University of Queensland Develops Long-Lasting Sodium Battery for Renewable Energy Storage

Engineers at the University of Queensland have developed a sodium battery that lasts over 5,000 hours in lab tests, utilizing a solid, plastic-like core to enhance safety and reduce overheating risks. This prototype is designed for battery banks that store renewable energy on the grid, replacing lithium with sodium to lower costs and alleviate supply-chain issues.

Sodium is more abundant and easier to source than lithium. The research, led by Dr. Cheng Zhang, focuses on solid-state batteries that use safer electrolytes.

The new electrolyte is a block copolymer that maintains organized pathways for sodium ions, achieving over 91% capacity retention after 1,000 rapid charge-discharge cycles at elevated temperatures. The design eliminates the need for cobalt or nickel, reducing supply chain pressures. The next step is to improve efficiency at standard temperatures, potentially anchoring large renewable energy projects.