Researchers in China
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Chinese researchers use single-atom aluminium catalyst to slow sodium-sulfur battery degradation
A team led by Professors Wang Hui and Zheng Fangcai at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Hefei redesigned an aluminium catalyst by replacing a single atom in its structure, according to The Cool Down, citing Interesting Engineering. In laboratory testing, the aluminium-based cathode delivered 1,196 milliamp-hours per gram after 100 cycles, and capacity loss was only 0.017% per cycle across 2,500 consecutive charge and discharge cycles. The approach is positioned as a cheaper alternative to transition-metal catalysts for grid-scale storage of renewable electricity.
Why it matters
These are laboratory results only, with no commercial deployment or pricing stated, so there is no near-term procurement impact. It is a signal that lower-cost alternatives to lithium for stationary storage, which can support grid-constrained charging sites, continue to be researched.