4. Sodium-Ion Batteries:
How Do They Work?
These batteries are similar to lithium-ion batteries, but instead use saltwater as an electrolyte.
How Will They Be Used?
These batteries are believed to be suitable for energy storage. As research on sodium-ion batteries progresses, they could even fuel faster charging in EVs, mobile devices, and space technology.
Pros and Cons of Sodium-Ion Batteries
Despite low energy density — sodium-ion batteries are only able to store approximately two-thirds the amount of energy a lithium-ion battery of the same size can hold — it’s much more affordable and very safe thanks to the low risk of fire. It also performs better at lower temperatures than lithium-ion batteries.
While sodium-ion batteries have historically been too inefficient for electric vehicles, researchers are working on batteries with faster charging times.
