A National Science Foundation grant to Michigan Technological University will allow research into the feasibility of sodium batteries. With sodium atoms about 70% larger than lithium atoms, the impact on a battery's electrodes is an obvious issue. The Mich Tech project will use a transmission electron microscope to study how a sodium battery would charge or discharge at the atomic scale level. After lithium it's the most attractive element to be used in batteries," said Reza Shahbazian-Yassar, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, MTU. This effort would provide an answer to those who believe lithium is too rare a substance on which to base an entire industry. On the other hand, that is what they said about lead when lead acid batteries were first introduced.
Salt Batteries on the Horizon for Vehicles?
Salt Batteries on the Horizon for Vehicles?
Tuesday, October 30, 2012