Sodium-Ion Battery
A sodium-ion battery (Na-ion battery) is a rechargeable battery in which sodium ions move between the positive and negative electrodes to store and release energy. Its operating principle resembles that of a lithium-ion battery, but the electrode and electrolyte materials are different.
Why it matters
Sodium-ion is a battery family rather than one fixed chemistry. Cells may use layered oxides, polyanionic compounds, or Prussian blue analogues as cathode materials, while hard carbon is a common anode material. These choices affect voltage, energy density, power capability, durability, and safety.
Sodium is abundant, and many sodium-ion designs avoid lithium, nickel, and cobalt. That does not guarantee a cheaper or lower-impact battery pack: cell yield, material processing, production scale, lifetime, thermal management, and pack integration still matter. Current sodium-ion designs also commonly trade lower energy density against potential material and supply-chain advantages.
For detailed cell materials, design differences, and trade-offs, see Cell Chemistry & Components.