Electrochemical cell comprising ionically conductive membrane and porous multiphase electrode

摘要

An electrochemical cell in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first electrode containing a first phase intermixed with a second phase and a network of interconnected pores. The first phase contains a ceramic material and the second phase contains an electrically conductive material providing an electrically contiguous path through the first electrode. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode containing an alkali metal. A substantially non-porous alkali-metal-ion-selective ceramic membrane, such as a dense Nasicon, Lisicon, Li &bgr;″-alumina, or Na &bgr;″-alumina membrane, is interposed between the first and second electrodes.