A cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent disposed in the granule bed, wherein a transverse cross-sectional distribution of the porous absorbent in the granule bed varies in a longitudinal direction from a first position to a second position. In another embodiment, a cell cathode compartment comprises a granule bed comprising metal granules, metal halide granules, and sodium halide granules, a separator adjacent to the granule bed, a liquid electrolyte dispersed in the granule bed, and a porous absorbent coating on a surface adjacent to the granule bed.

An electrolyte capable of lip roving the stability of a lithium-metal battery is provided. The electrolyte includes an organic solvent, a cosolvent, which is different from the organic solvent and includes a fluorine-based compound, and an additive having a lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) value than the organic solvent.

An aluminum-based cathode (positive electrode) for storage cells formed by deposition of a layer of aluminum metal on a porous conductive substrate. Storage cells and batteries having the cathode. The porous conducting substrate can be metal, conductive carbon or a refractory material, such as a metal boride or metal carbide. The aluminum-deposited porous substrate is in electrical contact with a cathode current collector and a suitable liquid catholyte. The cathode is, for example, combined with a molten alkali metal anode to form a storage cell. The alkali metal and the catholyte are molten or liquid at operating temperatures of the cell. Methods of storing energy and generating energy using cell having the aluminum-based cathode are provided.

A process for treating an electrochemical cell is presented. The process includes charging the electrochemical cell in a discharged state to at least 20 percent state-of-charge of an accessible capacity of the electrochemical cell at a first temperature to attain the electrochemical cell in a partial state-of-charge or a full state-of-charge and holding the electrochemical cell in the corresponding partial state-of-charge or full state-of-charge at a second temperature. The first temperature and the second temperature are higher than an operating temperature of the electrochemical cell.

An energy storage device configured to exchange energy with an external device includes a container having walls, a lid covering the container and having a safety pressure valve, a negative electrode disposed away from the walls of the container, a positive electrode in contact with at least a portion of the walls of the container, and an electrolyte contacting the negative electrode and the positive electrode at respective electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The negative electrode, the positive electrode and the electrolyte include separate liquid materials within the container at an operating temperature of the battery.

The disclosure provides seals for devices that operate at elevated temperatures and have reactive metal vapors, such as lithium, sodium or magnesium. In some examples, such devices include energy storage devices that may be used within an electrical power grid or as part of a standalone system. The energy storage devices may be charged from an electricity production source for later discharge, such as when there is a demand for electrical energy consumption.

An additive that is added to the NaAlX.sub.4 electrolyte for use in a ZEBRA battery (or other similar battery). This additive has a moiety with a partial positive charge (+) that attracts the negative charge of the [AlX.sub.4].sup. moiety and weakens the ionic bond between the Na.sup.+ and [AlX.sub.4].sup. moieties, thereby freeing some Na.sup.+ ions to transport (move). By using a suitable NaAlX.sub.4 electrolyte additive, the battery may be operated at much lower temperatures than are typical of ZEBRA batteries (such as, for example, at temperatures between 150 and 200 C.). Additionally, the additive also lowers the viscosity of the electrolyte solution and improves sodium conductivity. Non-limiting examples of the additive SOCl.sub.2, SO.sub.2, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, CH.sub.3SOCH.sub.3), CH.sub.3S(O)Cl, SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2. A further advantage of using this additive is that it allows the use of a NaSICON membrane in a ZEBRA-type battery at lower temperatures compared to a typical ZEBRA battery.

The present invention relates to a molten metal battery of liquid bismuth and liquid tin electrodes and a eutectic electrolyte. The electrodes may be coaxial and coplanar. The eutectic electrolyte may be in contact with a surface of each electrode. The eutectic electrolyte may comprise ZnCl.sub.2:KCl.

A battery cell with a magnesium and beta alumina current collector includes a magnesium core with a beta alumina covering and bare magnesium collectors. The preferred embodiment uses a two chamber battery cell with a ceramic separator, where the cathode chamber contains the current collector and a compound of 38% common salt (NaCl) containing 80 micrograms of Iodine (I) per gram of common salt (NaCl), 18% Iron (Fe), 15% Zinc, (Zn), 16% Copper (Cu), 5% Nickel (Ni) and 4% Silver (Ag), and the anode chamber contains a compound of 38% common salt (NaCl) containing 80 micrograms of Iodine (I) per gram of common salt (NaCl).

Cell and batteries containing them employing a cathode having a intercalating metal oxide in combination with a sodium metal haloaluminate. At operating temperatures, the positive electrode (cathode) of the invention comprises electroactive cathode material permeated with and in physical and electrical contact with the sodium metal haloaluminate catholyte. The positive and negative electrodes are separated with a solid alkali metal conducting electrolyte. The intercalating metal oxice is not in direct physical contact with the solid electrolyte. Electric and ionic conductivity between the solid electrolyte and the positive electrode is mediated by the sodium haloaluminate catholyte. Batteries of the invention are useful for bulk energy storage, particularly for electric utility grid storage, as well as for electric vehicle propulsion.