Sodium-Ion Battery (SIB):
They are rechargeable batteries that require sodium ion movement between electrodes during the charging and discharging of the battery. The cathode for these batteries is manufactured from sodium. Sodium-ion battery are a type of rechargeable battery similar to lithium batteries, but carry the charge using sodium ions (Na+) instead of lithium ions (Li+).
- These new hybrid sodium-ion batteries combine materials from traditional batteries with those used in supercapacitors.
- These are both cheaper and safer than the conventional lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones and electric cars.
- Sodium (Na) is also 500 times more abundant than lithium, while it holds the potential for greater charge and efficiency than its Li-ion batteries..
- Sodium-ion batteries haven’t been widely adopted due to drawbacks like slow charging and low energy storage.
- This new battery offers:
1. Faster charging times than current lithium-ion batteries.
2. Higher energy density than commercial lithium-ion batteries (247 Wh/kg).
3. High power density (34,748 W/kg). - Its potential applications include electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
What are the issues with Lithium-Ion?
Lithium-ion extraction led to environmentally harmful mining practices.
It releases harmful chemicals, which further spill into the rivers and their ecosystem.
Non-reusable as its recycling process is very expensive.
What are the Benefits of Sodium-Ion?
- It’s cheaper to produce than their lithium counterparts because of the abundance of the raw materials required to make them.
- They are energy-dense, non-flammable, and operate well in colder temperatures.
- Further, they can store more energy per unit weight; this could make them well-suited for larger applications such as electric vehicles.
- They are less likely to experience thermal runaway, a condition that can cause fires in lithium-ion batteries.
How Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs) Work?
- During discharge: Sodium ions move from the anode (negative electrode) to cathode (positive electrode), which hosts ions
and undergoes reduction. - These ions travel through an electrolyte (an electrical conductor) that enables the flow of current by creating a potential difference.
- During Recharge: Sodium ions return to the anode.
Advantages of Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs) Compared to Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs):
- Cost: SIBs are cost-competitive (overall costs could be 15%-20%
lower) than LIBs since sodium compounds are cheaper than lithium
equivalents. - Supply chain decentralisation: Sodium’s abundance enables diverse
global manufacturing, reducing geopolitical risks.
E.g., As of 2023, China accounted for nearly 60% of global
Lithium processing, highlighting the current concentration in
Lithium supply chains that SIBs can help diversify. - Technology: SIBs have a better range of operational temperatures
than LIBs, allowing them to be safely deployed in areas with greater
temperature variation. - Safety: SIBs can be transported at zero voltage (fully discharged),
reducing fire risks and costly safety measures compared to LIBs.