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Recently created sodium-ion (Na-ion) cells might present significantly enhanced charging rates, superior energy accumulation, and safety improvements when weighed against traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells, according to researchers.
Employing Na-ion cells, as a substitute for the Li-ion batteries utilized in most current gadgets, scientists at the Tokyo University of Science leveraged a fresh carbon-centered electrolyte for boosting Na-ion energy storage and charging pace.
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Every battery features a positive terminal and a negative terminal, being the couple of electrodes dictating how current travels into and out from the device. Within Li-ion cells, the positive terminal primarily consists of graphite, because it is a stellar substance for preserving lithium ions intended for forthcoming emission.
Conversely, Na-ion cells utilize hard carbon (HC) — a permeable mixture composed of a multitude of “turbostratic fundamental structural components,” fundamentally a sophisticated crystalline arrangement, that excels in sodium ion accumulation. This signifies, in theory, an extremely quick-charging substance.
Prior investigations into HC revealed complexities in substantiating the plausible nature of this theoretical charging benchmark, specifically when ions pouring into the concentrated electrolyte at amplified rates undergo a slowdown similar to gridlock. However, in a recent investigation documented on December 15, 2025, in the journal Chemical Science, the researchers embarked on neutralizing this obstacle.
Limiting the risks of Li-ion batteries
The scientists merged limited quantities of HC alongside aluminum oxide, a substance chemically non-reactive, into a consolidated electrode. This empowered ions to navigate effortlessly into the HC molecules devoid of “gridlock” complexities.
Subsequent to resolving the obstacle, the researchers then validated that sodium ions could permeate HC at rates approximating those of lithium ions infiltrating graphite within a Li-ion battery.
The researchers also pinpointed that the primary limitation for the collective operation lies within the velocity at which ions populate the “pores” situated within HC, wherein “pores” characterizes the operation involving ions developing pseudo-metallic groupings internally throughout the nanoscopic perforations over HC’s expanse.
Through meticulous examination, the researchers deduced that sodium ions necessitate diminished energy for cultivating such groupings. The conclusion signifies that, contingent on suitable conditions, Na-ion cells — additionally termed SIBs — are able to attain charging rates surpassing those attainable by Li-ion cells.
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“A pivotal consideration regarding the progress of enhanced HC substances intended for rapid-charging SIBs is acquiring accelerated mechanics associated with the process of pore-filling, facilitating accessibility during elevated charging velocities,” as conveyed in a statement from prominent study author Shinichi Komaba, a professor situated within the Department of Applied Chemistry at the Tokyo University of Science. “Furthermore, our outcomes propose diminished temperature susceptibility in sodium insertion, considering smaller activation energy when weighed against lithiation.”
Within a practical context, the findings could facilitate more extensive assimilation of Na-ion cells in applications demanding intensely accelerated charging or discharging velocities. As an illustration, battery energy storage infrastructures at grid dimensions would profit from the aptitude to swiftly discharge energy upon solicitation. Furthermore, sustaining stability throughout batteries emerges as especially crucial when employed at expanded scales for conserving energy procured via renewable origins.
Na-ion cells exhibit heightened safety traits compared to Li-ion cells, as emphasized within a 2025 investigation executed by scientists stationed at the Islamic University of Technology, Idaho State University, and University of Waterloo. This phenomenon stems from the dependability exhibited by sodium ions encompassed within, reducing vulnerability to the chain reaction responsible for triggering combustion, or conceivably detonation, across Li-ion cells upon incurring impairment.
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The U.K. National Fire Chiefs Council affirmed that power storage infrastructures predicated upon Li-ion cells present a “notable fire hazard,” specifically given the challenge associated with extinguishing these batteries once ignited.
Thermal runaway, the independent mechanism engendering ignition across Li-ion cells, demonstrates perpetuation irrespective of oxygen presence. The British Safety Council revealed that ignited Li-ion cells contained within some electric automobiles may persist in combustion for durations encompassing hours, and at times, days.
Given production at scale, Na-ion cells analogous to those evaluated within the study present the capability to mitigate such jeopardies entirely.
“Our outcomes quantitatively illustrate that SIB charging velocities employing an HC anode are capable of attaining heightened rates as opposed to those of an LIB [lithium-ion battery],” Komaba conveyed within the statement.
Article Sources
Y. Fujii, Z. T. Gossage, R. Tatara and S. Komaba, Chem. Sci., 2026, Advance Article, DOI: 10.1039/D5SC07762A
Rory Bathgate
Rory Bathgate serves as a freelance writer for Live Science and holds the position of Features and Multimedia Editor at ITPro, responsible for supervising detailed content and case studies. Beyond his contributions to ITPro, Rory possesses a strong interest in the intersection of the tech industry and the endeavors against climate change. His focus encompasses energy transition, notably renewable energy generation and grid storage, as well as advancements in electric vehicles and the swift expansion of the electrification market. During his leisure time, Rory finds enjoyment in photography, video editing, and science fiction. He became affiliated with ITPro in 2022 as a graduate, following the completion of an MA (Hons) in Eighteenth-Century Studies at King’s College London. Rory can be reached at [email protected].
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