Scientists develop functional sodium battery to replace lithium

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA — Scientists have found a way to successfully synthesize sodium as a viable replacement for lithium-ion in batteries.

As the rare lithium used in most batteries is fast becoming scarce, scientists are looking into sodium, which is more abundant, and can service large power facilities at a lower cost, according to a Purdue University report.

The problem with sodium is that it explodes when exposed to water. Sodium ions in a battery also tend to stick to the anode, building up into a solid electrolyte interface that can grow too large and hamper charging ability.

To make sodium functional, Purdue University scientists used ultrasonic dispersion to melt it into a purple liquid. Once cooled into a powder, it is suspended in hexane for even particle distribution.

A few drops of the suspension liquid on cathode or anode electrodes allows a sodium-ion battery to function with more stability, and at a higher capacity.

According to Purdue assistant professor of chemical engineering Vilas Pol, adding in the sodium requires only minimal modifications to the battery production process, making it both promising and practical.