We have discovered a material class based on salts of iron and sulfur that exhibits extraordinary ionic conductivities for potential applications in alkali-metal based battery technology.
As both, iron and sulfur are highly abundant, non-toxic, and can be obtained from environmentally and socially controlled mining processes, we want to construct a sodium-sulfur battery and a lithium-ion battery with our new materials as solid-state electrolytes.
Upon successful implementation, this approach would overcome the safety and functionality drawbacks of state-of-the-art electrolytes without increasing the demand for metals with a devastating mining impact. Due to the inherent advantages of solid-state electrolytes, a lower self-discharge and an increased power density and cyclability is expected, which would advance battery applicability considerably.