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Comment by ajnin | Hacker News Reader

> Battery manufacturer Theion has designed lithium-sulphur cathode technology that triples the energy density and requires 90% less energy to produce.

Compared to what ? Very annoying when articles do that, it shows a lack of rigor that does not inspire confidence in the rest of the article.

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They almost certainly mean triple compared to lithium ion (similarly for the 90% less energy claim). Lithium ion batteries currenty hit a maxium energy density of around 265Wh/kg, with a theoretical maximum of around 400-500Wh/kg[0][1]. Lithium sulphur batteries have a theoretical maximum of around 2500Wh/kg.

[0] https://cleantechnica.com/2020/02/11/lithium-sulfur-batterie...

[1] https://www.lis.energy/site/li-s-energy-applications/lithium...

I've done the math a few times and I think there's an inflection point somewhere around 400WH/kg where auxiliary batteries for EVs become a viable option.

Right now any replaceable battery is the domain of robotics, because there is no human-rated pack that would provide a compelling increase in range. Another factor of 2 and hauling a few 15kg cylinders or cubes out at a 'gas station' might get you to grandma's house or safely past a "no gas for 200 miles" sign.

This is what they promise:

Gravimetric energy density ≥ 1’000 Wh/kg (Gen 4) Volumetric energy density ≥ 1’500 Wh/l Power capability ≈ 12.000 W/kg Cycle life ≥ 1’000 at 1 C

More details here in in their blogs: https://www.theion.de/

They still provide no details whatsoever about their alleged breakthrough.

This is journalism. They write a part of the story and the rest you must figure yourself.

I think compared with standard AAA batteries. _Everything_ looks better than them. My only concern is when this sulphur will catch fire, but why be so pessimist ?

Have you ever considered what happens when gasoline catches fire?

Some battery fires appear to be much more difficult to put out than gasoline fires.

Gasoline does not spontaneously combust when exposed to air, unlike the components in some batteries.

> Gasoline does not spontaneously combust when exposed to air

Neither do lithium or sulfur.

And yet, some batteries start burning spontaneously when broken open.

Lithium reacts strongly to water, and most atmospheric air has water in it.

Yes. According to chemistry classes burning gasoline (or other hydrocarbons) releases CO2 and water. Burning sulfur releases SO2 which i heard is quiet toxic.

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