Fabrication of a thin walled β″-alumina electrolyte cells

Dense β″-alumina electrolyte tubes with thickness less than 50 μm were slip cast on a porous substrate of β″-alumina. The resistance of the composite electrolyte was measured by a DC method. The area specific resistance of a thin layer electrolyte versus the full thickness electrolyte was lower by a factor of 1.6. The components of cell resistance were determined. It was concluded that interfacial resistance is a dominant factor in the electrolyte resistance.

Research highlights
► The hot sodium-nickel chloride (ZEBRA) battery uses a β″-alumina solid electrolyte.
► Thin film solid electrolyte with thickness of less than 50 μm was fabricated by slip casting.
► The components of cell resistance were determined.
► It was concluded that interfacial resistance is a dominant factor in the electrolyte resistance.