An Article about the Overview of Na-Ion & Li-Ion Batteries

Authors: Aditya Jagtap & Faiz Khan

Battery technology is evolving rapidly to offer effective, affordable, and eco-friendly solutions as demand for electric vehicles grows to reduce reliance on conventional fuels. Exploration of alternate chemistry is required due to a growing need for batteries. Sodium-ion batteries seem to be a promising substitute for traditional lithium-ion batteries owing to active cell chemistry including LCO, NMC, and LFP.?

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For a while now, lithium-ion batteries have become the preferred choice for numerous applications, particularly for portable electronics and electric vehicles. But as the cost of lithium increases, in addition to its scarcity and the adverse effects on the environment it triggers, it's becoming increasingly important to look into alternative solutions.?

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Due to the accessibility of sodium metal in abundance and its affordable cost, sodium-ion batteries seem to be a viable alternative. Although Na-Ion batteries have a lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries, their significant environmental benefits are driving ongoing research and development activities. Despite their lower energy density, Na-Ion batteries are proving to have a much smaller environmental impact compared to their lithium-ion counterparts. These environmental advantages have prompted increased efforts in exploring and advancing Na-Ion battery technology.? Na-ion batteries have not yet developed ways to address the problems of energy density, cycle life, and safety to ensure the viability and reliability of the system.???

1. Energy Density:?

Typical Li-ion batteries range from 100-265 Wh/kg, while the energy density of Na-Ion batteries range from 80-150 Wh/kg. The Na-ion batteries energy density falls almost in between the Li-ion energy density range. The lower energy density meaning higher weight for storing the same amount of energy, thus making the use of Na-ion batteries difficult in automobiles.??

2. Power Density:?

The amount of power that can be given per unit of space or volume is referred to as power density. It measures the amount of energy produced in a specific area. A greater power density is generally preferred. Compared to Na-Ion batteries, which typically have 70–120 W/L, lithium-ion batteries have higher power densities that range from 250–350 W/L. This means lithium-ion batteries are excellent for applications where space is limited since they can produce more power in a smaller space.???

?Lithium-ion batteries have a higher gravimetric power density than sodium-ion batteries, which have a lower gravimetric power density of 150–200 W/kg, according to a graph comparing the two types of batteries. Thus, with the current technology, it is not yet possible to use Na-ion batteries in high power very high power applications.

As a summary here, while sodium-ion batteries offer a lower cost, a longer cycle life, and greater safety whereas lithium-ion cells have a high-power density and are getting cheaper with increased production and an increasing variety of doping/additives???

3. Safety:??

Despite having a better energy density than sodium-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries are nevertheless more vulnerable to problems like a thermal runaway. Na-ion cells are generally thought to be safer because they have a lower energy density and reduced reactivity of the cell chemistry. Nevertheless, the final application must be taken into consideration when choosing the cells.?

4. Operating Temperature:?

The temperature range is a crucial factor to take into account while choosing cells. While newer types may run at higher temperatures, lithium-ion batteries can operate in a range of -20 to 60 degrees Celsius. From -10 to 50 degrees Celsius is where the current sodium ion cell prototypes are observed to function.? The technology and chemistries are constantly evolving, and the temperature stability of sodium ion cells will be increased with additional research on the subject.?

5. Fast Charging compatibilities:?

Fast charging is an important aspect to design a system, especially electric vehicle. Lithium-ion cells are compatible to charge faster due to their lower internal resistance. The present Na-ion batteries, as evident by the power density figures mentioned earlier, don’t yet seem capable enough to compete with Li-ion batteries in the current market.???

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6. Environmental impact:

Every battery technology has an impact on environment due to the extraction process of the ores and the processing required to enrich the material. Lithium, as a metal, is not evenly distributed throughout the world. It is primarily concentrated in certain regions that currently control around 90% of the global supply. Although significant lithium deposits have been discovered in these select parts of the world, there is still a vast potential for exploration to uncover additional abundant sources. Moreover, lithium-ion batteries require more energy for mining processing manufacturing recycling as well as disposal which leads to environmental degradation. However, lithium-ion batteries have found to have a higher environmental impact than Na-ion batteries as sodium metal has widespread availability in the earth's crust, compared to Sodium. In comparison to traditional fossil fuels, both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are considered relatively cleaner alternatives. However, their overall environmental impact can be significantly improved by adopting mining methods that are less impactful and more environmentally friendly. With greener mining practices, these battery technologies have the potential to become much cleaner and more sustainable solutions when compared to fossil fuels.?

Potential Applications:?

Na-Ion batteries are gaining popularities in the following applications:?

1. Energy Storage System?
2. Uninterrupted Power Supply.?
3. Power Tools?
4. Home Solar System batteries.?
5. Transportation?
6. Consumer Electronics??
7. Light Duty Vehicles e.g., E-Bikes?
8. Batteries for Forklifts?

Current Manufacturers:?

As Na-Ion Technology is developing it demands a lot of financial aid. Following manufacturers are actively working to develop this technology to provide a greener future:?

1. Faradion Batteries?
2. CATL?
3. AGM Batteries??
4. NGK Insulators?
5. HiNa Battery Technology?
6. TIAMAT Energy?
7. Natron Energy Inc?
8. Altris?
9. Ronbay Technology?
10. Zoonlnash?
11. Natrium Tec?
12. Kishida Chemical?
13. Panasonic?
14. Mitsubishi Electric?

Recharge Ion is actively researching on sodium ion chemistry to find an alternative to conventional Li-Ion batteries. The company is ambitious for sodium ion chemistry due to its ubiquitous high abundance and cost-effectiveness. The firm is working on a hard carbon anode and a symmetrical Al-Al current collector to increase storage performance.?

BYD is planning to begin producing sodium-ion batteries by establishing a joint venture with FinDreams battery manufacturing subsidiary. They aim to become the largest supplier of sodium-ion batteries for mini and micro vehicles.??

In February 2023 HiNa battery unveiled three sodium ion battery products and announced a partnership with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp.?

CATL announced that they will be using their sodium-ion battery in various cars produced by Chery International. CATL unveiled its first generation of batteries in 2021 with energy densities reaching up to 160 WH/kg?

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Conclusion:?

With continuous development in the field of battery chemistries Na-ion Batteries surely offer a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion cell chemistries. With proper utilization of abundant sodium reserves, we can achieve a lower environmental impact with desired scalability to make it an appropriate option for industrial-scale applications. With the chemistry still in its development stage, we still face challenges of its cycle life, energy density, and safety; with additional research continuous efforts are made to address these limitations.?

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As the world strives to find sustainable and efficient alternative energy solutions Na-ion surely has the potential to become a promising contender complementing the advancements in the field of battery technology and paving a greener road for a more reliable future.?

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