Thermoelectric generator

In a process for manufacturing a thermoelectric generator wherein heat energy is converted to electrical energy, which device comprises

• 1. enclosure means for a first reaction zone;
• 2. enclosure means for a second reaction zone;
• 3. a reaction zone separator which
• a. separates and essentially completes enclosure of said first reaction zone and said second reaction zone and
• b. comprises a cationically-conductive, solid electrolyte that is essentially impermeable to elemental alkali metal and compounds thereof and ionically conductive with respect to cations of said alkali metal;
• 4. alkali metal with said first reaction zone and in fluid communication with said solid electrolyte;
• 5. an electrode with said second reaction zone in electrical contact with said solid electrolyte and sufficiently porous to permit alkali metal to pass therethrough;
• 6. conduction means for electron flow between said alkali metal within said first reaction zone and said electrode in said second reaction zone;
• 7. inlet means for introducing said alkali metal into said first reaction zone;
• and
• 8. temperature control means adapted to maintain temperature in said first reaction zone at least 100.degree. C. in excess of the lowest temperature in said second reaction zone,
• wherein the improvement comprises forming said electrode in electrical contact with said solid electrolyte by depositing a porous film of a metal in a thickness of between about 0.5 and about 10 micrometers by thermally decomposing a vapor phase carbonyl of said metal, said metal being selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, nickel and iron.