Researchers demonstrated that sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) can serve as a low-cost, high-performance substitute for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries commonly used in robotics, power tools, and grid-scale energy storage.

Sodium-ion batteries pair a high-energy oxide or phosphate cathode with a hard carbon anode. (Mengya Li/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy)

Sodium-ion batteries show promise beyond lithium-ion batteries because sodium’s abundance makes it more affordable compared to lithium. But limitations in the technical design of their anode, cathode, and electrolyte systems prevent SIBs from being widely used.

Researchers developed SIBs by pairing a high-energy oxide or phosphate cathode with a hard carbon anode and achieved 100 usage cycles at a one-hour charge and discharge rate.

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