5 research outputs found
SODIUM-BASED BATTERIES: IN SEARCH OF THE BEST COMPROMISE BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY AND MAXIMIZATION OF ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE
Till 2020 the predominant key success factors of battery development have been
overwhelmingly energy density, power density, lifetime, safety, and costs per kWh. That is
why there is a high expectation on energy storage systems such as lithium-air (Li-O2) and lithium sulfur (Li-S) systems, especially for mobile applications. These systems have high theoretical
specific energy densities compared to conventional Li-ion systems. If the challenges such as
practical implementation, low energy efficiency, and cycle life are handled, these systems could
provide an interesting energy source for EVs. However, various raw materials are increasingly
under critical discussion. Though only 3 wt% of metallic lithium is present in a modern Li-ion cell,
absolute high amounts of lithium demand will rise due to the fast-growing market for traction and
stationary batteries. Moreover, many lithium sources are not available without compromising
environmental aspects. Therefore, there is a growing focus on alternative technologies such as
Na-ion and Zn-ion batteries. On a view of Na-ion batteries, especially the combination with
carbons derived from food waste as negative electrodes may generate a promising overall cost
structure, though energy densities are not as favorable as for Li-ion batteries. Within the scope of
this work, the future potential of sodium-based batteries will be discussed in view of sustainability
and abundance vs. maximization of electric performance. The major directions of cathode
materials development are reviewed and the tendency towards designing high-performance
systems is discussed. This paper provides an outlook on the potential of sodium-based
batteries in the future battery market of mobile and stationary application