I didn't want to take such a deep dive into this subject, but it seems
possible that sodium ion batteries could have an even higher energy density per
mass and per volume than the present lithium ion batteries. Research into the
intercalation of hard carbon with Prussian Blue analogs (various
hexacyanoferrate compounds) are headed in that direction. Of course, that's
just what the researchers report, but I remain optimistic. Curiously, these
same structures are being researched for water purification. So it's perhaps
such a high volume application would provide enough of these materials for
batteries as well.
On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 12:28:03 AM GMT+1, Robin
<mixent...@aussiebroadband.com.au> wrote:
In reply to Michael Foster's message of Tue, 9 Feb 2021 22:02:10 +0000 (UTC):
Hi Michael,
While true, take note of both the power and energy density. They are not as
good as Lithium batteries, though still well
suited to stationary applications IMO, e.g. as a buffer for wind/solar,
especially as they are likely to be much cheaper
than Lithium if manufactured in bulk.
>This subject may be common knowledge to many on this list, but I was unaware
>of it. I was wondering if the lithium in the batteries we all use could be
>replaced with sodium so I just did a web search (I, like many, no longer
>google) and found there has been considerable research going on in that
>direction.
>
>Improvements in the structure of the "hard carbon" electrodes bodes well for
>the future of this type of battery. Besides using one of the most common
>elements on earth as opposed the far rarer lithium, it also won't need all of
>the expensive and potentially toxic heavier metals used in lithium ion
>batteries.
>
>You can just look up "sodium ion battery' in Wikipedia and there are all sorts
>of links for those who are interested.
