulfur in the positive electrode or the electrolyte. Electrode volumetric capacity is in excess of 400 Ah/cm.sup.3 ; the cell can be 90% recharged in three hours and can operate at temperatures below 160.degree. C. There is also disclosed a method of reducing the operating temperature and improving the overall volumetric capacity of an electrochemical cell and for producing a positive electrode having a BET area greater than 6.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.2 /g of Ni.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a positive electrode having an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride. A negative electrode of an alkali metal and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at cell operating temperature is included in the cell. The electrolyte is present at least partially as a corrugated .beta." alumina tube surrounding the negative electrode interior to the positive electrode. The ratio of the volume of liquid electrolyte to the volume of the positive electrode is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 3. A plurality of stacked electrochemical cells is disclosed each having a positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal molten at cell operating temperature, and a compatible electrolyte. The electrolyte is at least partially present as a corrugated .beta." alumina sheet separating the negative electrode and interior to the positive electrodes.

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 novel battery cell is disclosed which is characterized by a metal-organosulfur positive electrode which has one or more metal-sulfur bonds wherein when the positive electrode is charged and discharged, the formal oxidation state of the metal is changed. The positive electrode has the general formula(M'.sup.z.spsp.+.sub.(c/z) [M.sub.q (RS.sub.y).sub.x.sup.c- ]).sub.nwhereinz=1 or 2; y=1 to 20; x=1 to 10; c=0 to 10; n.gtoreq.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell is bounded by a metallic casing and has a cup-shaped solid electrolyte on the inside which separates an anode compartment from a cathode compartment. The storage cell is externally closed in a leak-proof and gas-tight manner. A closure of the cell has an additional seal with two mutually overlapping components between which an insulating ring is disposed.

Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell has a molten sodium anode separated by sodium ion-conducting solid electrolyte separator from a solid cathode comprising an electronically conductive electrolyte-permeable porous matrix. The matrix is impregnated with a molten salt electrolyte, and has solid active cathode material dispersed therein. The molten salt electrolyte comprises a substantially equimolar mixture of sodium chloride and aluminium chloride. The active cathode material comprises at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Cu and Mo having, dispersed therein, at least one additive element selected from the group consisting of As, Bi, Sb, Se and Te. The atomic ratio of transition metal:additive element in the active cathode material is 99:1-30:70, the cell having a charged state in which the active cathode material is chlorinated. The invention also provides a method of making such cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrically conductive current collector suitable for use in corrosive environments at high temperatures. The current collector comprises a shaped carbon/carbon material consisting of a woven arrangement of substantially continuous carbon filaments having a high tensile modulus impregnated with carbon particulate. The invention is also directed sodium/sulfur batteries employing same, generally as the current collector/container.

Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical cell has a housing containing an anode and a cathode, and divided by a sodium ion-conducting solid electrolyte separator into an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, containing respectively molten sodium active anode material and active cathode material. The separator is tubular, having a closed end and an open end, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly projecting ribs or lobes. The housing is a tubular canister which is polygonal in cross-section, so that it has a plurality of circumferentially spaced corners corresponding in number to the number of lobes of the separator. The separator is concentrically located in the housing, each lobe of the separator being circumferentially aligned with, and projecting radially from the separator towards, one of said corners.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided using graphite immersed in molten NaA.sub.4 (mp150.degree. C.) as the cathode, liquid sodium as the anode and .beta. alumina as the sodium ion conducting solid electrolyte to separate the anode and cathode compartments.

Abstract: An alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) having a plurality of cells structurally connected in series to form a septum dividing a plenum into two chambers, and electrically connected in series, is provided with porous metal anodes and porous metal cathodes in the cells. The cells may be planar or annular, and in either case a metal alkali vapor at a high temperature is provided to the plenum through one chamber on one side of the wall and returned to a vapor boiler after condensation at a chamber on the other side of the wall in the plenum. If the cells are annular, a heating core may be placed along the axis of the stacked cells. This arrangement of series-connected cells allows efficient generation of power at high voltage and low current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric current producing cell which contains an anode, a cathode having as a cathode-active material one or more carbon-sulfur compounds of the formula (CS.sub.x).sub.n, in which x takes values from 1.2 to 2.3 and n is greater or equal to 2, and where the redox process does not involve polymerization and de-polymerization by forming and breaking S--S bonds in the polymer backbone. The cell also contains an electrolyte which is chemically inert with respect to the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A battery is provided comprising an aluminum anode, an aqueous sulfur catholyte, and a second electrode capable of reducing sulfur. A polysulfide cathode (for use with the above battery or independently) includes solid sulfur at ambient temperatures, and the cathodic charge stored in that solid sulfur can be directly accessed. An anode (for use with the above battery or independently) is also described, with the ability to utilize a substantial fraction of the anodic charge stored in the aluminum when immersed in electrolytes containing over 10 molar alkaline hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of making an electrochemical cell comprises loading into a cathode compartment of a cell housing comprising also an anode compartment containing at the operating temperature of the cell and when the cell is in its charged state, a molten alkali metal, M, anode, the anode compartment being separated from the cathode compartment by a suitable separator, a molten salt electrolyte having the formula MAlHal.sub.4 wherein Hal is a halide other than Br; an active cathode substance which includes a transition metal T selected from the group comprising Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Mn and mixtures thereof; an alkali metal halide MHal; and a minor proportion of MBr thereby to make an electrochemical cell precursor. The precursor is charged at a temperature at which the molten salt electrolyte and alkali metal M are molten, thereby to halogenate the active cathode substance, with alkali metal being produced and passing through the separator into the anode compartment.

Abstract: In order to improve a reliability of a glass joint body, first ceramic member and second ceramic member are connected by using (a) glass consisting of 10.about.65 wt % of SiO.sub.2, 30 wt % or less of Na.sub.20, and the balance of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, (b) glass including less than 10 wt % of SiO.sub.2, and 30.about.80 wt % of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, (c) glass including substantially none of SiO.sub.2, and 30.about.80 wt % of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, or (d) glass consisting of 10.about.65 wt % of SiO.sub.2, 20 wt % or less of Na.sub.2 O, 30 wt % or less of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 20 wt % or less of MgO, and the balance of B.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A reversible electrode of the present invention is provided, which includes an organic sulfur aromatic compound represented by the formula R(SX).sub.y (where R is an aromatic group, S is sulfur, X is a metal atom or hydrogen, and y is an integer of 2 or more) as a component so as to utilize the reversible electrochemical oxidation-reduction of sulfur atoms of the organic sulfur aromatic compound for an electrode reaction. Moreover, according to the present invention, a method for producing the reversible electrode is provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an alkali metal negative electrode such as sodium and a positive electrode including Ni or transition metals, separated by a .beta." alumina electrolyte and NaAlCl.sub.4 or other compatible material. Various concentrations of a bromine, iodine and/or sulfur containing additive and pore formers are disclosed, which enhance cell capacity and power. The pore formers may be the ammonium salts of carbonic acid or a weak organic acid or oxamide or methylcellulose.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell (20) includes a ceramic housing frame (22) with a flat plate solid ceramic electrolyte (32) bonded to a internal shoulder (26) of the housing frame (22) with a glassy seal (33). A metallic weld ring (34) is bonded to each end of the housing frame (22). Each weld ring (34) has a welding flange (36) disposed parallel to a respective end of the housing frame (22) and also has a bonding flange (40). The bonding flange (40) lies parallel and adjacent to an internal surface (24) of the housing frame (22) if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weld ring (34) is less than that of the housing frame (22), and parallel and adjacent to an external surface (28) of the housing frame (22) if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weld ring (34) is greater than that of the housing frame (22). A glassy seal (42) is formed between the bonding flange (40) of each weld ring (34) and the respective adjacent surface (24 or 28) of the housing frame (22).

Abstract: A method for electrochemical refining of an impurity-containing 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 batch and a continuous method for electrochemical refining of a melt.

Abstract: Alkali metal energy conversion device comprising sealing components made of a metal or metal alloy substrate. A solid phase bonded coating of aluminum/silicon alloy is provided on an internal surface thereof. The aluminum/silicon alloy coating has the composition by weight of 0-0.5% Mg, 0-0.4% Cu, 0-1.0% Fe, 0.5-4.0% Si, up to 0.5% other trace elements, some oxygen present as an oxide and remainder Al.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a bimodal positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal, and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at the cell operating temperature. The positive electrode has an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride at least partially present as a charging product, and additives of bromide and/or iodide and sulfur in the positive electrode or the electrolyte. Electrode volumetric capacity is in excess of 400 Ah/cm.sup.3 ; the cell can be 90% recharged in three hours and can operate at temperatures below 160.degree. C. There is also disclosed a method of reducing the operating temperature and improving the overall volumetric capacity of an electrochemical cell and for producing a positive electrode having a BET area greater than 6.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.2 /g of Ni.

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.