A UNIGE team has developed a novel material that enhances the performance of solid-state sodium batteries, offering a safer and more durable alternative to lithium.
The University of Geneva (UNIGE) researchers have tackled the challenge of sodium battery technology, aiming to capitalize on sodium’s abundance and sustainability compared to lithium. Unlike lithium, which poses challenges in supply and safety due to its flammable liquid electrolyte, sodium’s ions face difficulty in moving efficiently within conventional batteries. The solution lies in the development of a solid electrolyte.
In their breakthrough, the UNIGE team modified the crystal structure of a material comprising carbon, boron, and hydrogen (carbo hydridoborate) to enable efficient sodium ion conduction. Their findings, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Advanced Materials Interfaces, detail the optimal pressure required for the battery to function effectively.
The challenge with sodium batteries lies in designing a solid electrolyte that is non-flammable and conducive to efficient ion transport. Previous attempts with hydridoborate electrolytes fell short in performance compared to lithium batteries. The UNIGE research team addressed this limitation by developing sodium carbo-hydridoborate (NaCB11H12), a highly efficient material for transporting sodium ions. They achieved this breakthrough by modifying the crystal structure through mechanical milling, a method widely used in industries like cement production.
These discoveries pave the way for streamlined production of sodium batteries, particularly in the automotive sector. With the potential to power vehicles more sustainably, the newfound material offers industry an attractive alternative to lithium-ion technology.
