Sodium-ion Battery Technology

Recently, a team of scientists from the University of Houston has developed a homogeneous glassy electrolyte that makes it more viable to produce sodium ion-based batteries commercially.

• The study significantly boosts the scope of development of sodium-based battery technology as a viable alternative to lithium-based ones.

Key Highlights: Grid-level Energy Storage Systems: The study found that ambient temperature solid-state sodium-sulfur battery technology can be used for grid-level energy storage systems with the help of the new electrolyte.

• Stripping of Anode: The positively charged metallic ion in sodium takes the charge from the anode to the cathode of a battery when the circuit is completed. This process is called stripping of the anode.
• Plating: When a battery is charged, the formation of sodium occurs around the anode of the battery in its metallic form. This is called plating or deposition. The positive ions must be free to move about because this movement is what produces electric energy.
• The new electrolyte enables reversible sodium plating and stripping at a greater current density.
• The new structural and compositional design strategies presented in the new study provide a new paradigm in the development of safe, low-cost, energy-dense, and long-lifetime solid-state sodium batteries.