Demonstration of a High Energy Sodium Ion Cell with Wide Operating Window

In order to achieve multidomain dominance from the Arctic to Middle East deserts, the Army needs resilient batteries that can operate over a wide temperature range of -60 to 70 °C to simplify logistics. These batteries also need to be as safe as possible, particularly for mobile form factors, where batteries are in close proximity to warfighters, and to minimize the need for safety management solutions that add weight and limit mobility. In addition to the performance and safety requirements, the Army needs batteries powered by dual use cells that leverage economies of scale to manage costs, and that are produced via a fully US- and Ally-based mine-to-factory supply chain to ensure a robust and resilient supply of cells and batteries.  To meet the Army’s need for safe batteries that operate over a wide temperature window, Mana proposes to develop high energy anodeless sodium cells that incorporate a sodium borate electrolyte electrolyte formulation that remains in liquid form down to -60 °C and self-extinguishes in seconds and to characterize side reactions between the SBE and the cathode and sodium metal up to 70 °C to establish calendar and cycle life capability at elevated temperature. The proposed cell is expected to achieve higher energy density compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Li-ion at lower cost. Mana ultimately plans to manufacture the electrolyte and anodeless cell domestically, and thus will be well positioned to provide cells to battery pack makers and defense prime contractors.