The researchers also created a battery prototype using the new material, NaxV2(PO4)3, demonstrating significant energy storage improvements. NaxV2(PO4)3, part of a group called “Na superionic conductors” or NaSICONs, is designed to let sodium ions move smoothly in and out of the battery during charging and discharging, according to a press release.

The material has a unique way of handling sodium, allowing it to work as a single-phase system. This means it remains stable as it releases or takes in sodium ions. This allows the NaSICON to remain stable during charging and discharging while delivering a continuous voltage of 3.7 volts versus sodium metal, higher than the 3.37 volts in existing materials, according to researchers.

[–] Aqarius@lemmy.world 1 points 3 weeks ago

I wonder, though, if having to use Vanadium defeats the point of dropping Lithium for Sodium.

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 6 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Sodium batteries are thermal batteries, right? So they need turbines to recover the energy into electricity?

Are you thinking of concentrated solar, maybe?

[–] JohnDClay@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 weeks ago

I think I was mixing those up with thermal energy storage and thermal batteries.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_energy_storage

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molten-salt_battery#Thermal_batteries_(non-rechargeable)

Sodium batteries do have a high temperature type, but it does look like they are non rechargeable and do generate electricity directly. The thermal energy storage only stores thermal energy rather than electricity, but they use sand.