Sodium anode for sodium-sulphur cells - prepd by electrolysis of sodium nitrate

摘要

Sodium electrode for Na-S cells is formed by electrolysis (e.g. of NaNO3 at about 310 degrees C) directly within the anode compartment which has previously been evacuated and sealed. The compartment consists of a glass tube onto which a closed Al2O3 (Na) tube is sealed. This is immersed in the molten NaNO3 electrolyte and a voltage of 3.7V increasing to 5V is applied. Sodium passes through the beta Al2O3(Na) separator and collects inside the evacuated chamber. The Na is highly pure and defects in the separator (e. g. high porosity) are detected as metallic patches on the surface.