New Delhi May 16
Scientists have made a breakthrough in developing new cathode materials for Sodium-ion batteries, addressing their air/water instability and structural-electrochemical instability. These materials exhibit high cyclic stability and remain stable when exposed to air and water. This development paves the way for the creation of cost-effective and sustainable energy storage systems for various applications, including consumer electronics, grid energy storage, renewable energy storage, and electric vehicles.
As the demand for battery-powered electric vehicles grows, it becomes crucial to develop a cost-effective and sustainable alkali metal-ion battery system beyond lithium-ion batteries. India, with its abundant sodium resources, recognizes the importance of Na-ion batteries in the Indian context. In Na-ion cells, cathode and anode materials play a vital role in the reversible insertion and removal of Na-ions during charge and discharge cycles. The stability and performance of the cathode materials are crucial factors.
Despite the advantages of Sodium-ion batteries, the electrochemical behavior and stability of layered Na-transition-metal-oxide-based cathode materials need improvement for widespread usage. The lack of stability makes handling and storing these materials challenging and negatively impacts their electrochemical performance. Additionally, their water instability requires the use of toxic and expensive chemicals for electrode preparation.
Researchers led by Prof. Amartya Mukhopadhyay at IIT Bombay have successfully addressed this challenge by leveraging materials science and electrochemical principles. They have developed a universal design criterion that enables the development of environmentally stable and high-performance cathodes for Na-ion batteries. By modifying the structure of Na-transition-metal-oxide, introducing “interslab” spacing, and tuning the covalency of TM-O bonds, they have improved air/water stability and suppressed deleterious structural transitions in the cathode materials.
These advancements enable the creation of water-stable cathodes for Na-ion batteries using a health and environment-friendly aqueous processing route. Furthermore, the increased rate-capability of the cathodes enhances the power density of Na-ion batteries, making them more efficient. The research findings provide valuable insights for the widespread development of high-performance and cost-effective Na-ion battery systems.
The development of this new cathode material has significant practical implications and opens doors for the widespread adoption of Na-ion batteries, offering a promising alternative to current energy storage systems.
Patent information:
- O3-structured ‘Layered’ Sodium Transition Metal Oxide-based Cathode Material for Na-ion batteries; Indian Patent Application No.: 202321016587, dated 13-03-2023 (Patent filed)
- High Sodium Containing P2-type Sodium Transition Metal Oxide-based Cathode for Na-ion Batteries; Indian Patent No.: 406595; dated: 14/09/2022 (Patent granted)
