| abstract |
A composition includes a cathodic material comprising a support structure. The support structure includes copper and zinc, and has less than 1 weight percent of aluminum, tin or aluminum and tin. The support structure may be part of an energy storage device. In another aspect, a method is provided that includes forming brass from zinc powder and copper powder in the presence of a sodium electrolyte. In one aspect, an electrochemical cell is loaded with copper and zinc, the electrochemical cell is heated, and at least one charge/discharge cycle of the electrochemical cell is performed. Alpha brass is converted to gamma brass in presence of zinc arid sodium. Methods of producing and operating an energy storage device are also provided. |