Key Findings
The developed PDES electrolyte enables sodium metal batteries to maintain high stability and performance. In full-cell testing, the battery demonstrated an initial discharge capacity of 110.2 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C with nearly 99% coulombic efficiency. Notably, the system retained 90.4% of its capacity after 1,000 cycles at 2 C.
Technical Details
The PDES electrolyte is composed of sodium perchlorate (NaClO4), N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), and succinonitrile (SN). These components create a deep eutectic solvent characterized by chemical and thermal stability. To eliminate leakage risks associated with liquid electrolytes, the team employed in-situ polymerisation to convert the mixture into a solid electrolyte matrix.
Technical advantages of the PDES design include:
- High ionic conductivity and a high sodium-ion transference number.
- A wide electrochemical stability window.
- Strong flame-retardant properties and mechanical robustness.
- Reduction of side reactions and irregular sodium growth at the electrode-electrolyte interface.
The mechanical strength was further validated using a pouch-cell battery that continued to power an LED even when the cell was folded and cut.
Background & Context
Sodium metal batteries are viewed as a low-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium. However, widespread adoption has been hindered by the high reactivity of sodium metal, the formation of dendrites, and the volatility of traditional organic liquid electrolytes, which are often toxic and flammable.
Significance & Outlook
Professor Chan-Jin Park and the research team believe this electrolyte design provides a path toward safer and more sustainable rechargeable batteries. Potential applications for this technology include grid-level renewable energy storage, backup power systems, and low-cost rechargeable battery systems. The study’s findings were published in the journal Energy Storage Materials.
Source: https://www.bestmag.co.uk/novel-electrolyte-boosts-sodium-battery-chemistry/
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