Materials scientists have revealed paddlewheel-like molecular dynamics that help push sodium ions through a quickly evolving class of solid-state batteries. The insights should guide researchers in their pursuit of a new generation of sodium-ion batteries to replace lithium-ion technology in a wide range of applications such as data centers and home energy storage.
The results appeared online November 10 in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.
In general, rechargeable batteries work by moving electrons through external wires from one side to the other and back again. To balance this transfer of energy, atoms with an electric charge called ions, such as lithium ions, move within the battery through a chemical substance called an electrolyte. How quickly and easily these ions can make their journey plays a key role in how fast a battery can charge and how much energy it can provide in a given amount of time.
«Most researchers still tend to focus on how the crystalline framework of a solid electrolyte might allow ions to quickly pass through an all-solid battery,» said Olivier Delaire, associate professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke. «In the last few years, the field has begun to realize that the molecular dynamics of how the atoms can jump around are important as well.»
Lithium ion batteries have long been the dominant technology used for most all commercial applications requiring energy storage, from tiny smart watches to gigantic data centers. While they have been extremely successful, lithium ion batteries have several drawbacks that make new technologies more attractive for certain applications.
For example, lithium ion batteries have a liquid electrolyte inside that, while extremely efficient at allowing lithium ions to travel quickly through, is also extremely flammable. As the market continues to grow exponentially, there are worries about being able to mine enough lithium from the relatively limited global deposits. And some of the rare earth elements used in their construction — such as cobalt and manganese — are even rarer and are only mined in a few locations around the world.
Story Source: Materials provided by Duke University. Original written by Ken Kingery. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.