sodium-ion batteries

Researchers used transmission electron microscopy (left) and X-ray techniques (right) to observe the defects that led to failure in sodium-ion battery cathodes. Eliminating these defects will allow these batteries to last longer. Image courtesy of Argonne National Laboratory Image courtesy of Argonne National Laboratory

Scientists Find the Potential Key to Longer-Lasting Sodium Batteries for Electric Vehicles

6 months ago US Department of Energy 0 Comments

The Science Lithium-ion batteries are the standard for electric vehicles, but their raw materials are costly and can have unreliable supply chains. Sodium-ion batteries are an alternative that could alleviate some of these challenges. However, the performance of these batteries declines rapidly with repeated charges and discharges. This is a major barrier … [continued]

The new sodium-aluminum battery design allows only sodium (depicted as yellow balls) to move through the solid-state electrolyte to charge the battery. Being constructed of inexpensive Earth-abundant materials such as sodium salts and aluminum wool, a scrap product of aluminum manufacturing, is an advantage. (Diagram by Sara Levine | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

The Sodium-Ion Battery Is Coming To Production Cars This Year

12 months ago Steve Hanley 2 Comments

Lithium is abundant, but difficult to extract and purify for use in batteries. Last year, the price of lithium carbonate peaked at over $80,000 per ton, although it has come down considerably since then. Oddly enough, people who don’t bat an eye about oil and gas wells within a few … [continued]