Unveiling the potential of Sodium-ion Batteries

In the dynamic landscape of electric mobility, the push for alternatives to battery technology has given rise to the advent of Sodium-ion Batteries (SIBS). This article offers a comprehensive exploration of the technological and market landscape of SIBs for EVs in India, shedding light on their potential advantages and challenges and the roadmap ahead.

- Shubham Chordia

Sodium-ion Batteries (SIBs), a promising alternative to their lithium-ion counterparts, share a similar architecture comprising an anode, cathode, electrolyte and separator. Yet, the key differentiator lies in the use of sodium as a core material. This shift opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy storage and transportation, driven by the abundance and affordability of sodium resources.

Key components and materials

SIBs comprise several crucial components:

Anode:

Anode materials are crucial for sodium-ion storage. Carbon-based materials, such as hard carbons, are promising due to their ability to accommodate sodium ions without significant structural degradation.

Cathode: 

Cathode materials play a vital role in determining the overall performance of SIBs. Materials like sodium transition metal oxides, phosphates and polyanion compounds have been explored for their sodium intercalation properties.

Electrolyte: 

The electrolyte serves as the medium for sodium-ion transport between the anode and cathode. Solid electrolytes, liquid electrolytes and polymer electrolytes have all been investigated for their compatibility with sodium-ions.

Separator: 

Separators prevent direct contact between the anode and cathode, preventing short circuits while allowing for the transport of sodium ions.