A High‐Energy Room‐Temperature Sodium‐Sulfur Battery

• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201304126
• Publication Date: 2013-12-12T08:11:14Z
• Authors: Sen Xin; Ya‐Xia Yin; Yu‐Guo Guo; Li‐Jun Wan
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; 0104 chemical sciences

Employing small sulfur molecules as the active cathode component for room-temperature Na-S batteries, reveals a novel mechanism that is verified for the batteries' electrochemistry. The sulfur cathode enables a complete two-electron reaction to form Na2 S, bringing a tripled specific capacity and an increased specific energy compared with traditional high-temperature Na-S batteries. At the same time, it offers better cycling stability endowing the batteries with a longer lifespan.