What is a sodium battery

A sodium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that utilizes sodium ions (Na+) as the charge carriers instead of the more commonly used lithium ions (Li+). It operates on a similar principle to lithium-ion batteries, where ions move between two electrodes during charging and discharging cycles.

In a sodium-ion battery, the positive electrode (cathode) typically consists of materials capable of intercalating sodium ions, such as sodium metal oxides or polyanionic compounds. The negative electrode (anode) is usually composed of carbon-based materials that can reversibly store sodium ions.

During charging, sodium ions are extracted from the cathode and move through the electrolyte, which is typically a sodium salt dissolved in a suitable solvent. The ions then intercalate into the anode material. When the battery discharges, the process reverses, and the sodium ions move back to the cathode, releasing electrical energy.

Sodium-ion batteries are an area of active research and development, primarily driven by the potential to use sodium as a cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium. Sodium is more widely available than lithium, and its extraction is less expensive. However, sodium-ion batteries generally have lower energy densities and shorter cycle lives compared to lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, ongoing advancements in materials and technology aim to improve the performance and viability of sodium-ion batteries for various applications.