Sodium-ion batteries may soon be on the rise, offering a potential alternative as researchers from the Tokyo University of Science report promising results.

Lithium-ion batteries are prevalent due to their quick charging and high energy capacity, but their reliance on lithium—a resource facing supply limitations—poses sustainability challenges. Moreover, safety concerns persist as these batteries can pose explosion risks.

The breakthrough with sodium-ion batteries lies in the material used for the cathode. While lithium-ion batteries use graphite, sodium-ion batteries require hard carbon. Previously, the process was hindered by sodium ions getting trapped during charging. However, this new research demonstrates that combining hard carbon with aluminum oxide eases the flow of sodium ions, enhancing battery performance.

Advantages include the lower energy requirement for charging, as sodium is readily accessible from seawater, and improved safety, as sodium-ion batteries are less likely to ignite.

Should sodium-ion batteries successfully enter mass production, travelers could potentially charge equipment safely on planes and even use external battery packs without risk.