Solid-state sodium batteries are being developed at Berlin’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). Researchers are working on innovative solutions to make these batteries sustainable, efficient, and suitable for everyday applications.
The Challenge with Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, which use graphite anodes, are approaching their performance limits. Graphite anodes can only store ions to a certain extent. Alternatives like lithium or sodium-based anodes offer greater efficiency and sustainability. However, to operate safely, a solid electrolyte must replace the conventional liquid electrolyte.
One key issue is the formation of cavities between the solid anode and solid electrolyte. These cavities result in contact losses, which can render the battery ineffective.
The Role of Liquid Alkali Metal Anodes
To address these challenges, BAM researchers have developed a partially liquid anode using liquid alkali metals. Gustav Graeber, a battery material expert at Humboldt University Berlin and guest scientist at BAM, explained, “Liquid alkali metal anodes are significantly more efficient than graphite anodes – up to 100 times more effective.”
Currently, this technology operates at high temperatures of 250 degrees Celsius. The BAM team aims to adapt this efficiency for room temperature applications.
Innovative Solutions with Potassium Additives
To lower the melting temperature of the liquid alkali metal anodes, researchers are experimenting with potassium additives. The challenge lies in the stability of these additives when paired with common solid electrolytes.
The team has identified a promising solution: sodium super-ion conductors (NASICON). These materials exhibit high ionic conductivity at room temperature and are chemically stable with potassium. When combined with hafnium, they demonstrate notable efficiency. However, hafnium’s rarity and expense present sustainability concerns.
Sustainable Alternatives to Rare Materials
In the NASICON project, BAM researchers are exploring alternative additives that could offer the same efficiency as hafnium. These sustainable alternatives aim to reduce costs while maintaining performance. Promising candidates are currently being tested in sodium-based batteries.
Benefits of Solid-State Sodium Batteries
Solid-state sodium batteries offer several advantages over conventional Lithium-ion systems:
• Faster charging times.
• Enhanced performance for stationary and mobile energy storage.
• Improved sustainability due to the use of sodium, which is more abundant and cheaper than lithium.
“Our research advances could significantly contribute to decarbonization efforts,” Graeber stated.
Berlin Battery Lab: A Collaborative Effort
To further battery innovations, BAM, Humboldt University, and the Helmholtz Centre Berlin have established the Berlin Battery Lab. This facility will consolidate expertise across the three institutions and provide industry access to cutting-edge research.
The Berlin Battery Lab aims to accelerate the development of advanced energy storage solutions, paving the way for a greener future powered by solid-state sodium battery technology.
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