Sodium‐Ion Batteries Paving the Way for Grid Energy Storage. Issue 32 (6th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hirsh, Hayley S.; Li, Yixuan; Tan, Darren H. S.; Zhang, Minghao; Zhao, Enyue; Meng, Y. Shirley
• Is Part Of: Advanced energy materials. Volume 10:Issue 32(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-07-06
• Subjects: grid energy storage -- intercalation compounds -- sodium‐ion batteries -- sustainability; Energy harvesting -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Materials -- Periodicals; Photovoltaics -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Thermoelectric materials -- Periodicals; 621.31
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202001274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1614-6832

Abstract

Abstract: The recent proliferation of renewable energy generation offers mankind hope, with regard to combatting global climate change. However, reaping the full benefits of these renewable energy sources requires the ability to store and distribute any renewable energy generated in a cost‐effective, safe, and sustainable manner. As such, sodium‐ion batteries (NIBs) have been touted as an attractive storage technology due to their elemental abundance, promising electrochemical performance and environmentally benign nature. Moreover, new developments in sodium battery materials have enabled the adoption of high‐voltage and high‐capacity cathodes free of rare earth elements such as Li, Co, Ni, offering pathways for low‐cost NIBs that match their lithium counterparts in energy density while serving the needs for large‐scale grid energy storage. In this essay, a range of battery chemistries are discussed alongside their respective battery properties while keeping metrics for grid storage in mind. Matters regarding materials and full cell cost, supply chain and environmental sustainability are discussed, with emphasis on the need to eliminate several elements (Li, Ni, Co) from NIBs. Future directions for research are also discussed, along with potential strategies to overcome obstacles in battery safety and sustainable recyclability. Abstract : Sodium‐ion batteries (NIBs) are touted as an attractive grid storage technology due to their elemental abundance, promising electrochemical performance and environmentally benign nature. Herein, sodium cathodes are analyzed with respect to performance, full cell costs, and environmental sustainability. Future directions for NIB full cell research and potential strategies to overcome obstacles in battery safety and sustainable recyclability are discussed.