Date: Sep 26, 2018
Scientists think they have discovered a way to stop sodium batteries from exploding — which could lead to the replacement of lithium in some batteries.
Sodium is a very cheap and abundant alternative to lithium — but it has been known to turn purple and explode if exposed to water – even just water in the air (see GIF below).
Sodium batteries also lose energy the first few times a battery charges and discharges.
But researchers from Purdue University in Indiana say they have now made a sodium powder version that is safer and holds a charge more effectively.
“Adding fabricated sodium powder during electrode processing requires only slight modifications to the battery production process,” said Vilas Pol, associate professor of chemical engineering.
“This is one potential way to progress sodium-ion battery technology to the industry.”
