Influence of Carbon Coating on Beta-Alumina Membrane for Sodium-Nickel Chloride Battery

Sodium–nickel chloride batteries have been used as energy storage devices because of their high operating voltage, ease of assembly in a discharged state, the less corrosive nature of the cathode materials, safer cell failure mode, and better tolerance against overcharging. In this study, we fabricated a planar-type cell equipped with an elastic spring rod in the anode to maintain effective sodium utilization. In addition, we investigated the influence of carbon coating on the β″-Al2O3 membrane. The carbon coating layer on the β″-Al2O3 membrane showed improved wettability for sodium metal. The carbon-coated alumina membrane delivered a higher initial charge/discharge capacity than the pristine membrane cells.