Production of up-scaled Na-ion battery prototypes using a novel cathode material
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | LiFeSiZE AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 407 847 |
| Project duration | October 2017 - September 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The overall purpose of the project has been to demonstrate the feasibility of commercializing a novel, cheap and sustainable battery concept based on Prussian White as the active cathode material in a sodium-ion battery technology. The results accumulated throughout the project show convincingly that there is indeed a clear realistic international market potential for this new battery material, and that battery performance after routine product scale-up development should be capable of fully satisfying market demands.
Expected results and effects
Results obtained from the project provide convincing evidence that our novel synthesis of this cathode material “Prussian White” for sodium-ion batteries is (as expected) economically upscaleable and can achieve energy-storage and -power performances comparable to commercial lithium-ion batteries based on lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). Our tests have also shown that prototype battery performance is reproducible at higher power-ratings, which make them a viable proposition for applications within both industrial energy-storage and power applications.
Planned approach and implementation
All phases in the development of our unique Prussian White synthesis method have followed the project plan closely. However, more time than expected had to be spent on battery-related aspects, such as selection of appropriate anode and separator materials and optimization of slurry and electrolyte compositions. Materials assumed to be directly transferable from lithium-ion battery technology were found not to work well in a sodium-ion context. New solutions had to be found which delayed the project somewhat.