Sodium-ion batteries will become 100 times cheaper than lithium-ion analogues

Scientists from Moscow State University synthesized new material forsodium-ion batteries, the cost of which is 100 times lower than lithium-ion analogues. Sodium vanadium pyrophosphate showed unique electrochemical properties.

Sodium carbonate batteries are muchcheaper than lithium-ion, but larger by 30-50% with the same energy intensity. A sodium battery is cheaper due to the use of inexpensive and lightweight aluminum instead of copper.

Chemists have solved the problem of large dimensions by studying the structure previously described for large alkaline cations - potassium, rubidium and cesium. Sodium vanadium pyrophosphate has an energy intensity of 420 W · h / kg. This is only 20% less than the lithium-based LiCoO2 cathode material. Prior to the study of Russian scientists, the record energy intensity of the sodium battery was 400 W · h / kg.

The second achievement of chemists was extremely smallchange in volume during charge-discharge - only 0.5%. According to this indicator, sodium-vanadium pyrophosphate approached the most stable material, which is widely used in electric vehicle batteries - lithium-titanium spinel.

MSU scientists still have work to improvethe electrochemical properties of the compound, after which the sodium-ion battery can displace lithium-ion analogues, which are widely used in smartphones, laptops, household appliances and electric vehicles.

The study of the chemical properties of new compounds is ongoing throughout the world. Recently, scientists in Germany discovered a new stable form of plutonium.

text: Ilya Bauer