Researchers have developed the world’s first sodium battery without an anode. It is intended to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to lithium batteries.
Researchers at the Energy Storage and Conversion Laboratory at the University of Chicago and the University of California have developed the world’s first sodium-based anodeless battery developed. The new approach could significantly reduce the price of large-capacity, fast-charging batteries. Possible application scenarios include electric vehicles or use as a battery to store excess energy.
The combination of sodium, which is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than lithium, with an innovative design without an anode makes the batteries particularly promising. The research team developed a new architecture for sodium batteries that can remain stable for several hundred cycles. By removing the anode and using sodium instead of lithium, the battery is not only more cost-effective but also safer and more powerful.
Sodium battery without anode enables high energy density
This is a crucial step towards meeting the global demand for batteries. Because of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, battery technologies are more important than ever. The problem with lithium-ion batteries remains the procurement of the necessary raw materials.
Not only is lithium scarce, but its extraction is also harmful to the environment. Most deposits are located in the “Lithium Triangle” in South America. In contrast, sodium is widespread in the earth’s crust and seawater. The new battery architecture dispenses with the traditional anode and stores the ions directly on a current collector. This enables higher energy density and lower production costs.
Sodium batteries are sometimes more efficient than lithium batteries
The team’s approach was to create a power collector out of aluminum powder. To produce a solid battery component from the granular aluminum powder, the team compressed the powder under high pressure. This method enables efficient cycle operation with low costs. Such innovations show that sodium batteries are not only viable, but in some cases even more efficient than lithium batteries.
The vision is to develop a variety of clean and affordable batteries that store renewable energy and meet societal needs. The lead researchers have already filed a patent application for their approach. We may see sodium-based batteries more often in our everyday lives in the future.
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The article Researchers develop the world’s first sodium battery without anode by Felix Baumann appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a Tech Industry expert, I am extremely excited about the development of the world’s first sodium battery without an anode. This breakthrough could have significant implications for the energy storage industry, as sodium is a much more abundant and cost-effective alternative to lithium, which is currently used in most rechargeable batteries.
The fact that this sodium battery does not require an anode makes it even more revolutionary, as it simplifies the battery design and potentially reduces production costs. Additionally, the elimination of the anode could lead to improved battery efficiency and longevity, making sodium batteries a more attractive option for widespread adoption in various applications.
I believe that this development represents a major step forward in the quest for sustainable and renewable energy solutions. I look forward to seeing how this technology progresses and how it may shape the future of energy storage.
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