KERI researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique to produce hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries in just 30 seconds. Being one of the main obstacles to sodium-ion battery commercialization, the hard carbon anode synthesis method developed could revolutionize next-generation energy storage.
Considered one of the next-generation secondary batteries, sodium-ion batteries rely on sodium instead of lithium. Thanks to their improved electrochemical stability and the fact that sodium is over a thousand times more abundant and easier to refine than lithium, sodium batteries are becoming favorable for fast charging and discharging applications that can maintain performance even at low temperatures.
Despite their promise, sodium-ion batteries do face several challenges including reduced energy density and shorter lifespan due to their complex manufacturing process. Due to the increased ion size, sodium batteries rely on hard carbon for their anode material which contains large interlayer spacing.
Hard carbon is not a naturally occurring material and must be synthesized through intricate methods including heating hydrocarbon materials over 1,000°C in oxygen-free environments for extended amounts of time. This carbonization process proves economically and environmentally challenging and has become a key obstacle to commercializing sodium batteries.
To combat this, a team of researchers from the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) developed a novel method to selectively heat polymer films to over 1,400°C in only 30 seconds using microwave induction heating. Their method, published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, demonstrates promise as a streamlined method to prepare sodium-ion battery anode materials.
“Due to recent electric vehicle fires, there has been growing interest in sodium-ion batteries that are safer and function well in colder conditions. However, the carbonization process for anodes has been a significant disadvantage in terms of energy efficiency and cost,” said Dr. Jong Hwan Park.
“Our microwave induction heating technology enables fast and easy preparation of hard carbon, which I believe will contribute to the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries,” added Dr. Daeho Kim.