A team of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a prototype sodium battery with characteristics that could revolutionize the market, standing out for its ability to recharge in just 5 seconds. This breakthrough, led by Professor Jeung Ku Kang, positions sodium batteries as a viable, sustainable and economical alternative to traditional lithium batteries, especially in critical sectors such as electric mobility.
How does the new sodium battery work?
Like conventional batteries, sodium batteries operate through oxidation-reduction reactions that generate ions that move between the anode and the cathode, thus producing an electric current. The main difference is that while lithium batteries generate lithium ions (Li+), these new batteries generate sodium ions (Na+).
The main challenge in developing sodium batteries has always been low power density and long charging times. However, the KAIST team has managed to overcome these obstacles by creating a hybrid system that combines a typical battery anode with a supercapacitor cathode. This combination allows for rapid recharging without compromising energy density, reaching a capacity of 247 Wh/kg and a power density of 34.75 W/kg, comparable to the best lithium batteries available on the market.
Advantages of sodium over lithium
Sodium has several key advantages over lithium. It is 500 times more abundant in nature, cheaper and easier to recycle, making it a more sustainable and safer option. In addition, sodium batteries are more stable and less likely to catch fire, which represents a major advance in terms of safety.
However, sodium batteries also present challenges, such as lower energy density due to sodium ions being heavier than lithium ions. This means that although the KAIST prototype has made significant progress, there is still a long way to go before these batteries are competitive in energy-intensive applications such as electric vehicles.
Future implications
The development of this sodium battery is a crucial step towards diversifying the battery market, currently dominated by lithium. If the technology continues to advance, sodium batteries could become a viable alternative in multiple sectors, reducing global dependence on lithium and mitigating the environmental and geopolitical impacts associated with its extraction and use.
The KAIST prototype is therefore encouraging news not only from a technological point of view, but also from an economic and environmental point of view. While it is still too early to determine whether these batteries will be able to replace lithium in the short term, their development represents a significant step forward in the search for more sustainable solutions for energy storage.
#prototype #sodium #battery #recharges #seconds #arrives #South #Korea
