Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) were able to overcome the limitations of sodium batteries, including long charging times and a lack of storage capacity, by developing a high-energy, high-power sodium-ion battery capable of rapid charging.
Addressing the Limitations of Sodium Batteries
Sodium batteries have long been considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance and low cost of sodium. However, they have faced several challenges, including long charging times and limited storage capacity. To address these limitations, the KAIST researchers developed a novel sodium-ion battery design that demonstrates improved energy and power density.
High-Energy, High-Power Sodium-Ion Battery
The researchers achieved this breakthrough by utilizing a unique electrode material and optimizing the battery’s structure. The new sodium-ion battery exhibits a high energy density of 160 Wh/kg and a high power density of 7,500 W/kg, enabling rapid charging in just 6 minutes. These performance metrics represent significant improvements over conventional sodium batteries, paving the way for their use in a wider range of applications, including electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.