As world provide chain challenges and uncertainty round lithium provides persist, sodium-ion batteries will stay an interesting answer given the plentiful nature of sodium. Nevertheless, as prices for lithium-ion batteries come down, the longer term for sodium-ion batteries could also be unsure. In purposes in transport and mobility, the decrease vitality density of sodium-ion batteries is a problem. However in stationary storage and lengthy length purposes, the problem of offering sturdy long-lasting options may additionally current a higher alternative if sodium-ion batteries are capable of finally cut back their prices.
Even inside the class of sodium-ion batteries there are a selection of various chemistries and methods to design the cell to realize particular outcomes. Sodium-ion battery producers are utilizing completely different cathode and anode supplies, and a few are creating solid-state designs. For instance, Natron is utilizing Prussian blue supplies for each their anode and cathode and the bigger channels for ions to go by way of permitting for fast cost and discharge. That is optimum to be used instances that require quick response and so Natron has been working intently with clients within the knowledge heart house to assist particular vitality storage and energy wants.
Peak Power is selecting a unique strategy. Their NFPP (Na₃(Fe₂PO₄)₃) design is being optimized for stationary wants on the grid scale. Primarily what LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is to lithium-ion, NFPP could be to sodium-ion. NFPP affords higher provide chains for the parts, a possible to construct out home manufacturing, and enhanced security and reliability. Nevertheless, vitality density once more could also be an element right here so slicing down prices for sodium-ion batteries can be important.
Comparability With Lithium-Iron-Phosphate
As extra developments are made on the sodium-ion aspect, so too are developments in different battery chemistries, notably lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. Bedrock Supplies, after doing an in depth financial evaluation, got here to the conclusion that sodium-ion batteries wouldn’t be price aggressive in opposition to lithium-iron-phosphate chemistries, and determined to return the vast majority of the $9M raised in its seed spherical again to traders.
One of many crucial conclusions described was that, in keeping with a Bedrock Supplies evaluation, even utilizing optimistic predictions, sodium cathode supplies wouldn’t be aggressive with LFP graphite cell prices, “Except the worth of lithium carbonate is above $44k/g — removed from at the moment’s lithium worth of $9.69/kg.” Estimated prices utilizing the present worth of lithium carbonate have NFM and NFPP sodium-ion prices at round $80-$100/kWh for cell stage prices with NMC and LFP lithium-ion prices at $50-$60/kWh (conclusions from CellVision: An Open-Supply Cell Visualization Device for Sodium-ion Batteries).
Bedrock Supplies additionally notably was trying primarily in direction of the electrical car sector the place vitality density is a crucial position. The EV sector additionally had tax credit that have been tied to the IRA, nevertheless, now that the One Massive Lovely Invoice (OBBB) has handed, the clear car tax credit will likely be repealed. Nevertheless, Peak Power’s give attention to creating battery storage models manufactured within the U.S. utilizing home supplies could profit extra from the OBBB’s give attention to requiring home content material for clear vitality tasks and the principles concerning materials help from prohibited overseas entities of concern (FEOC).
Wanting Forward
Whereas the market shapes out, sodium-ion battery producers are persevering with to pave the best way researching and creating higher and extra superior cells. CATL and BYD are creating and enhancing their sodium-ion battery fashions in China. Innovators and researchers are exploring methods to enhance gravimetric and volumetric vitality density, experiment with high-capacity electrode supplies and better voltage electrolytes and enhance cycle life and sturdiness.
Some universities, just like the College of Chicago, are exploring solid-state sodium-ion batteries and Florida State College is leveraging synthetic intelligence and robotic platforms to assist with materials synthesis to develop extra environment friendly cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. Funding additionally has gone into fairly a couple of start-ups this yr with Moonwatt, Salztrom, Zoolnasm and Guangde Qinga Applied sciences elevating funds and Unigrid receiving a grant to additional develop their manufacturing facility.
