Abstract of the Offer
Almath Crucibles Ltd, a leading UK ceramic manufacturer, has been actively engaged in research projects, developing a range of ionic conducting ceramic products. These ceramics are known for their high-temperature resistance, chemical stability, and high conductivity. Notable innovations include an oxide ion-conducting ceramic anode for titanium recycling from industrial waste using molten salt electrolysis, and a sodium ion-conducting ceramic electrolyte for Na-ion batteries, ZEBRA batteries, and supercapatteries.
Description
The oxide ion-conducting ceramic inert anode features a bi-layer design, with a porous, mixed ionic-electronic conducting material as the inner layer and a fully densified, pure ionic-conducting material as the outer layer. When the anode floats on the salt surface and the inner layer is connected to the negative terminal of a power supply, oxygen from low-grade metal waste is released into the salt as oxide ions. These ions are transported across the ceramic anode, moving from the outer layer to the inner layer, where oxygen gas is then released. This prototype is suitable for producing high-value metals (Ti) and semiconductors (Si) using molten salt electrolysis.
The sodium ion-conducting ceramic serves as a solid electrolyte separator in electrochemical energy storage devices such as supercapacitors, batteries, and supercapatteries. It is typically placed between the positive and negative electrodes/electrolytes to prevent contact and short circuits. This Na-ion conducting ceramic is compatible with Na-ion batteries, ZEBRA batteries, and next-generation energy storage technologies.
Advantages and Innovations
The traditional graphite anodes used in molten salt electrolysis gradually convert into CO₂ during the anode reaction and produce debris which floats on the salt surface and pose a risk of short circuits if not removed. The inert ceramic anode offers a significant advantage as it produces only oxygen gas at the anode, eliminating the issue of debris accumulation and anode degradation. Sodium ion-conducting ceramics provide better heat resistance and higher conductivity compared to other solid electrolytes. This allows for a wider operational temperature range in battery devices, helping to achieve higher energy density and specific power.