Basic Knowledge of Sodium-ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries are a type of secondary battery that primarily relies on the movement of sodium ions between the positive and negative electrodes to complete the charging and discharging process. These batteries are similar to lithium-ion batteries in terms of their working principle. However, since sodium and lithium are elements of the same main group, they exhibit similar “rocking-chair” electrochemical charging and discharging behavior during battery operation.

Sodium-ion batteries mainly consist of a positive electrode, negative electrode, separator, current collector, electrolyte, and other components. Depending on whether the constituent materials directly participate in the electrochemical reaction, they can be divided into active materials and inactive materials. Active materials include positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, and electrolyte materials, while inactive materials include separators, current collectors, conductive agents, binders, and so on.

As an emerging star in the field of new energy, sodium-ion batteries are gradually moving towards industrialization. Currently, Prussian blue analogs and polyanion materials are popular choices for the positive electrode materials of sodium-ion batteries. These materials are cost-effective, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of sodium-ion batteries.

Due to their cost-effectiveness, safety, and excellent performance at both high and low temperatures, sodium-ion batteries have broad application prospects in the fields of energy storage and electric vehicles. They are expected to become an important force in the future new energy sector.