Abstract
Slow degradation was observed in sodium/beta-alumina electrolytes subjected to long term in cycling Na/S cells. The degradation propagated as a layer from the sodium side. It involves the internal deposition of sodium metal during current passage. This Mode II degradation was distinct from chemical colouration and from the Mode I failure (Poiseuille pressure due to cathodic deposition driving isolated cracks). Degradation was also observed on the sulfur side of the electrolyte and was associated with the graphite felt “imprinting effect.” It is thought that the Mode II degradation resulted from electron conduction into the solid electrolyte from the beta-alumina/sodium metal interface during the charging cycle.
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De Jonghe, L.C., Feldman, L. & Beuchele, A. Slow degradation and electron conduction in sodium/beta-aluminas. J Mater Sci 16, 780–786 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02402796
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02402796