Abstract: A sodium/sulphur cell includes a case and a closure member. Each of the case and the closure member is formed of a composite material consisting of a substrate and a deformable metal layer mechanically fixed to the substrate. The substrate is formed of a material which is harder than the deformable metal. An outwardly extending annular flange is formed at the open end of the case. The closure member is secured to the annular flange by a solid phase bond thereby to close the case.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical storage cell based on sodium and sulphur. A disadvantage of the known storage cells of this type is the fact that if assembled to form batteries, failures of individual storage cells result in fairly large capacity losses of the battery. These disadvantages are avoided by fixing the quantitative ratio of sulphur to sodium as a function of the rated capacity of the storage cell in such a way that the voltage at the end of the rated discharge has a specified value and the sodium polysulphide which forms during the discharge has a specified composition.

Abstract: An article includes a ceramic member (5) and a composite member (9) bonded together. The composite member is formed of a substrate member and a deformable metal layer which is mechanically fixed to the substrate member. The substrate member is formed of a material which is harder than the deformable metal. The ceramic member and the deformable metal layer of the composite member are hermetically sealed together by a solid phase bond formed by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A laterally compressed envelope of solid electrolyte material is provided for use as an electrode holder in an electrochemical cell. It has two opposed major faces sealed together along at least part of the periphery of the envelope, each major face being provided by a sheet of said solid electrolyte material. Each sheet is provided on its inner surface with a plurality of ribs or corrugations extending alongside one another, each rib or corrugation of each said sheet crossing over a plurality of the ribs or corrugations of the other said sheet. The envelope has an internal volume, between the sheets, defined at least in part by grooves or valleys between the ribs or crests of the corrugations. Each part of said internal volume is in communication with each other part of said internal volume. The invention also provides a method of making the envelope, and an electrochemical cell in which the envelope forms an electrode holder.

Abstract: A solid-oxide electrolyte operable at between 600.degree. C. and 800.degree. C. and a method of producing the solid-oxide electrolyte are provided. The solid-oxide electrolyte comprises a combination of a compound having weak metal-oxygen interactions with a compound having stronger metal-oxygen interactions whereby the resulting combination has both strong and weak metal-oxygen interaction properties.

Abstract: An oxygen generator having a honeycomb body made of oxygen ion conducting material separates oxygen from a first gas, such as air. The honeycomb body has a plurality of generally parallel first and second channels coated with a layer of porous metal conductor which serve as electrodes. The first and second channels are arranged in alternating rows across the face of the honeycomb and the respective electrodes therein are oppositely charged by connection to a voltage source. Oxygen ions from a first gas in the first channels are caused to tranit across the channel walls to the second channels under an applied voltage. Oxygen generated in the second channels may be collected in a manifold through a set of third channels which intersect the sealed second channels, and used in applications such as home breathing apparatus'. Additional features are included in the honeycomb body and in the design of manifolds to facilitate the supply of a first gas and collection of oxygen.

Abstract: The method of making a gas tight seal to the safety reservoir of a sodium sulphur cell so that an overpressure can be applied to force sodium through a hole in the base of the reservoir to wet the active region around the reservoir. The form of the seal may also provide constructional advantages.

Abstract: An excellent stable sodium-sulfur cell having a high mechanical strength and a very long life is provided. The cell eliminates formation of cracks in a joining portion of the solid electrolyte tube and the insulative ring of the cell with the aid of a solder glass filled in a gap between the solid electrolyte tube and the insulative ring, preferably with the aid of a tapered portion formed at at least one of the solid electrolyte tube and the insulative ring, thereby to completely obviate a direct reaction of active substances of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, overheating and destruction of the cell. The sodium-sulfur cell, includes a solid electrolyte tube, an insulative ring, a gap of 100-500 .mu.m formed between the solid electrolyte tube and the insulative ring, and a solder glass filled in the gap for joining the insulative ring to the solid electrolyte tube.

Abstract: In order to improve the reliability of a glass joint body, a first ceramic member and a 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.2 O, 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: Alkali metal cell having a gas tight seat to the safety reservoir of the cell so that an overpressure can be applied to force sodium through a hole in the base of the region around the reservoir.

Abstract: A glass composition having a composition between about 18 and about 23 mole % Na.sub.2 O, about 3 to about 7 mole % Cs.sub.2 O, the balance being B.sub.2 O.sub.3 is adaptable to match the thermal expansion coefficient of a beta"-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 solid electrolyte when used to bond and seal the solid electrolyte to a porous support plate (22) in a sodium-sulfur battery (10).

Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell comprises an anode compartment containing a molten alkali metal anode; a cathode compartment containing an alkali metal aluminium halide molten salt electrolyte as well as a cathode which comprises an electronically conductible electrolyte-permeable porous matrix which has dispersed therein an active cathode substance, with the matrix being impregnated with said molten electrolyte; a separator separating the anode compartment from the electrolyte; and a wick in the anode compartment to enhance contact of alkali metal with the separator in the anode compartment. The wick comprises a layer of alkali metal wettable particles on the separator surface, and a metallic anchoring component abutting the wettable particles and protruding into the anode compartment.

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: The present invention is a method for improving the quality of glass to graphite bonds and seals used in high power density batteries, such as sodium-sulfur batteries. The method comprises depositing an interlayer of a two-element compound formed from a group IVa or Va metallic element and a group Vb or VIb nonmetallic element, preferably titanium nitride, between the glass and graphite. The resultant structure is mechanically strong, and forms a leak-free bond when used in such batteries. The invention further comprises batteries including seals formed by the disclosed method.

Abstract: A process for the disposal of rechargeable storage cells based on sodium and sulphur includes embedding each storage cell in a wax-like, solid material and then opening the storage cells. After opening, the sodium is first removed from the storage cell. Subsequently, the storage cell is opened further, and reaction products, a second reactant and components of the storage cell are taken out for re-utilization or processing to form waste materials that are free of pollutants and capable of disposal.

Abstract: The cathode region of a sodium sulphur cell has hitherto sometimes been sealed by a thin metal member welded at its outer periphery to the metal casing and at its inner periphery to the alpha alumina lid of the electrolyte. The welding operation damages the essential protective coating of the thin metal member. This invention discloses sealing the cathode region with a thin metal member (5) secured to a concentric outer thicker metal member (4), the thin member being sealed to the lid (15) and the thicker member being sealed to the casing (1). The thickness of the outer member eliminates the need for a protective coating so that the combined seal has greater integrity than previous seals.

Abstract: A separator for use in an advanced rechargeable electrochemical battery cell includes a thin plate of beta" alumina affixed to a molded monolithic frame shaped similar to a window frame. The strength and support provided by the frame permits use of extremely thin beta" alumina plates. When used in a sodium sulfur or sodium metal chloride battery cell, the separator permits maximum cell power without a decrease in cell energy capacity. A battery prepared by stacking a plurality of such cells is light and compact, yet has sufficient power and capacity for use in an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A flat plate alkali metal thermoelectric converter module having a plurality of generally flat plate cells grouped in stacks that are electrically connected in series within the stack, the cells being disposed to minimize the heat energy radiated to a condenser to provide a high efficiency module.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkali metal thermoelectric power generator comprising a plurality of thermoelectric converters, which are connected in electrical series to one another by an external electronic conductor device, each of the converters converting thermal energy into electrical energy by utilizing the phenomenon that an alkali metal, arranged on each side of a solid electrolyte, diffuses across the electrolyte if the density thereof on one side of the electrolyte differs from that on the other side of the same. The generator further comprises a piping consisting of a plurality of connection pipes for returning the alkali metal condensed in a second spatial region of each thermoelectric converter to a first spatial region thereof through a common pump. Further, the respective open ends of the connection pipes, which connect the respective first regions of the converters to one another, are positioned in those portions of the respective first regions where only the vapor phase alkali metal exists.

Abstract: Apparatus for constructing an alkali metal energy conversion device, for example a sodium sulphur cell. Such cells typically employ a solid electrolyte element separating cathodic and anodic reactants which are liquid at the cell operating temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides an anode for an electrochemical cell. There is an anode holder containing a molten sodium anode. The holder is a ceramic envelope which is a sodium conductor and the holder has a current collector in contact with the sodium and projection through an opening in the envelope wall. The envelope interior contains a unitary porous solid matrix permeable by and impregnated by sodium. The matrix is bonded to at least part of the inner surface of the wall of the envelope. The invention provides also a holder for the anode which is empty of sodium; and provides an electrochemical cell employing the anode; and it provides a method of making said anode and holder.

Abstract: A solid, composite, ion-conductive electrolyte member comprised of first and second layers which are bonded together, with the first layer being constituted of an ion-conductive material such as glass or polycrystalline ceramic, e.g., ANL glass or beta-type alumina, and the second layer being preferably constituted of a material selected from the group consisting of the titanium oxide family, most preferably, rutile (TiO.sub.2), and its related suboxides (Ti.sub.N O.sub.2N-1, where N is any selected number from 4-10, inclusive). The first and second layers are preferably intimately bonded together by means of an electrophoretic deposition process, a chemical vapor deposition process, a plasma spraying deposition process, a pyrolitic deposition process, or a pressing and sintering process.

Abstract: The invention provides a compressed envelope of solid electrolyte for holding an electrode in an electrochemical cell. The envelope comprises corrugated sheets joined along their edges. The sheets are aligned with each other so that their corrugations extend parallel along the length of the envelope and a space is defined between the sheets. The corrugations of the sheets nest in each other where the sheets are joined together at the ends of the envelope. The invention also provides a method of making the envelope and a cell having an electrode held in said envelope.

Abstract: A sodium-sulfur electrical storage cell (10) has a planar solid electrolyte (16) that is permeable to sodium ions, a planar permeable porous cathode (24) filled with sulfur, a planar permeable porous anode (28) filled with sodium, and an electrically nonconducting, closed flat container (12) for these elements. The electrolyte (16) is thin and strengthened, as by an integral supporting structure (22), or supported, as by a structural anode core structure (36) or by cross members (22) of the container, to minimize its deformation during operation. The anode (28) and cathode (24) are electrically conducting even without sodium and sulfur present, so that the cell (10) fails to a shorted state.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a flattened solid electrolyte, e.g. .beta.-alumina, envelope for use as an electrode holder in an electrochemical cell. A mouldable mixture of the .beta.-alumina with a binder is formed into sheet material and two panels of the sheet material are joined together along their peripheral edges to form the envelope. Spacing and reinforcing means is provided between the panels to space them apart and to reinforce the envelope. The edges of the panels are joined together using pressure, heat and/or solvent, after which are envelope is heated to cure the binder, volatilize the cured binder and sinter the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: An alkali metal thermoelectric conversion device formed from a porous tube or plate coated with a thin film of beta-alumina, the porous tube or plate is sintered metal or metal alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion which approaches that of the beta-alumina to form a mechanically stable device with high electrical output.

Abstract: A process for treating a sulfur-containing cell by employing an oxidant, such as a hypochlorite, in conjunction with an alkaline hydrolysis solution, such as a sodium hydroxide solution, to react with the sulfur-containing products to produce sulfides and sulfites and then have the oxidant convert the sulfides and sulfites to soluble sulfates followed by neutralization of the solution with a suitable acid, such as sulfuric acid, to produce a solution safe for conventional disposal.

Abstract: A storage battery having at least two plate-shaped individual cells. Each individual cell has at least one housing wall with projections which lie against a housing wall of the adjacent individual cell while forming channels for a cooling medium. Two mutually adjacent and facing housing walls of two individual cells are electrically conductivity connected, at least at the points of contact of the projections, to form a current conductor, the respective walls being of a different polarity for the respective cells of which they are a part.

Abstract: A cathode current collector/container for use in an electrochemical battery cell, e.g., a Na/S battery cell, which includes an advantageously porous graphite first layer and a molybdenum second layer securely bonded to the graphite first layer, preferably by means of a chemical vapor deposition process. In a preferred embodiment, the cathode current collector/container further includes a third layer constituted of a structurally rigid, electrically conductive material, e.g., tantalum, securely bonded to the molybdenum second layer, preferably by means of a chemical vapor deposition process. Additionally, the cathode current collector/container may further include a protective coating of sealant material, e.g., pyrolitic graphite or carbon, deposited at least partially within pores of the porous graphite constituting the first layer. The cathode current collector/container may be embodied in either a tubular or planar structural configuration.

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: The preferred embodiment provides a unique solid-state electrolytic battery featuring high reliability and an extremely durably service life. The battery is capable of generating a large amount of dischargeble current and can be satisfactorily charged and discharged using the activated hydrogen-stored alloy/materials. This unique solid-state electrolytic battery incorporates a cathode comprised of activated hydrogen-stored alloy storing metallic-hydrogenated hydrogen; a solid-state electrolyte comprised of hydrogen-ion conductive elements; and an anode containing an activated guest material, primarily hydrogen-ions.

Abstract: The invention provides a cathode for an electrochemical cell, a cell incorporating the cathode, and a method of rendering the cathode resistant to a drop in capacity associated with cell cycling. The invention involves dispersing a transition metal, other than Ni, Fe, Cr, Co or Mn, in the active cathode substance, the cathode comprising an electronically conductive porous matrix impregnated with sodium aluminium halide molten salt electrolyte containing chloride ions. Said active cathode substance is an chlorinated nickel-containing substance dispersed in the matrix.

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 liquid catholyte for a battery based on liquid metal such as sodium anode and a solid, ceramic separator such as beta alumina (BASE) comprises a mixture of a Group I-III metal salt such as sodium tetrachloroaluminate and a minor amount of an organic carbonitrile depolarizer having at least one adjacent ethylenic bond such as 1 to 40 percent by weight of tetracyanoethylene. The tetracyanoethylene forms an adduct with the molten metal salt.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite article suitable for use in thermoelectric generators. The article comprises a solid electrolyte carrying a thin film comprising molybdenum-platinum-oxide as an electrode deposited by physical deposition techniques. The invention is also directed to the method of making same.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell includes a pot-shaped solid electrolyte, inside of which an anode space is disposed. The storage cell is bounded by a metallic housing. A cathode space is disposed between the solid electrolyte and the housing. The pressure in the cathode space is held at a higher level than in the anode space in order to prevent destruction of the storage cell in the event of a rupture of the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: An electric storage device comprising an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte comprising a functionalized polymeric material, and a novel electrolyte.

Abstract: A sodium sulfur electrical storage cell includes means for avoiding bubbles in the sulfur cathode during operation in a weightless environment. Formation of bubbles of sulfur or other gas in the cathode is prevented by pressurizing the sulfur cathode to a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of the sulfur at the operating temperature, typically about 350 C. The applied pressure is preferably supplied by a chemical compound, such as sodium azide, that is placed into the chamber holding the sulfur. At the operating temperature of the cell, the compound decomposes to produce a gas, nitrogen in the case of the sodium azide, that is substantially insoluble in the sulfur yet produces a sufficiently high pressure over the liquid sulfur that bubbles of gaseous sulfur or other gases cannot form in the sulfur. If bubbles were permitted to form in a weightless environment, they would migrate to a location where they would interfere with the operation of the cell.

Abstract: The conduction of sulfur toward, and reaction products away from, the electrolyte of a sodium sulfur storage cell is accelerated by providing a bimodal capillary in the cathode. The capillary preferably consists of graphite fibers, otherwise present to conduct electricity through the cathode, arranged in a bimodal distribution. Closely spaced fibers preferentially draw the reaction product of the electrical discharge away from the electrolyte by capillary action. Open spaces between groups of closely spaced fibers permit sulfur to flow toward the electrolyte. The capillary mixing technique permits rapid discharge of the battery cell even under weightless conditions.

Abstract: In a sodium-sulphur cell, liquid sodium is anodic reactant, sulphur and sodium polysulphide are cathodic reactants and sodium ions are conducted by a solid electrolyte. To increase cell capacity and improve safety, a storage region for cathodic reactants is provided away from said solid electrolyte and containing said cathodic reactants in the form of two contacting layers of immiscible liquids formed by gravitational separation. Liquid sulphur being stored does not contact the solid electrolyte. The sodium may also be stored out of contact with the electrolyte. Capillary-action means for feeding the sodium polysulphide from the two liquid layers to the cathode reaction, and for feeding sodium to the anode reaction are included.

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 electrochemical sensor comprising an electrolyte and an analyte separated by a selectively permeable membrane preferably characterized in that the electrolyte is an electrically conductive solid comprising a homogeneous dispersion of a polymeric matrix phase and an electrically conductive salt and substantially free of water. Preferably the polymeric matrix phase is plasticized, the plasticizer forming a continuous phase in which the conductive salt is dissolved. The sensor is used, for example, for sensing and measuring gases especially in transcutaneous measurement of blood gases.

Abstract: The invention provides a rechargeable high temperature electrochemical storage cell having a molten alkali metal anode and a cathode separated from the anode by a ceramic solid electrolyte separator which is a conductor of ions of the anode. The separator has, in contact with its surface exposed to the alkali metal of the anode, a lining of material which is porous to and permeable by the molten alkali metal of the anode. The molten alkali metal of the anode, when in contact with the surface of the material of the lining, exhibits a contact angle of at least 90.degree. with respect to the surface of the lining material.

Abstract: A sodium-sulphur electrochemical storage cell is bounded externally by a metallic housing, which has a ternary inexpensive corrosion-protective coating formed of an alloy with essential components consisting of aluminum, chromium and iron.

Abstract: A lithium/organosulfur redox cell is disclosed which comprises a solid lium anode, a liquid organosulfur cathode, and a barrier layer formed adjacent a surface of the solid lithium anode facing the liquid organosulfur cathode consisting of a reaction product of the lithium anode with the organosulfur cathode. The organosulfur cathode comprises a material having the formula (R(S).sub.y).sub.N where y=1 to 6, n=2 to 20 and R is one or more different aliphatic or aromatic organic moieties having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, which may include one or more oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or fluorine atoms associated with the chain when R comprises an aliphatic chain, wherein the linear chain may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and wherein either the aliphatic chain or the aromatic ring may have substituted groups thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides a high temperature rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell which comprises an alkali metal anode which is molten at the operating temperature of the cell. The cell has a cathode and a separator which separates the anode from the cathode and which is a conductor of ions of the metal of the anode. The surface of the separator which is exposed to the anode is at least partly enclosed by and in contact with a layer of particulate material which acts as a wick for the molten alkali metal of the anode. The material of the particles of the layer is electronically conductive and chemically inert at the operating temperatures of the cell to the alkali metal of the anode and to the separator, and the particles thereof are coated by a surface coating.

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: A sodium-sulfur storage battery comprises a battery housing which functions as a positive current terminal collector, a solid electrolyte tube which is permeable to sodium ion and is disposed in the battery housing, and a positive electroconductive material, into which positive reactant is impregnated, disposed in a positive chamber between the solid electrolyte tube and the battery housing. The positive electroconductive material has a rugged part consisting of longitudinally extending concave and convex portions, which are formed by compression molding, at the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: An alkali metal plus halide electrical battery cell of, for example, the sodium and sulfuryl chloride type is disclosed. The disclosed cell provides accommodation for cell chemical reaction products that otherwise preclude achievement of secondary battery action or rechargeable nature in such cells and provides two physical accommodation changes, a reaction space and a reaction space temperature, in the cell arrangement to enable repeated charge and discharge cycling of the cell. The disclosed cell is shown to be embodied in a laboratory type structure and is described with net reaction or end result equations of a combined chemical and physical nature.

Abstract: An improved capillary action wicking structure and method with a method for its making and with application of the wicking structure to a high temperature electrical battery cell of the sodium/sulfur type. The wicking structure includes finely-divided metal particles of nickel, for example, that are attached to the solid electrolyte structure in the electrical battery cell by an organic binder and sintering combination.