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Argonne researchers find cathode material synthesis a key reason for performance degradation of sodium-ion batteries

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One of the more promising candidates for batteries beyond the current standard of lithium-ion materials is the sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery. Na-ion is particularly attractive because of the greater abundance and lower cost of sodium compared with lithium. In addition, when cycled at high voltage (4.5

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PG&E, Calif. Energy Commission launch 4MW sodium-sulfur grid storage pilot in San Jose

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Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the California Energy Commission today unveiled a utility-scale sodium-sulfur battery energy storage system ( earlier post ) pilot project to better balance power needs of the electric grid. The system has a 4 megawatt capacity, and can store more than six hours of energy.

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U Alberta team develops hybrid sodium-ion capacitor; intermediate in energy & power between ultracaps and batteries

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A team led by researchers from the University of Alberta (Canada) Scientists has developed a hybrid sodium-ion capacitor (NIC) using active materials in both the anode and the cathode derived entirely from peanut shells—a green and highly economical waste globally generated at more than 6 million tons per year. doi: 10.1039/C4EE02986K.

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New organic cathode for high performance solid-state sodium-ion battery

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Solid-state sodium-ion batteries are safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries, which pose a risk of fire and explosions, but their performance has been too weak to offset the safety advantages. Researchers at the University of Houston have now developed an organic cathode that improves both stability and energy density.

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Stanford team develops sodium-ion battery with performance equivalent to Li-ion, but at much lower cost

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Stanford researchers have developed a sodium-ion battery (SIB) that can store the same amount of energy as a state-of-the-art lithium ion, at substantially lower cost. Thus, further research is required to find better sodium host materials. The sodium salt makes up the cathode; the anode is made up of phosphorous.

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Natron Energy awarded $3M by California Energy Commission to pair energy storage with EV fast charging

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Natron Energy, a developer of new battery cell technology based on Prussian Blue analogue electrodes and a sodium-ion electrolyte, has ( earlier post ), has been awarded a $3-million grant by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for “Advanced Energy Storage for Electric Vehicle Charging Support.”

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New liquid alloy electrode significantly lowers operating temperature of sodium-beta batteries; improved performance

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Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have devised an alloying strategy that enables sodium-beta batteries to operate at significantly lower temperatures. The new electrode enables sodium-beta batteries to last longer, helps streamline their manufacturing process and reduces the risk of accidental fire.

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