Sodium Ion Batteries

Why in news?

• Recently, University of Houston (US) scientists developed an electrolyte that contributes significantly to making sodium ion batteries more commercially viable.

About Sodium Ion Batteries:

• They are rechargeable batteries which require sodium ion movement between electrodes during the charging and discharging of the battery, the cathode for these batteries is manufactured from sodium.

Benefits of Sodium-Ion:

• It's cheaper to produce than their lithium counterparts because of the abundance of the raw materials required to make them.
• They are energy dense, non-flammable, and operate well in colder temperatures.
• Further they can store more energy per unit weight; this could make them well-suited for larger applications such as electric vehicles.
• They are less likely to experience thermal runaway, a condition that can cause fires in lithium-ion batteries.

Issues with Lithium-Ion:

• Lithium-Ion extraction led to environment harming mining practices.
• It releases harmful chemicals which further spell into the rivers and its ecosystem.
• Non reusable as its recycling process is very expensive.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Sodium Ion Batteries’:

1. They are nonflammable

2. They are lightweight compared to lithium ion batteries

3. They are cheaper to produce than their lithium counterparts because of the abundance of the raw materials

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer