What is a sodium ion battery?

Overall, we provide a broad and interdisciplinary perspective on modern batteries and future directions for this field, with a focus on sodium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries are an appealing alternative to lithium-ion batteries because they use raw materials that are less expensive, more abundant and less toxic.

Are sodium batteries worth it?

One key area of interest is sodium, the earth-abundant ingredient that makes up about 40% of simple table salt. Sodium is heavy, though. So is salt, for that matter. Nevertheless, sodium batteries are relatively inexpensive and free from thorny supply chain issues, and they are beginning to bust into the mainstream market.

Are sodium-ion batteries a ripe market?

Meanwhile, Argonne notes that stationary energy storage is another ripe market for sodium-ion batteries. Sure enough, over at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory another kind of sodium battery is taking shape, which deploys a combination of aluminum and sodium in the form of a molten salt.

How long does a sodium battery last?

More to the point, the new sodium battery is aimed at storing energy for a period of 10 to 24 hours. That’s significant because it meets the long duration energy storage goal of the US Department of Energy. Currently, lithium-ion batteries only provide for about four hours of storage.

Why are sodium ion batteries so popular?

Sodium-ion batteries also retain charging performance in sub-freezing temperatures, the lab observes. Another factor helping to push sodium-ion batteries into the market at a relatively rapid pace is their compatibility with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing and battery management systems.

Are sodium batteries better than lithium-ion batteries?

Though sodium batteries generally have a shorter driving range than their lithium-ion counterparts, they can still offer low-cost electrification solutions for situations in which a more expensive, premium battery is not worth the extra cost.