| Abstract [eng] |
As global energy consumption continues to rise, the need for new renewable sources and decarbonization of the energy mix becomes increasingly apparent. The recent growth of wind and solar electricity generation presents a promising option. However, the efficient storage of this energy to tackle intermittency remains a key challenge. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries utilizing organic solvent-based electrolytes have become the preferred storage choice for portable electronic devices due to their attractive energy and power densities. But when it comes to their applications for large-scale storage, concerns arise over the scarcity and uneven distribution of natural resources like lithium, cobalt, nickel, natural graphite. Safety due to the flammability of organic solvents is another important issue. Both of these concerns are the main drivers for the exploration of alternative or post lithium-ion battery technologies. Among them, sodium-ion batteries, and especially their variant using aqueous electrolytes have gained significant attention. This is mainly due to the availability and cost of the electrode materials as well as improved safety and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, the introduction of alternative charge carrier and aqueous electrolyte systems causes other challenges. These include the need for alternative electrode materials since traditional choices such as transition metal oxides and graphite fall short for sodium-ion batteries. Additionally, aqueous acid-base chemistry and water solvating properties add to the electrode/electrolyte stability challenges. Among the different classes of materials suitable for aqueous sodium-ion batteries, framework phosphates such as NASICON-structured materials have emerged as one of the promising alternatives. This is mainly due to their high structural diversity, stability, and low cost. However, a number of issues related to their compatibility with aqueous electrolyte systems still remain and need to be understood to fully unlock the potential of these materials. |
