IDTechEx explores options for safer and more abundant batteries
Sodium is more widely available than lithium, making it a cheaper product to manufacture into batteries. This increased availability of batteries can hopefully calm panics of supply-chain shortages. IDTechEx gives its verdict on what the world can expect from the two options of batteries.
Sodium-ion batteries use aluminium current collectors on both the anode and cathode side, this creates a safer method of transportation as well as discharge. This is in part because sodium-ion batteries can be transported at 0 volts. This differs from the competition, as lithium-ion batteries must remain at 30% charge to travel. Manufacturing both types of batteries is a similar process, meaning that existing infrastructure does not need any dramatic adaptations to switch between the production of both sodium-ion and lithium-ion.
There is simply no such thing as the ‘perfect battery’ as diversification of the marketplace is best for long-term battery market growth and supply chains. Each battery has its own desirable characteristics making each one more suitable for specific jobs and processes. Sodium-ion battery's entry into the market will not be to replace other batteries, but instead complement them, allowing different batteries to be now used in roles that best suit them. Having said this, sodium-ion batteries cost 40% of lithium-ion batteries.
Na-ion players
The Chinese government has put measures in place to ensure the production of Na-ion batteries is maintained, with the country remaining a global leader in this field. IdTechEx predicts with time China’s output will be matched by the rest of the world as Na-ion battery benefits become more obvious in applications. The split in the market is still major, with over 20 companies operating in this field, some being on the verge of mass production to others still researching the technology.
Sodium-ion battery chemistries
The ingredients for Na-ion batteries offer a variety of voltages, life cycles and toxicity. Cathode activity materials include layered oxides, phosphates and Prussian blue analogues. Despite Prussian blue analogues being non-toxic and cheap, they have a low energy density compared with layered oxides, leaving a trade-off in usage. Intercalation materials such as hard carbon, alloying materials and conversion materials are also popular, due to their high capacity and low cost.
IDTechExs verdict
IDTechEx predicts a rise in 40% of the sodium-ion battery market between now and 2034. Improvements are still needed to the product, such as energy density but the batteries do still have their merits. They are significantly less flammable, due to their less flammable electrolytes. Due to their low power density, production will need to be increased to produce the same level of energy.
