Preparation and characterization of polycrystalline lead-exchanged sodium beta "-alumina and its use as a Pb exp 2+ ion-conducting electrolyte for galvanic cells

Sodium in Na exp + beta -alumina was partially exchanged with Pb by ion exchange between polycrystalline Na exp + beta -alumina and a molten salt mixture containing Pb cations. Examination of the exchanged material showed that it was free of cracks and porosity and that the Pb was uniformly distributed. The bulk conductivity of the exchanged material was measured using molten Pb electrodes and a two-probe alternating current technique. The electrochemical behavior of Pb ions in the material was investigated using a concentration cell of the type tungsten, Pb(1) perpendicular Pb-partially-exchanged Na exp + beta -alumina perpendicular Pb-Bi(1), W. It was found that the Pb ion behaved as Pb exp 2+ , and its mobility was high in the exchanged Na exp + beta "-alumina over the range 723-1098K. It is concluded that the prepared Pb exp 2+ -Na exp + beta - alumina could be used as Pb exp 2+ ion-conducting solid electrolytes in galvanic cells for thermodynamic measurements on Pb-containing and Na-free metallic melts or Pb exp 2+ -containing and Na exp + -free slags or mattes.