USH661H - Cathode container for sodium-sulfur cells - Google Patents
Cathode container for sodium-sulfur cells Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- USH661H USH661H US07/029,561 US2956187A USH661H US H661 H USH661 H US H661H US 2956187 A US2956187 A US 2956187A US H661 H USH661 H US H661H
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- metallic
- layer
- cathode
- cell
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- BNOODXBBXFZASF-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Na].[S] Chemical compound [Na].[S] BNOODXBBXFZASF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Molybdenum Chemical compound [Mo] ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229910052750 molybdenum Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000011733 molybdenum Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 claims description 15
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010960 cold rolled steel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910021525 ceramic electrolyte Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012611 container material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 15
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 6
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920001021 polysulfide Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000005077 polysulfide Substances 0.000 description 4
- 150000008117 polysulfides Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001415 sodium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910000873 Beta-alumina solid electrolyte Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002228 NASICON Substances 0.000 description 1
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium Chemical compound [Zr] QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003518 caustics Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001010 corrosive Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010894 electron beam technology Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052698 phosphorus Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011574 phosphorus Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052726 zirconium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/36—Accumulators not provided for in groups H01M10/05-H01M10/34
- H01M10/39—Accumulators not provided for in groups H01M10/05-H01M10/34 working at high temperature
- H01M10/3909—Sodium-sulfur cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M4/64—Carriers or collectors
- H01M4/66—Selection of materials
- H01M4/661—Metal or alloys, e.g. alloy coatings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
- H01M50/117—Inorganic material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
- H01M50/117—Inorganic material
- H01M50/119—Metals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
- H01M50/124—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material having a layered structure
- H01M50/126—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising three or more layers
- H01M50/128—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising three or more layers with two or more layers of only inorganic material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/131—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by physical properties, e.g. gas permeability, size or heat resistance
- H01M50/133—Thickness
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to rechargeable cells containing liquid sodium and sulfur and more particularly to a corrosion resistant cathode container and current collector structure for sodium-sulfur cells.
- both the sodium and sulfur are liquid at the operating temperature of the cell.
- Sodium ions from the liquid sodium anode are transported through a ceramic electrolyte to the liquid sulfur cathode and react with sulfur to form sodium polysulfides according to the reversible reaction,
- the sodium ions surrender charge in the reaction, and the current generated thereby is conducted through the sulfur and supporting wick material to a metallic container which is connected to a terminal.
- the metallic container is typically stainless steel with a chromium coating on the inner surface thereof to impede corrosion of the container by sodium polysulfides formed during cell operation.
- the chromium coating eventually corrodes by reaction with polysulfides to form NaCrS 2 which seriously impairs performance of the cell, particularly through deterioration of the electrolyte.
- the invention solves or substantially reduces in critical importance the foregoing problem with existing sodium-sulfur cell structures by providing a reliable corrosion resistant container and current collector structure for the liquid sulfur cathode.
- the invention comprises a metallic outer container for the cathode having on the inner surface thereof a coating of electrically insulating, nonreactive glass. Adjacent the glass coating is a tubular metallic cathode current collector.
- a corrosion resistant structure for a sodium-sulfur cell which comprises a container structure for the sulfur cathode including an outer metallic container having an inner surface defining a volume for containing the cathode, a layer of glass on the inner surface of the container, and a current collector of metallic foil disposed within the container adjacent the glass layer for containing the cathode.
- a preferred embodiment includes stainless steel as the container material and molybdenum foil as the current collector material.
- FIG. 1 is a view in axial section of a liquid sodium-sulfur cell structure of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of a prior art container structure
- FIG. 3 is a view along line C--C of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 1 shows a view in axial section of a representative sodium-sulfur cell 10 of the invention.
- Hermetically sealed metallic container 11 of generally tubular shape defines within a first container portion 11a first chamber 13 for containing sodium 15 (m.p. about 97.8° C.) comprising the anode of cell 10, and in a second container portion 11b, a second chamber 17 for containing sulfur 19 (m.p. about 112.8° C.) comprising the cathode of cell 10.
- Sodium 15 and sulfur 19 are liquid at normal operating temperatures for cell 10 (about 300°-350° C.).
- Container 11 may comprise substantially any metal or alloy known in the art for sodium-sulfur cell structure. In accordance with the teachings below in relation to FIG. 3, the inner surface of container 11 receives a glass coating and, therefore, container 11 may comprise any suitable metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel, cold rolled steel or ceramic, although E-BriteTM stainless steel in thickness of about 0.012 to 0.030 inch may be preferred.
- Electrolyte 21 comprising solid ceramic material in generally tubular shape separates chamber 13 containing sodium 15 from chamber 17 containing sulfur 19.
- Electrolyte 21 may comprise any ceramic material normally included in conventional cells for conducting sodium ions through the thickness (usually about 0.030 to 0.120 inch) thereof in cell operation including beta alumina, beta alumina, Nasicon (acronym for sodium superionic conductor containing sodium, zirconium, silicon, phosphorus and oxygen) or haloborate glasses.
- One closed end 22 of electrolyte 21 extends into chamber 17 whereby liquid sulfur 17 contacts and wets outer surface 23 of electrolyte 21 along a substantial portion of the length thereof, and an open end 24 communicates with chamber 13 allowing liquid sodium 15 to fill the inner volume defined by electrolyte 21 for contacting and wetting inner surface 25 thereof.
- Suitable conventional wicking materials may be included within chambers 13,17 for facilitating flow by capillary action of liquid sodium 15 and liquid sulfur 19 in wetting respective inner and outer surfaces 23,25 of electrolyte 21; typical wicking materials for liquid sodium 13 may include wire mesh of stainless steel, copper, nickel or molybdenum, and for liquid sulfur 19 may include graphite fiber fabric, felt or mat.
- Open end 24 of electrolyte 21 is sealed within annular insulating block 26 of alpha alumina or other suitable ceramic insulator conventional to sodium-sulfur cell structures.
- Metallic foil layer 27 (0.001 to 0.020 inch thick) of molybdenum, gold or other suitable metal or alloy defines chamber 17 and separates sulfur 19 contained therein from contacting container 11 to prevent corrosion by sodium polysulfides formed in operation of cell 10.
- Layer 27 further comprises an electric current collector in the operation of cell 10 and is connected to or integral with metallic (e.g., like material to layer 27) collector plate 29 and terminal 31 on second container portion 11b as suggested in FIG. 1.
- First container portion 11a containing liquid sodium 15 is electrically insulated from second container portion 11b as at insulating block 26, and may comprise a second electrical contact for cell 10.
- Container 11' conventionally includes a first metallic outer layer 33.
- Layer 33 is etched or otherwise treated and plated with layer 34 of chromium for corrosion resistance; adherence or compatibility layer 35 compris1ng zinc, copper or other suitable metal may be applied to layer 33 prior to plating layer 34.
- current collector portion 11b containing the sulfur 19 cathode includes an outer layer 37 of metal or alloy, including the group listed above suitable for being plated with layer 38 of glass.
- Glass layer 38 is selected to provide an electrically insulating, chemically nonreactive and corrosion resistant coating to container 11 and may comprise a PyrexTM or other suitable composition glasses. Functionally satisfactory glass layers 38 may be applied to a thickness of about 0.0005 to 0.005 inch by conventional deposition techniques known in the applicable art field.
- a preferred glass material is S5210-2C (Solar Turbine Corp), a commercially available glass having excellent stability against chemical attack and coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with preferred layer 37 materials.
- Layer 38 of S5210-2C to about 0.002 inch thickness provides substantial resistance to chemical attack and eliminates need for a chromium or other additional metallic layer (34 in FIG. 2) included in conventional cell structures.
- glass layer 38 as shown in FIG. 3 covers the entirety of the inner surface of container portion 11b defining chamber 17, and is preferably included on insulating block 26 and regions of contact between block 26 and container portion 11b to avoid corrosion of any metallic seals included in structures joining container portions 11a, 11b or electrolyte 21 to block 26.
- Glass layer 38 is electrically nonconductive, and therefore, metallic layer 27 is included partly to provide a shunt for conducting current to collector plate 29 and/or terminal 31.
- Molybdenum is a preferred material for layer 27 since it is highly resistant to corrosives generated during operation of cell 10 and can be fabricated as foil.
- foil layer 27 may be formed into tube shape corresponding in size to the inner dimensions of container 11 and welded (e.g. by electron beam welding) to collector plate 29 as at weld joint 41.
- Closure disk 42 of like material to layer 37 may be welded to an open end of container portion 11b for closure of cell 10.
- collector plate 29 and inner surface of disk 42 may be plated with a glass layer similar to that applied to container portion 11b, with terminal 31 electrically connected through plate 29 to foil layer 27.
- Glass layer 38 defining the inner surface of container portion 11b may be melded with the glass layer on disk 42 by heating that end of container portion 11b.
- the invention therefore teaches a corrosion resistant structure for sodium-sulfur cells. It is understood that modifications to the inventon may be made as might occur to one with skill in the field of the invention within the scope of the appended claims. All embodiments contemplated hereunder which achieve the objects of the invention were therefore not shown in complete detail. Other embodiments may be developed without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
Abstract
A corrosion resistant structure for a sodium-sulfur cell is described which comprises a container structure for the sulfur cathode including an outer metallic container having an inner surface defining a volume for containing the cathode, a layer of glass on the inner surface of the container, and a current collector of metallic foil disposed within the container adjacent the glass layer for containing the cathode. A preferred embodiment includes stainless steel as the container material and molybdenum foil as the current collector material.
Description
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States for all governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty.
The present invention relates generally to rechargeable cells containing liquid sodium and sulfur and more particularly to a corrosion resistant cathode container and current collector structure for sodium-sulfur cells.
In the operation of a sodium-sulfur cell, both the sodium and sulfur are liquid at the operating temperature of the cell. Sodium ions from the liquid sodium anode are transported through a ceramic electrolyte to the liquid sulfur cathode and react with sulfur to form sodium polysulfides according to the reversible reaction,
2Na+xS⃡Na.sub.2 S.sub.x (x=3, 4, or 5).
The sodium ions surrender charge in the reaction, and the current generated thereby is conducted through the sulfur and supporting wick material to a metallic container which is connected to a terminal. The metallic container is typically stainless steel with a chromium coating on the inner surface thereof to impede corrosion of the container by sodium polysulfides formed during cell operation. The chromium coating eventually corrodes by reaction with polysulfides to form NaCrS2 which seriously impairs performance of the cell, particularly through deterioration of the electrolyte.
The invention solves or substantially reduces in critical importance the foregoing problem with existing sodium-sulfur cell structures by providing a reliable corrosion resistant container and current collector structure for the liquid sulfur cathode. The invention comprises a metallic outer container for the cathode having on the inner surface thereof a coating of electrically insulating, nonreactive glass. Adjacent the glass coating is a tubular metallic cathode current collector.
It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved liquid sodium-sulfur cell structure.
It is another object of the invention to provide a corrosion resistant cathode container structure for sodium-sulfur cells.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent as the detailed description of representative embodiments proceeds.
In accordance with the foregoing principles and objects of the invention, a corrosion resistant structure for a sodium-sulfur cell is described which comprises a container structure for the sulfur cathode including an outer metallic container having an inner surface defining a volume for containing the cathode, a layer of glass on the inner surface of the container, and a current collector of metallic foil disposed within the container adjacent the glass layer for containing the cathode. A preferred embodiment includes stainless steel as the container material and molybdenum foil as the current collector material.
The invention will be clearly understood from the following detailed description of representative embodiments thereof read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is a view in axial section of a liquid sodium-sulfur cell structure of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of a prior art container structure; and
FIG. 3 is a view along line C--C of FIG. 1.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a view in axial section of a representative sodium-sulfur cell 10 of the invention. Hermetically sealed metallic container 11 of generally tubular shape defines within a first container portion 11a first chamber 13 for containing sodium 15 (m.p. about 97.8° C.) comprising the anode of cell 10, and in a second container portion 11b, a second chamber 17 for containing sulfur 19 (m.p. about 112.8° C.) comprising the cathode of cell 10. Sodium 15 and sulfur 19 are liquid at normal operating temperatures for cell 10 (about 300°-350° C.). Container 11 may comprise substantially any metal or alloy known in the art for sodium-sulfur cell structure. In accordance with the teachings below in relation to FIG. 3, the inner surface of container 11 receives a glass coating and, therefore, container 11 may comprise any suitable metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel, cold rolled steel or ceramic, although E-Brite™ stainless steel in thickness of about 0.012 to 0.030 inch may be preferred.
An electrolyte 21 comprising solid ceramic material in generally tubular shape separates chamber 13 containing sodium 15 from chamber 17 containing sulfur 19. Electrolyte 21 may comprise any ceramic material normally included in conventional cells for conducting sodium ions through the thickness (usually about 0.030 to 0.120 inch) thereof in cell operation including beta alumina, beta alumina, Nasicon (acronym for sodium superionic conductor containing sodium, zirconium, silicon, phosphorus and oxygen) or haloborate glasses. One closed end 22 of electrolyte 21 extends into chamber 17 whereby liquid sulfur 17 contacts and wets outer surface 23 of electrolyte 21 along a substantial portion of the length thereof, and an open end 24 communicates with chamber 13 allowing liquid sodium 15 to fill the inner volume defined by electrolyte 21 for contacting and wetting inner surface 25 thereof. Suitable conventional wicking materials (not shown) may be included within chambers 13,17 for facilitating flow by capillary action of liquid sodium 15 and liquid sulfur 19 in wetting respective inner and outer surfaces 23,25 of electrolyte 21; typical wicking materials for liquid sodium 13 may include wire mesh of stainless steel, copper, nickel or molybdenum, and for liquid sulfur 19 may include graphite fiber fabric, felt or mat. Open end 24 of electrolyte 21 is sealed within annular insulating block 26 of alpha alumina or other suitable ceramic insulator conventional to sodium-sulfur cell structures. Metallic foil layer 27 (0.001 to 0.020 inch thick) of molybdenum, gold or other suitable metal or alloy defines chamber 17 and separates sulfur 19 contained therein from contacting container 11 to prevent corrosion by sodium polysulfides formed in operation of cell 10. Layer 27 further comprises an electric current collector in the operation of cell 10 and is connected to or integral with metallic (e.g., like material to layer 27) collector plate 29 and terminal 31 on second container portion 11b as suggested in FIG. 1. First container portion 11a containing liquid sodium 15 is electrically insulated from second container portion 11b as at insulating block 26, and may comprise a second electrical contact for cell 10.
Referring now to FIG. 2, shown therein is a cross-sectional view of a conventional container 11' structure for sodium-sulfur cells. Container 11' conventionally includes a first metallic outer layer 33. Layer 33 is etched or otherwise treated and plated with layer 34 of chromium for corrosion resistance; adherence or compatibility layer 35 compris1ng zinc, copper or other suitable metal may be applied to layer 33 prior to plating layer 34.
Referring now to FIG. 3, shown therein is an enlarged cross sectional view along line C--C of FIG. 1. In accordance with the teachings of the invention, current collector portion 11b containing the sulfur 19 cathode includes an outer layer 37 of metal or alloy, including the group listed above suitable for being plated with layer 38 of glass. Glass layer 38 is selected to provide an electrically insulating, chemically nonreactive and corrosion resistant coating to container 11 and may comprise a Pyrex™ or other suitable composition glasses. Functionally satisfactory glass layers 38 may be applied to a thickness of about 0.0005 to 0.005 inch by conventional deposition techniques known in the applicable art field. A preferred glass material is S5210-2C (Solar Turbine Corp), a commercially available glass having excellent stability against chemical attack and coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with preferred layer 37 materials. Layer 38 of S5210-2C to about 0.002 inch thickness provides substantial resistance to chemical attack and eliminates need for a chromium or other additional metallic layer (34 in FIG. 2) included in conventional cell structures. With reference again to FIG. 1, glass layer 38 as shown in FIG. 3 covers the entirety of the inner surface of container portion 11b defining chamber 17, and is preferably included on insulating block 26 and regions of contact between block 26 and container portion 11b to avoid corrosion of any metallic seals included in structures joining container portions 11a, 11b or electrolyte 21 to block 26.
The invention therefore teaches a corrosion resistant structure for sodium-sulfur cells. It is understood that modifications to the inventon may be made as might occur to one with skill in the field of the invention within the scope of the appended claims. All embodiments contemplated hereunder which achieve the objects of the invention were therefore not shown in complete detail. Other embodiments may be developed without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A container structure for the cathode of a sodium-sulfur electric cell comprising:
(a) a metallic first container having an inner surface defining a substantially closed chamber for containing sulfur comprising the cathode of said cell;
(b) a thin continuous layer of glass on said inner surface of said metallic first container; and
(c) a substantially closed metallic foil second container disposed within said metallic first container for containing said sulfur comprising said cathode of said cell and for collecting current from said cathode.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said metallic first container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and cold rolled steel.
3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said thin continuous layer of glass has thickness of from about 0.0005 to about 0.005 inch.
4. The structure of claim 1 wherein said mettalic foil second container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of molybdenum and gold.
5. The structure of claim 4 wherein said metallic foil second container has wall thickness of from about 0.001 to about 0.020 inch.
6. In a hermetically sealed sodium-sulfur electric cell including a solid ceramic electrolyte separating a first chamber containing a sodium anode from a second chamber containing a sulfur cathode, an improvement comprising a corrosion resistant container structure for said cathode including:
(a) a metallic first layer having an inner surface defining and substantially enclosing the second chamber;
(b) a thin continuous layer of glass on said inner surface of said metallic first layer; and
(c) a substantially closed metallic foil second layer disposed within said metallic first layer and enclosing the cathode for collecting current from said cathode.
7. The cell of claim 6 wherein said metallic first layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, and cold rolled steel.
8. The cell of claim 6 wherein said thin continuous layer of glass has thickness of from about 0.0005 to about 0.005 inch.
9. The cell of claim 6 wherein said metallic foil second layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of molybdenum and gold.
10. The cell of claim 9 wherein said metallic foil second layer has thickness of from about 0.001 to about 0.020 inch.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/029,561 USH661H (en) | 1987-03-24 | 1987-03-24 | Cathode container for sodium-sulfur cells |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/029,561 USH661H (en) | 1987-03-24 | 1987-03-24 | Cathode container for sodium-sulfur cells |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| USH661H true USH661H (en) | 1989-08-01 |
Family
ID=21849670
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/029,561 Abandoned USH661H (en) | 1987-03-24 | 1987-03-24 | Cathode container for sodium-sulfur cells |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | USH661H (en) |
Citations (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3404035A (en) | 1965-10-22 | 1968-10-01 | Ford Motor Co | Secondary battery employing molten alkali metal reactant |
| US4035553A (en) | 1975-06-30 | 1977-07-12 | The Secretary Of State For Industry In Her Britannic Majesty's Government Of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland | Sodium-sulfur electric batteries with ceramic spacer in sulfur compartment |
| US4110516A (en) | 1977-06-15 | 1978-08-29 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Sodium-sulfur cell casing |
| US4209573A (en) | 1978-04-10 | 1980-06-24 | General Electric Company | Sulfur electrode container and methods of manufacture |
| US4219128A (en) | 1978-10-10 | 1980-08-26 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Sulfur electrode container construction and method of manufacture |
| US4230780A (en) | 1978-10-27 | 1980-10-28 | Societe Anonyme Dite: Compagnie Generale D'electricite | Sodium-sulphur electric cell |
| US4234668A (en) | 1978-04-20 | 1980-11-18 | General Electric Company | Composite sulfur electrode container and method of manufacture |
| US4246325A (en) | 1979-07-03 | 1981-01-20 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Sodium-sulfur battery including thermally responsive valve and method |
| US4341849A (en) | 1978-10-24 | 1982-07-27 | General Electric Company | Sodium resistant sealing glasses and sodium-sulfur cells sealed with said glasses |
| US4460662A (en) | 1983-05-13 | 1984-07-17 | The Dow Chemical Company | Molybdenum-coated aluminum cathodes for alkali metal/sulfur battery cells |
| US4576881A (en) | 1983-11-08 | 1986-03-18 | Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag | Electrochemical storage cell |
-
1987
- 1987-03-24 US US07/029,561 patent/USH661H/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3404035A (en) | 1965-10-22 | 1968-10-01 | Ford Motor Co | Secondary battery employing molten alkali metal reactant |
| US4035553A (en) | 1975-06-30 | 1977-07-12 | The Secretary Of State For Industry In Her Britannic Majesty's Government Of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland | Sodium-sulfur electric batteries with ceramic spacer in sulfur compartment |
| US4110516A (en) | 1977-06-15 | 1978-08-29 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Sodium-sulfur cell casing |
| US4209573A (en) | 1978-04-10 | 1980-06-24 | General Electric Company | Sulfur electrode container and methods of manufacture |
| US4234668A (en) | 1978-04-20 | 1980-11-18 | General Electric Company | Composite sulfur electrode container and method of manufacture |
| US4219128A (en) | 1978-10-10 | 1980-08-26 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Sulfur electrode container construction and method of manufacture |
| US4341849A (en) | 1978-10-24 | 1982-07-27 | General Electric Company | Sodium resistant sealing glasses and sodium-sulfur cells sealed with said glasses |
| US4230780A (en) | 1978-10-27 | 1980-10-28 | Societe Anonyme Dite: Compagnie Generale D'electricite | Sodium-sulphur electric cell |
| US4246325A (en) | 1979-07-03 | 1981-01-20 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Sodium-sulfur battery including thermally responsive valve and method |
| US4460662A (en) | 1983-05-13 | 1984-07-17 | The Dow Chemical Company | Molybdenum-coated aluminum cathodes for alkali metal/sulfur battery cells |
| US4576881A (en) | 1983-11-08 | 1986-03-18 | Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag | Electrochemical storage cell |
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