A key distinction of SLiQ is the storage of energy as soluble polysulfides within a liquid catholyte, rather than the solid cathodes found in traditional lithium-sulphur batteries. Sulphur is readily available in natural deposits and as a by-product of the petroleum industry. It is much cheaper and more sustainable than cobalt or nickel and offers up to 10x the theoretical capacity of current cathodes. The catholyte can be stored externally and circulated through the cells, as in a flow battery. This enables independent scaling of energy storage (in catholyte tanks) and power output (from cell stacks). The catholyte has been developed to provide a safe non-flammable energy storage medium.

Our next phase of development will focus on achieving higher performance, lower manufacturing costs and improved sustainability by reducing and eliminating critical raw materials and developing an EU based supply chain. We are aiming to achieve 100% re-usability of the catholyte at end of life and we have a levelised cost of storage target of £10/MWh at scale. To achieve these ambitious targets, the SLiQ is being designed with a focus on local manufacturability with low-cost and modular components that support a circular economy.