Solid-state Electrolyte Membranes for Next Generation Sodium Batteries

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The transition towards a sustainable energy system is leading to a rapidly increasing number of renewable energy sources in global energy markets. Natural Resources Canada identifies renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic energy as the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada. The challenge in these technologies, however, is that sunlight and wind occur intermittently, making them unreliable for steady energy supply. The key to maximizing the potential of these renewable power sources is through energy conversion and storage, which allows for re-equilibrating fluctuating power loads from renewable energy sources for grid stabilization and off-grid utilization. Batteries are ideally suited for energy storage due to their low maintenance, pollution-free operation, high efficiency, flexible timing of energy access, and power characteristics which meet different cycle life specification and grid functions. Breakthroughs in battery technology would not only transform the power sector but revolutionize the transportation and consumer electronics sectors. The collaboration between the Thangadurai Group and Geometric Energy Corporation aims to develop a non-explosive, non-toxic, non-flammable solid-state sodium-ion battery with a commercially competitive business case for applications in grid-scale battery storage, consumer electronics, and hazardous location energy storage. This research answers the call of using sustainable Earth-abundant and Earth-friendly materials by utilizing a highly abundant element Na, instead of Li. Using a solid electrolyte, as opposed to a flammable liquid electrolyte, promises to improve the stability and thus the safety of battery technology. The highlight of the project is the development of single material or hybrid solid electrolytes to support the next generation solid-state sodium-ion battery.