Breakthrough in Cheap, Clean, and Fast-Charging Batteries
Researchers from UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering and UC San Diego have developed the world’s first anode-free sodium solid-state battery. This innovation, detailed in Nature Energy, combines the benefits of sodium, solid-state, and anode-free battery technologies, achieving stable cycling for several hundred cycles. The battery uses abundant and inexpensive sodium, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly than lithium-based batteries.
This breakthrough addresses the need for scalable, high-capacity, fast-charging batteries essential for electric vehicles and grid storage, moving closer to decarbonizing the economy. The novel battery design eliminates the anode and employs a solid-state electrolyte, overcoming challenges of traditional liquid electrolytes. This advancement paves the way for a sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solution, crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels.