Battery fires are uncommon, however as more batteries are used, the number of these events is rising.
A solid diluent is the key component of a fire-resistant sodium battery innovation, which was just reported in Nature Energy. In order to facilitate the charge-discharge cycle, the researchers employed a solid diluent in the electrolyte that was based on salt. The researchers were able to stabilize the battery overall by using just one nonflammable solvent in the electrolyte thanks to a particular kind of salt called sodium nitrate.
The component that moves charge-carrying ions between the battery’s two electrodes, the electrolyte, is made up of several liquid solvents that, over time, combine with other components to break down batteries and pose safety hazards. The adoption of these kinds of batteries is severely hampered by the high reactivity of sodium, an alternative to lithium that is one of the main components of this battery. Dendrites, which resemble needle-like filaments that can form as a result of these reactions, have the potential to induce an electrical short in the battery as well as to catch fire or explode.
Lead researcher on the project and professor at the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Cockrell School of Engineering, Arumugam Manthiram, explained that batteries catch fire because the liquid solvents in the electrolyte don’t get along with other sections of the battery. “We have reduced that risk from the equation to create a safer, more stable battery.
This new sodium-based battery is safer than lithium-ion batteries, which power laptops, electric cars, smartphones, and other devices. It is also less expensive.
Additionally, the battery has excellent performance. With time, a battery’s capacity to hold a single charge continues to decrease. After 500 cycles, the new sodium battery held 80% of its capacity, which is comparable to the lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones.
“Here we show a fire-resistant sodium battery that is safe and inexpensive to produce, without losing out on performance,” Manthiram stated. “It is critical to develop alternatives to lithium-ion batteries that are not just on par with them, but better.”
Although the technology was used on a fire-resistant sodium battery, the researchers claimed that it could also be used to lithium-ion cells, albeit using different materials.
The environmental effects of lithium mining, which include excessive groundwater consumption, soil and water pollution, and carbon emissions, have been criticized in addition to being costly. In contrast, sodium is more affordable, more readily available, and better for the environment when found in the ocean.
Read also: 12 Reasons Not to Buy Electric Cars, Toyota 750-Mile Electric Car with 20-Minute Charging.
Cobalt, which is costly and primarily mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa, is another material commonly used in lithium-ion batteries. Its mining has a negative impact on both the environment and human health. Manthiram showcased a brand-new lithium-ion battery devoid of cobalt in 2020.
In addition to being lithium-free, this battery also lacks cobalt. The remainder of the parts are composed of 30% manganese, 30% nickel, and 40% iron and this is known as fire-resistant sodium battery.
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It will be revolution if this experiment got success
yes