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U.S. Department of Energy
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Novel rechargeable sodium batteries

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5501413

The program was concerned with the development of a high energy density rechargeable sodium battery operating in the moderate temperature range of 175 to 200 C. The suitability of NaFeO{sub 2} and FeOCl as cathode materials in Na cells having the configuration--Molten Na/beta-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Molten NaAlC{sub l4}, NaFeO{sub 2} or FeOC{sub l}--has been studied. Cells containing either NaFeO{sub 2} or FeOCl were found to cycle about 3 Na per Fe reversibly, in a two step discharge. The voltage profiles of cells containing either of these materials are strikingly similar. Chemical reactions between the NaAlC{sub l4} electrolyte and NaFeO{sub 2} or FeOCl have been proposed which suggest the formation of the identical intermediate in cells of either type. The quasi-theoretical specific energy is 1545 Wh/kg for the Na/NaFeO{sub 2} couple, and 1475 Wh/kg for the Na/FeOCl cell. When the possible involvement of one mole of NaAlCl4 in the discharge reaction is considered, these values become 628 Wh/kg for the former, and 603 Wh/kg for the latter.

Research Organization:
EIC Labs., Inc., Norwood, MA (United States)
OSTI ID:
5501413
Report Number(s):
PB-91-184630/XAB; CNN: NSF-ISI87-60753
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English