Synopsis
This paper aims to review the state-of-the-art concerning the use of beta-alumina ceramics as a solid electrolyte in the sodium-sulphur battery. Design and operating conditions of a sodium-sulphur cell are first outlined leading to specifications for beta-alumina tubes. The various fabrication procedures which have been studied are presented with regard to powder preparation, shaping and sintering. The major problem encountered by the beta-alumina developers is the in-cell durability of the electrolyte tube. Studies on the electrical breakdown which is the main cause of failure have been recently emphasized: failure is usually associated with the penetration or the formation of sodium in the electrolyte or as a general blackening extending from the sodium side. To solve this problem, further research and development on improving the durability and the reliability of beta-alumina tubes are needed.
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© 1984 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels and Luzembourg
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Wicker, A. (1984). Beta-Alumina for Sodium-Sulphur Batteries. In: Kröckel, H., Merz, M., Van Der Biest, O. (eds) Ceramics in Advanced Energy Technologies. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6424-2_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6424-2_21
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