A team from South Korea made the breakthrough with next-generation sodium batteries, which 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 also holding the potential for greater charge and efficiency than its Li-ion counterpart.
Until now, Na-ion batteries have faced limitations preventing them from being adopted on any significant scale, including long charging times and a lack of storage capacity.
Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) were able to overcome these issues by developing a high-energy, high-power sodium-ion battery capable of rapid charging.
They did this by integrating materials typically used in batteries with those suitable for supercapacitors, which are found in everything from regenerative braking systems in electric cars, to adjusting the pitch of a wind turbine’s rotor blades.
The new battery surpasses the energy density of commercial lithium-ion batteries and could be used in both EVs and consumer electronics.
“The hybrid sodium-ion energy storage device is capable of rapid charging and achieving an energy density of 247 Wh/kg and a power density of 34,748 W/kg,” said Professor Jeung Ku Kang from KAIST’s department of materials science and engineering, who led the research.
“It represents a breakthrough in overcoming the current limitations of energy storage systems,” he added, saying that he anticipated it would have “broader applications across various electronic devices”.
The research was published in the journal Energy Storage Materials, in a study titled ‘Low-crystallinity conductive multivalence iron sulfide-embedded S-doped anode and high-surface area O-doped cathode of 3D porous N-rich graphitic carbon frameworks for high-performance sodium-ion hybrid energy storages’.
The breakthrough comes just weeks after a team of researchers in Japan discovered a new process for mass producing solid-state sodium batteries.
The new technology could potentially eliminate range anxiety by significantly improving the charging capacity of electric car batteries, and more than doubling the range of current EVs.
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Batteries 101
Why should I install a battery?
Installing a battery provides several benefits. It allows you to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or power outages. This enhances energy independence, reduces reliance on the grid, and can potentially save on electricity costs.
How do solar batteries function during power outages, and what role do they play in providing backup power for homes?
Solar batteries act as an energy reservoir during power outages. When the grid goes down, the stored energy in the batteries can be used to power essential appliances and maintain electricity supply, offering a reliable backup power source for homes.
Can you explain what NEM 3.0 is and what benefit it has to homeowners?
NEM 3.0, or Net Energy Metering 3.0, refers to the latest iteration of a policy that allows homeowners with solar installations to receive credits for excess energy they contribute to the grid. This helps offset their electricity bills, making solar energy more economically attractive for homeowners.
How does Unicorn come into play with the supply of batteries?
Unicorn plays a crucial role in the supply of batteries by sourcing high-quality, cost-effective options. We ensure a seamless process, from procurement to delivery, de-risking the entire purchasing process. This is important taking into account how many different companies are offering solar batteries now and helping identify which ones are legit, would work in the US and are the best quality option.
How can homeowners make cost-effective decisions when investing in battery storage?
Homeowners can make cost-effective decisions by carefully assessing their energy needs, considering available incentives or rebates, and exploring different financing options.
What kind of maintenance do solar batteries typically require, and how user-friendly are they in terms of day-to-day operations?
Solar batteries usually require minimal maintenance. Regular inspections and cleaning of the battery system are recommended. Many modern batteries are designed to be user-friendly, with automated systems and remote monitoring capabilities, making day-to-day operations hassle-free for homeowners.
Looking ahead, we cordially invite you to join us at RE+ Event in Houston, Texas, May 14-15th, at booth 911. This forum will give you the best environment for more in-depth talks, facilitating a profound understanding of your specific needs and exploring potential avenues for collaboration.
