Better understanding of the chemistry of rechargeable metal–oxygen batteries is needed to fulfil their potential. It is now shown that proton phase-transfer catalysts drive Na–O2 batteries, transporting superoxide between the electrode surface and the electrolyte as HO2. The chemistry uncovered gives rise to the system's high reversible capacity.

http://www.nature.com/nchem/journal/v7/n6/full/nchem.2260.html