The web search results confirm general interest and existence of 'iron-based flow batteries' for renewable energy storage, but none of the provided evidence explicitly corroborates the specific claim that 'Chinese scientists have achieved a breakthrough' or details the specific cost reduction/lifespan extension breakthrough mentioned in the claim. The evidence points to the technology's relevance but not the specific breakthrough achievement.

The evidence provided contains general information about lithium-ion batteries and lithium market reports, but none of the sources contain a direct comparison stating that the cost of lithium is 'over 80 times more' than iron as a raw industrial material. The claim cannot be verified or refuted with the provided evidence.

The web search results discuss advanced electrolytes and stable cycling for various battery types (e.g., calcium metal anodes, general Li-ion issues), but none of the provided evidence specifically attributes the development of a 'highly stable electrolyte capable of sustaining thousands of charge-discharge cycles with virtually no capacity loss' to 'Researchers from the Institute of Metal Research (CAS)'.

The web search results contain a reference to a press release published on 'April 16' regarding a specific medicine, but there is no evidence linking this date or the concept of an institute's press release to the specific context of the battery technology breakthrough mentioned in the original claims. The evidence is too general to confirm the claim.