Abstract
A variety of experiments was performed on Na β-alumina single crystals and Na β″-alumina polycrystals of different microstructures, to clarify the nature of chemical colouration produced by contact with sodium. It was found that the colouration is due to a reduction of the electrolyte by sodium, introducing oxygen vacancies compensated by electrons. Colouration and bleaching kinetics have been determined. It was found that in polycrystals colouration proceeds along the grain boundaries. Water has no effect. The role of the colouration in electrolyte degradation is discussed.
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De Jonghe, L.C., Buechele, A. Chemical colouration of sodium beta-aluminas. J Mater Sci 17, 885–892 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00540388
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00540388