In a groundbreaking study from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, researchers are shifting the narrative in battery technology. Under the guidance of Professor Y. Shirley Meng, the laboratory has made significant advancements in sodium-based all-solid-state batteries, positioning them as a viable alternative to their lithium counterparts. This research not only expands the horizons of energy storage solutions but also addresses critical concerns regarding the sustainability and environmental impact of lithium extraction. The findings highlight the growing potential of sodium as an affordable and abundant resource in battery fabrication.
The urgency of developing alternatives to lithium-based batteries has never been clearer. Lithium, although widely used, presents challenges due to its rarity, high costs, and the ecological toll associated with its mining. In contrast, sodium is abundant and environmentally friendlier. Yet, sodium-based all-solid-state batteries have struggled to compete, particularly at room temperature. The research team’s latest findings, recently published in the journal Joule, directly address these limitations, offering improved performance metrics and stability in sodium-based battery systems.
One of the central highlights of this study is the successful development of thick cathodes for sodium-based batteries. These thick cathodes significantly improve performance across various temperature settings, including sub-zero conditions. First author Sam Oh, a visiting scholar from Singapore’s A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, explains that this innovation effectively brings sodium technologies to a similar performance level as lithium, resulting in a more balanced competition between the two materials in the realm of energy storage.
The breakthrough stems from the innovative stabilization of a metastable structure of sodium hydridoborate, a compound known for its impressive ionic conductivity. The research indicates that this stable form exhibits ionic conductivities at least ten times higher than previously reported values in scientific literature. Moreover, this remarkable advancement paves the way for the effective utilization of sodium hydridoborate in solid electrolytes, which are vital components for optimiizing the functionality of all-solid-state batteries.
This unique methodology involves a classical yet sophisticated technique where the metastable sodium hydridoborate is heated to its crystallization point and swiftly cooled to maintain the structure. While this process is well-established within the materials science field, it has rarely been applied to solid electrolytes until now. The implications of this technique extend far beyond the laboratory, as the approach promises to facilitate the scalability of sodium-based battery technologies for industrial applications in the future.
In tandem with the advanced cathode design, the research utilizes a novel coating of chloride-based solid electrolyte on an O3-type cathode. This combination allows for thick, high-areal-loading cathodes that surpass previous iterations of sodium batteries in terms of capacity and performance. The innovative design minimizes the presence of inactive materials while maximizing the operational capabilities of the battery core.
The implications of this research could be transformational for the future of energy storage systems. By enhancing the energy density of sodium-based batteries, the team contributes to a more sustainable model of energy consumption that is far less reliant on lithium. This advancement is particularly pertinent given the increasing demand for clean energy solutions to power electric vehicles and integrate renewable energy into the grid.
Although this study marks a significant step forward, researchers like Oh acknowledge that the journey has just begun. “It’s a long road ahead, but our work is an essential stride toward unlocking the full potential of sodium-based battery technologies,” he notes, emphasizing the continued need for research and development in this exciting field.
The findings from Meng’s lab offer an optimistic outlook, suggesting that future gigafactories could feasibly produce both lithium and sodium battery technologies under one roof. This vision of an integrated production facility could streamline processes and promote greater efficiency in energy storage solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
As sodium technology emerges as a potent alternative, the continued blending of established techniques and innovative research practices may well solidify sodium’s place in the future of battery technology. Emphasizing the need for both lithium and sodium solutions, Meng articulates the essence of a diversified energy storage landscape that can cater to varied applications and energy demands.
Thus, the emergence of sodium-based all-solid-state batteries represents more than a scientific advancement; it symbolizes the pursuit of sustainable energy alternatives necessary to address the pressing challenges of our time. As researchers and industries work collaboratively to refine and scale these technologies, the prospects for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future look increasingly promising.
The findings from this research stand as a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on battery technology, urging the scientific community and industry stakeholders to embrace innovative solutions that prioritize ecological preservation alongside technological advancement.
With continued research, the potential of sodium in the realm of energy storage is vast and filled with promise. This new chapter in battery technology is not just about competitors vying for dominance but rather a harmonized approach to energy solutions that encompass the strengths and benefits of both sodium and lithium.
Subject of Research: Sodium-based all-solid-state batteries
Article Title: Metastable sodium closo-hydridoborates for all-solid-state batteries with thick cathodes
News Publication Date: 16-Sep-2025
Web References: Joule Article
References: DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.102130
Image Credits: UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering / Jason Smith
Keywords
Energy storage, Batteries, Solid-state batteries, Sodium hydridoborate, Lithium alternatives, Electrochemical performance, Sustainable technology.
