Delft researchers are developing batteries that can charge faster, provide more stable storage, and are made from sustainable and readily available materials. They provide a cheaper alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which are composed of rare materials and high carbon dioxide content2 You have a fingerprint.
An article was recently published in Nature’s energy Published by Marnix Wagemaker and Alexandros Vasileiadis in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, about fast charging of Na-ion batteries and improvements to the cathode. They can be made from organic materials. This reduces dependence on rare materials that do not come from Europe.
Full article Origin of fast charging in carbon steel anodes (Nature Energy, (2024)
Bonus point: the cathode is also improved
Delft researchers also improved and published on the other aspect. In this article on the sustainability of nature Fast-charging high-voltage layered cathodes for sodium-ion batteries Developing a new positive electrode, based on design principles published in the journal Science in 2020, Rational design of layered oxide materials for sodium ion batteries.
Based on these design principles, a material was designed that combines the two best possible structures: high energy density with fast charging. As an added bonus, the material seems to change its structure very gradually during loading and unloading, making it last longer. Furthermore, it does not contain cobalt, as is often found in lithium-ion cathodes.
Next steps
With growing knowledge of these battery materials, the Third Growth Fund project on sustainable battery technology is preparing for the next step. In addition to lithium-ion battery research, sodium-ion research is also taken up at the national level. Battery research is being expanded further so that this technology can be applied in national and European markets.
