Long-lasting solid-state Na-ion batteries for low-cost energy storage

迫切需要改进电动汽车的储能技术，并大规模整合可再生电网储能。目前，锂离子电池在容量和功率输送方面提供最佳性能。 然而，锂就其在地壳中的总供应量和其地理可用性而言是有限的资源，这限制了其用于大规模固定电源应用的可行性。使用钠离子而不是锂离子来存储电荷的可充电电池解决了未来锂短缺的可能性，因为钠是一种非常丰富的元素。该研究项目旨在进一步推动我们最近开发的钠离子电池（NIB）作为大规模电化学储能系统的潜在低成本，安全和可持续解决方案，并将其带入商业化阶段。钠（Na）资源的天然丰度高，分布广，包括阿尔伯塔的大量储量，提供了显著的成本优势。我们将采取系统的方法来开发固体电解质，使用新的陶瓷和混合复合材料，以及电解质和电极之间的界面设计，这对电池性能至关重要。这种方法将能够开发具有高能量密度、快速充电/放电的持久NIB，以实现低成本的能量存储。所开发技术的更广泛的影响/商业潜力在于其低成本、可持续性和上级特性。该项目符合省和联邦向低碳经济过渡的战略计划，并为阿尔伯塔成为这一有前途的技术的国家和全球领导者提供了机会。

There is a critical need for improved energy storage technologies for electric vehicles and large-scale integration of renewable electricity grid storage. Currently, lithium-ion batteries offer the best performance in terms of capacity and power delivery. However, lithium is a limited resource with respect to both its total supply in the Earth's crust and its geographic availability, which limits its viability for large scale stationary power applications. Rechargeable batteries which use sodium ions instead of lithium ions for storing charge address the possibility of lithium scarcity in the future, because sodium is a very abundant element. This research project aims to further our recent developments of Na-ion batteries (NIBs) as a potential low-cost, safe and sustainable solution to large-scale electrochemical energy storage systems and bring it to the commercialization phase. The high natural abundance and broad distribution of sodium (Na) resources, including large reserves in Alberta, offer significant cost advantages. We will take a systematic approach to the development of solid electrolytes, using new ceramics and hybrid composites, and the design of the interface between the electrolyte and electrodes, that is critical to battery performance. This approach will enable development of long-lasting, NIBs with high energy density, fast charge/discharge for low-cost energy storage. The broader impact/commercial potential of the developed technology is in its low cost, sustainability and superior properties. The project aligns with the strategic provincial and federal plans to transition to low-carbon economy and provides an opportunity for Alberta to become a national and global leader in this promising technology.