Electrode-induced beta battery degradation. Final report

Technical Report · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6102445

Roberts, R; Browall, K W

This report describes an investigation of sodium and sulfur electrode effects on beta-alumina ceramic electrolyte degradation. Specifically, four aspects were examined: (1) sulfur-electrode resistance contribution to overall cell resistance over time; (2) effects of calcium and potassium impurities in the sodium electrode on performance and cell life; (3) effect of air contamination on cell performance; and (4) evaluation of the sulfur electrode's chemical corrosivity on the ceramic. Calcium levels in excess of several hundred ppm led to severe pitting of the beta-ceramic. Addition of dry oxygen to the sodium compartment led to sodium oxide formation and a reduction in cell capacity, while wet oxygen introduction caused rapid deterioration in cell performance and life. Dry nitrogen addition to the sodium compartment had no effect on either performance or resistance, while wet nitrogen had an effect similar to wet oxygen. Finally, it was found that preferential cycling in either the one- or two-phase region had no influence on beta-alumina surface degradation.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY (USA). Corporate Research and Development Center
• OSTI ID: 6102445
• Report Number(s): PB-89-166771/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250903* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CALCIUM
CERAMICS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CORROSION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
ELEMENTS
METAL-NONMETAL BATTERIES
METALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
PROGRESS REPORT
SODIUM-SULFUR BATTERIES
SOLID ELECTROLYTES