Electrode, current collector, and electrolyte studies for AMTEC cells

Conference · Fri Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 1993 · AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)

OSTI ID:5517255

Ryan, M A; Williams, R M; Underwood, M L; Jeffries-Nakamura, B; O'Connor, D ^[1]

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1. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109 (United States)

Studies of components for AMTEC devices at JPL have focussed on electrode materials, materials and construction of the current collection network, and the [beta][double prime]-alumina solid electrolyte. Electrode materials include thin films of molybdenum metal and metal alloys such as PtW and RhW. Surface self-diffusion coefficients have been determined for Mo electrodes in the temperature range 1050--1200 K, and for RhW at 1125 K. The diffusion coefficients have been used in a grain growth model to predict electrode operating lifetimes at temperatures in this range. Current collection networks sputtered with a thin film of platinum have decreased total electrical resistance in an operating device by 35%. Electrolyte studies have found no mechanical stress or chemical degradation induced by long term operation. Further electrolyte studies have focussed on synthesis of both sodium and potassium [beta][double prime]-alumina ceramic. Potassium [beta][double prime]-alumina solid electrolyte has potential application in a potassium-based AMTEC device which operates at a hot side temperature of [similar to]1000 K.

• OSTI ID: 5517255
• Report Number(s): CONF-930103--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States) Journal Volume: 271:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

665520* -- Other Methods of Direct Energy Conversion-- (1992-)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ALKALI METALS
ALLOYS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CERAMICS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONVERSION
DECOMPOSITION
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY CONVERSION
FABRICATION
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
METALS
MOLYBDENUM
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLATINUM ALLOYS
PLATINUM METAL ALLOYS
POTASSIUM
RHODIUM ALLOYS
SODIUM
SOLID ELECTROLYTES
STRESSES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TUNGSTEN ALLOYS