Abstract: A high surface area short diffusion path sodium/sulfur cell is provided having a plurality of half-cells in spaced-apart planes extending through the block in a first direction with a second group of half-cells in the planes intermediate the planes of the first group of half-cells extending through the block in a direction normal to the direction of the first group of half-cells. The construction is strong and stable, provides for large surface area contact with the cell reactants and avoids narrow passageways which result in high resistance. The sodium and sulfur can be circulated through the active cell volume during charging and discharging of the battery permitting large storage capacity. Current collection can be achieved employing graphite fibers twisted between aluminum wires, with the aluminum wires welded to an aluminum manifold.