Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising: i. an anode comprising an alkali metal or alkali metal alloy or silicon; ii. a cathode comprising a particulate mixture deposited on a current collector, said particulate mixture comprising electrochemically active sulfur material and electronically conductive carbon material, wherein the porosity of the cathode is less than 40%; and iii. an electrolyte having a polysulfide solubility of less than 500 mM.