Advanced intermediate-temperature Na–S battery

Abstract

In this study, we reported an intermediate-temperature (150 °C) sodium–sulfur (Na–S) battery. With a relatively low operating temperature, this novel battery could reduce the cost and safety issues associated with the conventional high-temperature (300–350 °C) Na–S battery. A dense β′′-Al₂O₃ solid membrane and tetraglyme were utilized as the electrolyte separator and catholyte solvent in this battery. Solubility tests indicated that a cathode mixture of Na₂S₄ and S exhibited extremely high solubility in tetraglyme (e.g., >4.1 M for Na₂S₄ + 4 S). CV scans of Na₂S₄ in tetraglyme revealed two pairs of redox couples with peaks at around 2.22 and 1.75 V, corresponding to the redox reactions of polysulfide species. The discharge/charge profiles of the Na–S battery showed a slope region and a plateau, indicating multiple steps and cell reactions. In situ Raman measurements during battery operation suggested that polysulfide species were formed in the sequence of Na₂S₅ + S → Na₂S₅ + Na₂S₄ → Na₂S₄ + Na₂S₂ during discharge and in a reverse order during charge. This battery showed dramatic improvement in rate capacity and cycling stability over room-temperature Na–S batteries, which makes it more attractive for renewable energy integration and other grid related applications.