Battery breakthrough could eliminate range anxiety for electric vehicles

Scientists Discover Process to Supercharge Next-Generation Rechargeable Batteries

Scientists have discovered a new process that could supercharge the transition to next-generation rechargeable batteries capable of more than doubling the range of current electric vehicles.

The research could help facilitate a switch from conventional lithium-ion batteries – which are found in everything from smartphones to electric cars – to solid-state sodium batteries, which are both cheaper and safer.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 13: Climate Action

Solid-state sodium batteries are also made of materials that are far more abundant than their lithium-ion counterparts, however until now mass production has proved difficult.

A team from Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan claim the newly discovered process could overcome this obstacle through the mass synthesis of a highly conductive electrolyte.

“This newly developed process is useful for the production of almost all sodium-containing sulfide materials, including solid electrolytes and electrode active materials,” said Professor Atsushi Sakuda from Osaka Metropolitan University.

“Also, compared to conventional methods, this process makes it easier to obtain materials that display higher performance, so we believe it will become a mainstream process for the future development of materials for all-solid-state sodium batteries.”

Advantages of Solid-State Sodium Batteries

• Superior performance
• Reduced cost
• Enhanced sustainability

The solid sulfide electrolyte has the world’s highest reported sodium ion conductivity – roughly 10 times higher than is required for commercial use.

Unlike the liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries, the solid electrolyte is not susceptible to bursting into flames when dropped or charged in the wrong way.

The breakthrough could prove most promising for the electric vehicle sector, offering superior performance, reduced cost, and enhanced sustainability.

They could also eliminate range anxiety by vastly improving the charging capacity of electric car batteries.

Impact on Electric Vehicles

• Potential range of 1,200 km
• Charge times as short as 10 minutes

The research was published in the scientific journal Energy Storage Materials, in a paper titled ‘Utilising reactive polysulfides flux Na2Sx for the synthesis of sulfide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium batteries’.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the discovery of a new process that could enhance rechargeable batteries, particularly solid-state sodium batteries. These batteries have the potential to improve the range and charging capacity of electric vehicles, which aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Additionally, the use of solid-state sodium batteries can contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable transportation options. The development of more efficient batteries also supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing waste from conventional lithium-ion batteries. Finally, the adoption of these advanced batteries can contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
• SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
• SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

The article’s content implies the following targets under the relevant SDGs:
– SDG 7.2: The development of solid-state sodium batteries would contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– SDG 9.4: The adoption of solid-state sodium batteries in electric vehicles would require upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to support their production and usage.
– SDG 11.2: The use of solid-state sodium batteries in electric vehicles can provide a sustainable transport system with improved range and charging capacity.
– SDG 12.2: The shift from conventional lithium-ion batteries to solid-state sodium batteries promotes the efficient use of natural resources.
– SDG 13.2: The adoption of advanced batteries with improved performance contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2)
• Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits for sustainable industries (SDG 9.4)
• Access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems (SDG 11.2)
• Reduction in the use of conventional lithium-ion batteries (SDG 12.2)
• Integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (SDG 13.2)

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, tracking the increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix can indicate progress towards SDG 7.2. The number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits for sustainable industries can be measured to assess progress towards SDG 9.4. The availability and usage of safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems can be monitored to measure progress towards SDG 11.2. The reduction in the use of conventional lithium-ion batteries and the adoption of alternative technologies like solid-state sodium batteries can be indicators for SDG 12.2. Lastly, the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning can be assessed to measure progress towards SDG 13.2.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: independent.co.uk

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