SODIUM-ION BATTERIES

Latest Context

By developing new cathode materials that offer great performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental stability, Indian scientists have recently made a substantial advancement in the development of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries.

5. The development of stable and effective energy storage systems is made possible by addressing the problems of air/water instability and structural/cumulative electrochemical instability in sodium-transition-metal-oxide (Na-TM-Oxide) based cathode materials.

Facts about Newly Developed Cathode Materials

• The electrode where sodium ions are kept throughout the battery's discharge process is called the cathode material.
• It is responsible for the electrochemical reactions that allow electrical current to flow.
• The recently created cathode materials are well known for being high-performance and air/water stable.
• When exposed to air or water, they exhibit good electrochemical cyclic stability and stability.

Importance:

• High performance, cost effectiveness, and environmental friendliness are all features of the recently developed cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
• These materials are opening the door to the creation of effective and sustainable energy storage systems for a variety of uses, including electric vehicles, grid energy storage, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics.

What is Sodium-ion (Na-ion) Battery?

• A sodium-ion battery is a form of rechargeable battery similar to the popular lithium-ion battery, except that it uses sodium ions (Na+) rather than lithium ions (Li+) as the charge carriers.
• A sodium-ion battery operates on much the same principles as a lithium-ion battery, with the exception that sodium compounds are utilised in place of lithium compounds during cell construction.
• Due to its cheaper price, greater availability, and more favourable environmental effects, sodium-ion batteries are now being considered as a viable replacement for the existing lithium-ion battery technology.

Significance:

• The development of cost-efficient, resource-friendly, safe, and sustainable alkali metal-ion battery systems beyond traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is required due to the rising importance of battery-driven electric cars in addressing climate and environmental problems.
• The Na-ion battery system is particularly important in the local context because it provides an easily available and plentiful resource for Na-ion battery manufacture. India has a wealth of sodium sources.

Issues:

• The structural and electrochemical stability of the electrodes, sodium-ion transport kinetics, and different dynamic resistances all affect how well Na-ion batteries function.
• However, for widespread use of Na-ion battery systems, major improvements are needed in the electrochemical behaviour and stability of sodium-based cathode materials.

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