Work

Approaching lithium-ion-level performance in sodium-ion batteries through rational reaction-zone design

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Limitations in ion transport in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) impose severe constraints on the reachable capacity and voltage stability at technologically relevant C-rates, thereby limiting their competitiveness compared to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, we employ a two-stage methodological framework that combines the pseudo-two-dimensional Doyle–Fuller–Newman model with a one-factor-at-a-time sensitivity analysis. This framework is subsequently integrated with constrained multi-objective optimization to systematically assess and contrast the design requirements of SIBs and LIBs. Our results obtained from the sensitivity analysis indicate that although the electrolyte diffusion coefficient and cation transference number remain fundamental constraints in SIBs, the electrode architecture, particularly the particle size, electrode thickness, porosity, and active material volume fraction, emerges as the principal determinant of discharge capacity and reaction-zone stability at moderate-to-high C-rates. In SIBs, large particle sizes and thick electrodes exacerbate solid-state diffusion limitations and electrolyte concentration polarization, resulting in a pronounced contraction of the reaction zone at discharge rates exceeding 1 C. By contrast, LIBs exhibit a higher tolerance to electrolyte transport limitations but are nonetheless strongly governed by electrode architectural parameters, especially the cathode particle size, porosity, and active material fraction. Based on these insights, parameter optimization improved the capacity of SIBs by up to 70 %, achieving a specific energy of 244.5 W h kg -1 at 0.5 C, thus approaching the performance of commercial LIBs. Crucially, the optimized SIB configurations sustained a stable and spatially homogeneous reaction zone across a broad range of C-rates, a feature that is expected to mitigate degradation phenomena and capacity fade. The alignment of these results with industrial reports further emphasizes the practical relevance and applicability of the proposed framework.

Source: Journal of Energy Storage

DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2026.120776

Authors: Sara Barati, Luís G. Dias, Juarez L.F. Da Silva

Institutions: Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química de São Carlos

Language: English

Topic: Advancements in Battery Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560