A new battery design leverages unusual sulfur chemistry, where sulfur at the cathode forms sulfur tetrachloride by stealing chloride from the electrolyte during discharge. This process allows electrons to flow into the anode, combining with sodium to form a layer of sodium metal on aluminum. The battery is stabilized by separating electrodes with glass fiber and using porous carbon to prevent sulfur tetrachloride diffusion. It demonstrates impressive stability, surviving 1,400 cycles and maintaining over 95% charge when idle for 400 days, with an energy density potentially exceeding 2,000 Wh/kg. The estimated cost of $5 per kilowatt-hour is significantly lower than current sodium batteries, offering a promising, cost-effective alternative if scalable for manufacturing. This matters because it presents a potential breakthrough in battery technology, providing a more affordable and efficient energy storage solution.
