Articles tagged with "sodium-ion-batteries"
Researchers Improve Sodium-Ion Batteries 4X
Researchers have made significant advances in sodium-ion battery technology, addressing key challenges that have limited their commercial viability, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) applications. Sodium-ion batteries offer advantages over lithium-ion batteries, such as using abundant, nonflammable materials and potentially lower costs. However, a major obstacle has been the anode material: graphite, used in lithium-ion batteries, cannot store sodium ions effectively. The industry consensus has favored hard carbon as an alternative, but it suffers capacity loss during manufacturing due to chemical reactions between the electrolyte and the anode. Chinese battery giant CATL has reportedly resolved this "hard carbon problem," enabling commercial production of sodium-ion batteries for EVs. Further research from Germany’s BAM institute has proposed an innovative solution involving a thin coating of activated carbon over a sponge-like hard carbon core. This coating acts as a filter, allowing sodium ions to pass while blocking electrolyte molecules that cause capacity loss. Their approach has improved initial capacity retention significantly, as reported in the journal Angewand
energysodium-ion-batteriesbattery-technologyanode-materialshard-carbonactivated-carbonelectric-vehiclesCore-shell anode delivers 4x efficiency boost to sodium-ion batteries
Researchers at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Germany have developed a low-cost, environmentally friendly core-shell anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) that significantly improves their initial charge efficiency to 82 percent—four times higher than uncoated hard carbon anodes. The anode features a porous hard carbon core for high sodium storage capacity, coated with an ultra-thin protective shell that acts as a molecular filter. This shell allows sodium ions to pass while blocking larger electrolyte molecules that cause unwanted side reactions, thus controlling the formation of a protective film on the shell rather than inside the core. This design reduces the irreversible loss of storage capacity during the first charge cycle, a major limitation in current sodium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries are considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to sodium’s abundance, lower cost, and environmental benefits. However, they have historically suffered from low initial efficiency because electrolyte molecules penetrate the porous anode during the first charge, consuming
energymaterialssodium-ion-batteriesbattery-technologyanode-materialsenergy-storagecore-shell-anodeLavender-powered batteries stabilized with new ‘priming’ technique
An international research team has developed a novel, cost-effective sodium-ion battery (SIB) using hard carbon derived from lavender flower waste as the anode material, addressing sustainability and performance challenges in energy storage. Lavender agricultural residue, previously underutilized, was converted into hard carbon while preserving its natural microstructure, which enhances electrolyte penetration and sodium ion diffusivity, thereby improving battery efficiency. The lavender-based anode was paired with a nickel-doped P2-type cathode (Na0.67Mn0.9Ni0.1O2), where nickel incorporation improved electronic conductivity and structural stability. Electrochemical testing showed promising capacities with the cathode achieving 200 mAh/g (42% retention after 100 cycles) and the anode 360 mAh/g (67.4% retention after 100 cycles), demonstrating the potential of plant-derived hard carbons as sustainable, economical battery materials. A key challenge addressed was the inherent sodium deficiency in bio-based materials, which the team overcame by
energybatteriessodium-ion-batteriessustainable-materialsenergy-storagelavender-wasteelectrochemical-presodiationCATL Sodium-Ion Batteries in Passenger Vehicles in July! - CleanTechnica
CATL is set to introduce its sodium-ion batteries into mass-market passenger vehicles starting in Q2 2025, beginning with the GAC Aion model. This marks a significant milestone following earlier announcements about the deployment of CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion technology across various applications, including passenger vehicles, construction machinery, and energy storage. The company also unveiled a new battery system called Tectrans designed for commercial vehicles, alongside a 45 kWh sodium-ion battery pack tailored for light commercial vehicles. This pack boasts impressive cold-weather performance, capable of charging at temperatures as low as -30°C and retaining 90% capacity at -40°C, with versions available for both vehicle integration and battery swapping. CATL’s sodium-ion batteries are currently in their third generation, featuring multiple variants that support high-speed charging in extreme temperatures (from -15°C to 45°C) and large capacity packs, including a 253 kWh version that can deliver up to 800 km of range. The
energysodium-ion-batteriesCATLelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyenergy-storageclean-energyMore Sodium-Ion Batteries Are Suddenly Emerging
The article discusses the recent surge in interest and development of sodium-ion batteries, highlighting the US startup Unigrid, which aims to compete directly with China’s leading battery maker CATL. Founded in 2021 and based in San Diego, Unigrid leverages research from the University of California – San Diego and has received significant support from the California Energy Commission (CEC), including grants to develop and pilot production of solid-state sodium-ion batteries. These batteries replace traditional flammable liquid electrolytes with safer, ceramic-based solid electrolytes, offering potential advantages in safety, longevity, and cost for stationary energy storage applications such as home, commercial, and utility-scale use. Unigrid’s pilot production line targets manufacturing cylindrical sodium-ion batteries that can serve as drop-in replacements for existing battery technologies, with an initial output goal of 250-750 batteries per day. While the company is focusing primarily on stationary storage rather than electric vehicles for now, it has plans to eventually expand into transportation applications. Despite sodium
energysodium-ion-batteriessolid-state-batteriesenergy-storagebattery-technologyrenewable-energyelectric-grid-storageWhy the Sudden Emergence Sodium-Ion Batteries? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the recent surge in interest and development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), highlighting CATL’s announcement to commercialize sodium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026 with a 310-mile range. Sodium-ion batteries differ from lithium-ion batteries primarily in their cathode and electrolyte materials, with sodium compounds replacing lithium. Various companies have developed different sodium-ion chemistries, such as Prussian white cathodes and hard carbon anodes, achieving diverse performance metrics including rapid charging (15 minutes to 80%), wide operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 70°C), and long cycle lives (up to 25,000 cycles). Notably, sodium-ion batteries exhibit superior low-temperature performance and safety compared to lithium-ion batteries, with better fire resistance and compliance with stringent Chinese safety regulations. Historically, sodium-ion battery research gained momentum after the discovery of hard carbon anodes in 2000, with commercial efforts starting around 2011. Early sodium-ion batteries
energysodium-ion-batteriesbattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesCATLbattery-materialsenergy-storageCATL Makes Big Announcement on Sodium Batteries for 2026 - CleanTechnica
Battery giant CATL, the world’s largest battery producer, announced significant progress in sodium-ion battery technology, projecting that by 2026 these batteries could power standard passenger electric vehicles (EVs) with a range of around 500 km (311 miles) and an energy density of up to 175 Wh/kg. This milestone suggests sodium-ion batteries are approaching the performance needed for mass-market EVs, although pricing details remain undisclosed. CATL plans to deploy sodium-ion batteries across various sectors, including passenger and commercial EVs, stationary energy storage, and battery swapping systems. CATL emphasizes a future battery market featuring a “dual-star” system where both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries coexist, each offering distinct advantages. Sodium-ion batteries, launched commercially by CATL’s Naxtra division in 2025, excel in extreme temperature conditions and promise longer-term benefits such as lower costs, improved safety, and reduced carbon emissions compared to lithium-ion batteries. This announcement marks a shift from sodium-ion batteries
energybatteriessodium-ion-batterieselectric-vehiclesCATLenergy-storagebattery-technologyCATL Expects Oceanic Electric Ships in 3 Years - CleanTechnica
CATL, a leading battery manufacturer, is advancing its marine division with ambitions to enable pure-electric ocean-going vessels within the next three years. Currently active in inland rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, CATL aims to expand zero-carbon marine transportation to open seas. The company offers a comprehensive system for electric ships, including batteries, containerized mobile power, high-voltage charging systems, and cloud information platforms, supporting seamless electrification of maritime vessels. Recent developments, such as CATL’s collaboration with major shipping companies and the deployment of battery-powered tugboats and ferries, highlight progress in marine electrification. The anticipated timeline for oceanic electric ships aligns with the expected mass production of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), which promise significantly lower material costs and enhanced range capabilities. This technology may overcome the final hurdles to widespread maritime electrification, complementing CATL’s broader strategy to electrify both maritime and aviation sectors.
energyelectric-shipsmarine-batteriesCATLsodium-ion-batteriesmaritime-electrificationclean-energy-transportationThe Strange Time Compression of Sodium-Ion Battery Development - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the rapid and somewhat unexpected acceleration in the development and commercialization of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), particularly driven by Chinese companies. China dominates over 50% of the global EV battery market, with major players like CATL and BYD leading in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries. However, smaller firms such as Beijing HiNa have made significant strides in sodium-ion technology, exemplified by their deployment of a 200 MWh grid storage system in 2024. BYD and CATL are also heavily investing in sodium-ion battery production, with BYD constructing a 30 GWh factory and introducing containerized energy storage units aimed at the utility market. These developments suggest a strong push to commercialize SIBs despite some skepticism regarding their current energy density and performance compared to lithium-based batteries. While early analyses and social media discussions have pointed out limitations of sodium-ion batteries, such as lower energy density relative to
energybatteriessodium-ion-batteriesenergy-storageEV-batteriesbattery-technologyclean-energySodium-Ion Battery Applications Grow - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the expanding applications of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) beyond electric vehicles and home energy storage, emphasizing their suitability for rugged and cold environments such as farms, industrial, and commercial settings. A notable collaboration between Komatsu Japan and Pret in Neijiang, China, aims to produce 1.5-ton forklifts powered by Pret’s sodium-ion batteries. Pret plans to invest approximately $112.3 million (CNY 800 million) to build a 6 GWh sodium-ion battery plant, with the first 2 GWh phase expected to be completed within six months. Sodium-ion batteries are particularly advantageous in cold storage and outdoor environments where lithium batteries underperform, and they are also being tested in heavy trucks, port equipment, uninterruptible power supplies, and various heavy machinery including agriculture, mining, and construction equipment. Cost reductions are anticipated as energy density improves and manufacturing scales up, with current mass production costs at 0.4–0.5 yuan/Wh
energysodium-ion-batteriesbattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesenergy-storageindustrial-applicationsclean-energyNew simulations reveal how tiny carbon pores can boost next wave of sodium batteries
A new study from Brown University provides critical insights into how sodium ions behave within porous carbon structures, advancing the development of sodium-ion battery anodes. Sodium-ion batteries are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to sodium’s abundance, lower cost, and reduced environmental impact. However, progress has been hindered by uncertainties around the optimal anode material. The research focuses on hard carbon, the leading candidate for sodium-ion anodes, whose microscopic structure and sodium storage mechanism have been poorly understood and widely debated. Using zeolite-templated carbon with precisely controlled nanopores and advanced simulations, the study reveals a two-step sodium storage process inside carbon pores about one nanometer in size. Sodium atoms first form ionic bonds lining the pore walls, then accumulate as metallic clusters in the pore center. This dual ionic-metallic behavior is key to maintaining low anode voltage and preventing harmful metal plating, which can cause battery short circuits. These findings establish concrete design specifications for hard carbon anodes, enabling targeted synthesis of materials
energymaterialssodium-ion-batteriescarbon-nanoporesbattery-anodesenergy-storagehard-carbonNew Sodium-Ion Batteries Threaten The US Coal Recovery Plan
The article discusses the emerging threat that new sodium-ion battery technology poses to the U.S. coal recovery plan. Despite recent attempts to revive aging coal power plants amid a proclaimed national “energy emergency,” these efforts are faltering due to the rapid advancement and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, coupled with innovative energy storage solutions. In the first half of 2024, renewables accounted for 93% of new capacity additions to the U.S. grid, with solar and energy storage projects making up 83%, underscoring the accelerating shift away from fossil fuels. Sodium-ion batteries are highlighted as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale energy storage due to their cost advantages, scalability, and supply chain security. Although the U.S. startup Natron, an early sodium-ion player, recently shut down, Peak Energy—a newer company with experienced leadership from Tesla, Apple, and Powin—has gained significant traction. Peak Energy secured $55 million in Series A
energysodium-ion-batteriesenergy-storagerenewable-energyclean-technologybattery-innovationUS-energy-policyWorld’s largest 4.75 GWh sodium battery system set for US grid storage
US-based Peak Energy has secured a multi-year agreement with Jupiter Power to supply up to 4.75 GWh of sodium-ion battery energy storage systems (ESS) for deployment between 2027 and 2030, with an option to reserve an additional 4 GWh for 2028-2030. The initial delivery in 2027 will be approximately 720 MWh, marking the largest announced sodium-ion battery deployment to date. The total contract value may exceed $500 million, representing a significant milestone for the sodium-ion storage sector. Peak Energy’s proprietary sodium-ion (NFPP) technology features a fully passive design that eliminates the need for active cooling systems, reducing auxiliary power consumption by up to 97% and enhancing safety. This design also lowers operations and maintenance costs by removing components that require routine upkeep. The system offers nearly 30% better cell degradation performance over 20 years compared to many lithium-ion alternatives, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for future capacity augmentations. Jupiter
energybattery-storagesodium-ion-batteriesgrid-storageenergy-storage-systemsrenewable-energyutility-scale-batteriesNew wood-based sodium-ion batteries to power microcars and forklifts
Researchers in Germany have developed a novel sodium-ion battery using wood waste, specifically lignin, as a sustainable raw material for the negative electrode. The project, called ThüNaBsE, involves the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, with funding from the Free State of Thuringia and the European Social Fund. By thermally treating lignin—a polymer abundant in wood and typically considered industrial waste—the team produces hard carbon, a porous material ideal for reversible sodium-ion storage. This approach aims to avoid critical metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, while also minimizing or eliminating fluorine content in the battery components. The battery’s positive electrode uses environmentally friendly Prussian Blue analogs, iron-based compounds known for their non-toxicity and availability. Early laboratory tests demonstrated stable performance over 100 charge-discharge cycles without significant degradation, with a goal of reaching 200 cycles for a 1-Ah full cell by project completion. The
energysodium-ion-batterieswood-based-batteriessustainable-materialsligninbattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesSodium batteries retain 90% capacity after 100 cycles with tin anode
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and Unigrid Battery have developed a tin-based anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) that significantly improves energy density, surpassing commercial lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Their design achieves 178 Wh/kg and 417 Wh/L in full pouch cells, representing a record efficiency using sustainable, low-cost materials. The anode is composed of 99.5% tin, with minor additions of single-walled carbon nanotubes and binder, creating a conductive and mechanically stable structure that overcomes previous challenges of volume expansion and electrolyte incompatibility common in tin anodes. This innovation addresses the traditional limitation of sodium-ion batteries, which have lagged behind lithium-ion systems due to lower energy density, primarily constrained by hard carbon anodes. Tin anodes can theoretically store nearly three times more charge (around 847 mAh/g) than hard carbon anodes (~300 mAh/g). The new tin anode demonstrated excellent cycling stability
energysodium-ion-batteriestin-anodebattery-technologyenergy-storagesustainable-materialsmaterials-scienceNew doping helps sodium batteries retain 60% capacity for 300 cycles
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have demonstrated that doping the cathode material of sodium-ion batteries with scandium significantly improves their cycling stability. Specifically, introducing scandium into the P′2 polytype of sodium manganese oxide (Na2/3[Mn1−xScx]O2) cathodes helps maintain structural integrity by altering crystal growth, reducing side reactions with the electrolyte, and enhancing moisture stability. In practical tests, coin-type full cells with 8% scandium doping retained 60% of their capacity after 300 charge-discharge cycles, addressing the common problem of rapid capacity fading caused by Jahn-Teller distortion in layered sodium manganese oxides. This study not only highlights scandium doping as a promising strategy to extend the lifespan and performance of sodium-ion batteries but also provides a broader approach for improving the structural stability of layered metal oxides used in battery applications. While scandium is an expensive metal, the findings suggest its feasibility for developing high-performance, long-life sodium-ion batteries
energysodium-ion-batteriesbattery-materialsscandium-dopingcathode-stabilitybattery-performanceenergy-storage-materialsNatron Closes Its Doors, Ending Job Opportunities In Michigan & North Carolina - CleanTechnica
Natron Energy, a company founded in 2012 to develop cost-effective sodium-ion batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion technology, has announced it will cease all operations by September 3, 2025, due to financing challenges. The company had made significant strides, including becoming the first sodium-ion battery to meet the UL 1973 safety standard in 2020 and planning a $1.4 billion gigafactory in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, expected to create 1,000 jobs and produce 24 gigawatt-hours of batteries annually by 2028. This factory was supported by federal incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, but Natron’s closure means these plans will not come to fruition, and no current or future orders will be fulfilled. The shutdown reflects broader difficulties in scaling innovative clean energy technologies amid financial pressures, including liquidity issues and investor payment freezes. Additionally, Natron struggled to obtain further UL certification necessary to access $25 million
energysodium-ion-batteriesclean-energybattery-manufacturingsustainable-energygigafactoryenergy-storageEnergy Storage Breakthroughs Enable a Strong & Secure Energy Landscape - CleanTechnica
The article highlights significant advancements in energy storage technologies led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, emphasizing their role in creating a resilient, secure, and domestically supported energy landscape. Argonne is pioneering breakthroughs across the entire energy storage lifecycle—from discovering alternatives to critical, scarce materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to developing new battery chemistries such as sodium-ion and water-based batteries, and improving end-of-life recycling processes. These innovations aim to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, enhance grid reliability, and support American manufacturing competitiveness. Argonne’s contributions include the development of the nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) cathode widely used in electric vehicles and the integration of artificial intelligence to accelerate materials discovery and optimize battery performance. The laboratory’s approach combines fundamental science with practical applications to ensure future energy storage solutions are safe, efficient, long-lasting, and domestically produced. Additionally, Argonne leads collaborative efforts like the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA
energy-storagebatterieslithium-ionsodium-ion-batteriesenergy-supply-chainArgonne-National-Laboratoryenergy-innovationManganese-based sodium batteries get powerful copper upgrade
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed a copper-doping method that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, particularly those using manganese-based cathode materials. Sodium, being the sixth most abundant element on Earth, offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, but challenges remain in battery stability and capacity retention. The study focuses on layered sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO2), which exists in two crystal forms: α-NaMnO2 and β-NaMnO2. While β-NaMnO2 typically suffers from defects called stacking faults (SFs) that cause severe capacity reduction, copper doping stabilizes the β-phase by suppressing these faults, resulting in highly durable and reversible electrodes. The research, published in Advanced Materials, demonstrated that Cu-doped β-NaMnO2 electrodes (specifically NMCO-12) maintained stable capacity over 150 charge/discharge cycles, indicating enhanced resilience against structural changes during battery operation.
energysodium-ion-batteriesmanganese-based-oxidesbattery-materialsenergy-storagerenewable-energycathode-materialsLithium salt unleashes 93% retention breakthrough in sodium-ion battery tech
Researchers in Korea have developed a method to significantly improve the cycle stability and capacity retention of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) by adding lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) to the battery electrolyte. This innovation resulted in a battery retaining 92.7% of its capacity after 400 charge-discharge cycles, a notable improvement over the typical 80% retention seen in similar SIBs. The lithium salt additive enhances the formation of a robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the hard carbon anode, which is less soluble and reduces electrolyte decomposition, thereby protecting the anode. Additionally, lithium ions partially dope the surface of the O3-type cathode, creating “Li-ion pillars” that reinforce the cathode’s layered structure and reduce gas evolution during cycling. This dual-action process—anode protection and cathode reinforcement—was confirmed through electrochemical mass spectrometry and microscopy, showing reduced CO2 evolution and preserved electrode structures. The scalable synthesis
energysodium-ion-batterieslithium-saltbattery-technologyelectrolyteenergy-storagematerials-scienceSodium Batteries Are Coming For Your Gasmobiles
The article discusses the emerging role of sodium-ion batteries as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly in stationary energy storage and potentially in electric vehicles (EVs). California startup Unigrid is advancing toward large-scale production of next-generation sodium batteries, initially targeting residential energy storage with plans to expand into commercial, industrial, utility-scale, and EV markets, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars, and off-road vehicles. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded Unigrid nearly $3 million to develop a pilot production line in San Diego capable of producing 250 to 750 cylindrical sodium batteries per day. These batteries aim to offer higher volumetric energy density than current commercial options due to proprietary electrolyte and anode chemistry. Sodium batteries are attractive because they use abundant and inexpensive materials like salt, addressing supply chain and ethical concerns tied to lithium, cobalt, and other materials used in lithium-ion batteries. While sodium batteries currently have comparable costs to lithium-ion batteries, they offer advantages in safety—being less prone to failure or fire under extreme conditions—and environmental impact, as they avoid the hazardous and volatile substances found in lithium-ion battery fabrication. Although sodium batteries have historically faced challenges limiting their use in mobility applications, Unigrid claims its new anode formula improves performance, and other innovators are also making progress. The article indicates that sodium batteries could soon become viable for EVs, but details on cost reductions and performance improvements remain partially undisclosed.
energybatteriessodium-ion-batteriesenergy-storageelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyrenewable-energy