A team of researchers recently discovered a mineral with an unusual crystal structure that can be used to make a new type of cathode for sodium-ion batteries.
While studying cinder cones near the Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, scientists from St. Petersburg University discovered a mineral called petrovite, which consists ofIn addition to its attractive appearance, it hasan extremely rare crystal structure with 7 oxygen atoms.
Petrovite is composed of oxygen,sodium, sulphur and copper, which form a porous framework (chemical formula Na10CaCu2(SO4)8).Studies have shown that the mineral has many voids connected by channels through which sodium atoms can move.
This feature makes it promisingmaterial in terms of ionic conductivity, which can be used to manufacture a new type of cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. However, this will require increasing the copper content with its structure.
Recall that recently Russian scientists have also found a way to increase the strength of the material for aircraft construction by 1.5 times.
</p>Read this:
Scientists have found a new way to slow down aging
Scientists have created a self-healing aluminum that is 25 times more durable than normal
Russian scientists have found a way to increase the strength of material for aircraft construction by 1.5 times
Sodium-ion batteries will become 100 times cheaper than lithium-ion analogues
Scientists have invented building materials that can grow and self-repair
Russian scientists have created a new material for the production of hydrogen from dirty and salt water