Slow degradation and electron conduction in sodium/beta-aluminas

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Journal of Materials Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00552217· OSTI ID:1070020

De Jonghe, Lutgard C. ^[1]; Feldman, Leslie ^[1]; Beuchele, Andrew ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States). Materials and Molecular Research Division; Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Mineral Engineering

In this paper, slow degradation was observed in sodium/beta-alumina electrolytes subjected to long term in cycling Na/S cells. The degradation propagated as a layer from the sodium side. It involves the internal deposition of sodium metal during current passage. This Mode II degradation was distinct from chemical colouration and from the Mode I failure (Poiseuille pressure due to cathodic deposition driving isolated cracks). Degradation was also observed on the sulfur side of the electrolyte and was associated with the graphite felt “imprinting effect.” Finally, it is thought that the Mode II degradation resulted from electron conduction into the solid electrolyte from the beta-alumina/sodium metal interface during the charging cycle.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22); Electric Power Research Inst. (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 1070020
• Report Number(s): LBL--10946
• Journal Information: Journal of Materials Science, Journal Name: Journal of Materials Science Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 16; ISSN 0022-2461
• Publisher: Springer
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE