Abstract
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are a recent development being promoted repeatedly as an economically promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, only one detailed study about material costs has yet been published for this battery type. This paper presents the first detailed economic assessment of 18,650-type SIB cells with a layered oxide cathode and a hard carbon anode, based on existing datasheets for pre-commercial battery cells. The results are compared with those of competing LIB cells, that is, with lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide cathodes (NMC) and with lithium-iron-phosphate cathodes (LFP). A sensitivity analysis further evaluates the influence of varying raw material prices on the results. For the SIB, a cell price of 223 €/kWh is obtained, compared to 229 €/kWh for the LFP and 168 €/kWh for the NMC batteries. The main contributor to the price of the SIB cells are the material costs, above all the cathode and anode active materials. For this reason, the amount of cathode active material (e.g., coating thickness) in addition to potential fluctuations in the raw material prices have a considerable effect on the price per kWh of storage capacity. Regarding the anode, the precursor material costs have a significant influence on the hard carbon cost, and thus on the final price of the SIB cell. Organic wastes and fossil coke precursor materials have the potential of yielding hard carbon at very competitive costs. In addition, cost reductions in comparison with LIBs are achieved for the current collectors, since SIBs also allow the use of aluminum instead of copper on the anode side. For the electrolyte, the substitution of lithium with sodium leads to only a marginal cost decrease from 16.1 to 15.8 €/L, hardly noticeable in the final cell price. On the other hand, the achievable energy density is fundamental. While it seems difficult to achieve the same price per kWh as high energy density NMC LIBs, the SIB could be a promising substitute for LFP cells in stationary applications, if it also becomes competitive with LFP cells in terms of safety and cycle life.
Highlights
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are among the most relevant electrochemical energy storage technologies [1]
This paper presents the first detailed economic assessment of 18,650-type sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) cells with a layered oxide cathode and a hard carbon anode, based on existing datasheets for pre-commercial battery cells
While it seems difficult to achieve the same price per kWh as high energy density nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide cathodes (NMC) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the SIB could be a promising substitute for LFP cells in stationary applications, if it becomes competitive with LFP cells in terms of safety and cycle life
Summary
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are among the most relevant electrochemical energy storage technologies [1] They are a relatively mature technology, show high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities, high charge–discharge efficiencies, and good power rates. 5, 10 the medium-term availability of certain raw materials like cobalt or lithium, where concerns about price peaks or supply shortages might further increase costs and economic risks for cell manufacturers [7,8]. These reasons, alternative low-cost systems are being among further increase costsFor and economic risks for cell manufacturers.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
