Feb 11, 2020
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrated that sodium-ion batteries can serve as a low-cost, high performance substitute for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries commonly used in robotics, power tools, and grid-scale energy storage.
Sodium-ion batteries, or SIBs, show promise beyond lithium-ion batteries because sodium's abundance makes it more affordable compared to lithium. However, limitations in the technical design of their anode, cathode and electrolyte systems prevent SIBs from being widely used.
In a study, ORNL researchers developed SIBs by pairing a high-energy oxide or phosphate cathode with a hard carbon anode and achieved 100 usage cycles at a one hour charge and discharge rate.
"The dedication to lithium-ion batteries over the past 20 years has eclipsed any significant development around room temperature sodium-ion batteries despite the material availability," ORNL's Ilias Belharouak said. "This research shows how SIBs can be designed for improved performance."
Materials and engineering endeavors towards practical sodium-ion batteries
Mengya Li, Zhijia Du, Mohammad A.Khaleel, Ilias Belharouak
Energy Storage Materials Volume 25, March 2020, Pages 520-536
DOI: 10.1016/j.ensm.2019.09.030
Contact information:
Ilias Belharouak
Phone: 865.576.7342
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), U.S. Dept. of Energy