Advancements Required
- Increase Energy Density:
- Target: Achieve energy densities comparable to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries.
- Challenge: Sodium-ion batteries have lower energy densities due to the larger size of sodium ions compared to lithium ions.
- Reduce Cost:
- Necessity: Lower the cost of production while maintaining or improving performance.
- Challenges: Current sodium-ion designs often rely on expensive materials like nickel; alternatives need to be found.
- Improve Cathode and Anode Materials:
- Innovation: Develop more efficient cathode and anode materials to enhance electrochemical performance.
- Progress: Recent breakthroughs include the use of new binder materials, such as polyfumaric acid, which improves electrode adhesion and durability.
- Enhance Charging Speed and Cycle Life:
- Objective: Increase charging speed and improve cycle life for broader applicability.
- Challenges: Sodium-ion batteries currently suffer from slower charging rates and shorter lifetimes compared to lithium-ion batteries.
- Strengthen Supply Chains:
- Importance: Develop more robust supply chains to mitigate risks related to material sourcing, which could be a significant advantage over lithium-ion batteries.
- Integrated System Considerations:
- Need: Assess sodium-ion batteries not just at the cell level but also at the system level (e.g., electric vehicles, grid storage).
By addressing these areas, sodium-ion batteries can become more competitive with lithium-ion batteries in terms of cost, performance, and environmental sustainability.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-advancements-are-needed-to-make-sodium-ion-batteries-more-competitive-with-lithium-ion-batteries/
