Sodium-Air Batteries Based on Sodium Super-Ionic Conducting Electrolyte

High energy density battery will be developed by combining metallic sodium anode with an air cathode. The proposed sodium-air battery is expected to dominate the performance of lithium-air battery. This battery technology is based on sodium conducting solid-electrolyte developed at Ceramatec Inc. The sodium conducting solid-electrolyte has conductivity in the range of 10-2 S/cm at ambient temperature and is expected to be chemically stable when in contact with sodium metal. The proposed electrolyte can be fabricated into a thin structure, which will significantly enhance the gravimetric and volumetric energy and power density characteristics of sodium-air batteries. The proposed batteries can potentially deliver energy densities exceeding 500 Wh/kg and cell voltages of 2.5 – 3.0 V with potentially high rate capability, charge retention, and shelf life characteristics required for military applications