Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a process that can lead to mass synthesis of solid sulfide electrolytes with the world’s highest reported sodium ion conductivity. This breakthrough is significant in the pursuit of more efficient and sustainable rechargeable batteries, as sodium is more abundant and less expensive than lithium. Solid-state sodium batteries are considered safer than lithium-ion batteries, but processing issues have made mass production challenging. The team, led by Associate Professor Atsushi Sakuda and Professor Akitoshi Hayashi, used sodium polysulfides as both the material and the flux to create a solid sulfide electrolyte with high conductivity and a glass electrolyte with high formability.
The development of a mass synthesis process for high-performance solid sulfide electrolytes is a crucial step towards practical applications of all-solid-state sodium batteries. The electrolytes created by the research team exhibit sodium ion conductivity that is approximately 10 times higher than what is required for practical use. This high conductivity is essential for the efficient operation of sodium batteries and could help make them a more viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries in the future. The new process developed by the researchers allows for the production of a wide range of sodium-containing sulfide materials, including solid electrolytes and electrode active materials, with improved performance compared to conventional methods.
The research results have been published in prestigious scientific journals such as Energy Storage Materials and Inorganic Chemistry, highlighting the significance of the breakthrough in the field of battery technology. Professor Sakuda emphasized the potential impact of the newly developed process on the future development of materials for all-solid-state sodium batteries. He stated that the process makes it easier to obtain materials with higher performance, making it a potential mainstream method for producing advanced materials for next-generation batteries.
The use of sodium polysulfides as both the material and the flux in the synthesis process enables the creation of solid sulfide electrolytes with high sodium ion conductivity and glass electrolytes with high reduction resistance. These properties are essential for the stable and efficient operation of sodium batteries, addressing some of the key challenges that have hindered the widespread adoption of this technology. The research team’s innovative approach to material synthesis could pave the way for the commercialization of all-solid-state sodium batteries, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Overall, the development of a mass synthesis process for high-performance solid sulfide electrolytes represents a significant advancement in the field of battery technology. The high conductivity, formability, and reduction resistance of the electrolytes produced through this process could help overcome the limitations of current battery technologies and accelerate the adoption of all-solid-state sodium batteries. With further research and development, these batteries have the potential to play a vital role in the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. The work of the research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has laid the foundation for the continued innovation and advancement of sodium battery technology.
