New, easily fabricated, high performance carbon microlattice electrodes could soon be used to make cheaper batteries powered by readily available sodium ions. The approach was published by Tohoku University researchers and colleagues in the journal Small.
Lithium ion batteries are used in a wide range of applications, from smartphones to electric cars, due to their high performance and ability to store large amounts of energy. However, manufacturing these batteries is costly, the metal’s reserves are quickly getting depleted, and its extraction can be harmful to the environment. Scientists want to reduce battery manufacturing costs and find a way to unlock the potential of the more widely available sodium ions.
