In one embodiment, a cathode composition comprises a transition metal and / or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and antimony, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; an alkali metal halide; an electrolyte salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a sulfide compound selected from the group consisting of gallium sulfide, antimony sulfide, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.