The Sodium Exposure Test Cell to determine operating parameters for AMTEC electrochemical cells

Abstract

The Sodium Exposure Test Cell (SETC) is a non-power producing cell which has been developed to evaluate and test components of the electrochemical cell in an Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter. Performance and time dependence of performance of the electrode and the electrolyte in AMTEC cells can be tested in an SETC, and performance parameters which correlate with those taken from AMTEC operation can be calculated from data taken in an SETC. The components of the AMTEC electrochemical cell which are evaluated in an SETC are the electrode, {beta}{double{underscore}prime}-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), the current collection network, and the containment. The components are held in low pressure sodium vapor at a temperature which reflects their operating conditions in an AMTEC device, and operating parameters determined. Electrodes and BASE are evaluated by measuring current-voltage (IV) characteristics and using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Using these techniques, electrode performance parameters such as the exchange current (B), the morphology factor (G), and contact resistance between electrode and current collection network can be determined. The ionic conductivity (s) of BASE can also be determined. IV curves and EIS measurements are made at intervals over periods of several hundreds of hours in order to evaluate degradationmore » of AMTEC electrochemical cell components. Electrode and BASE are analyzed after an SETC experiment using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction. These techniques allow evaluation of interaction of materials and changes in the composition and structure of materials. The purpose of these experiments is determination of the changes of operating parameters as a function of time in order to predict the operating lifetime of AMTEC cells.« less