新式正极材料使钠离子电池成为可能

新式正极材料使钠离子电池成为可能

Led by the inventor of the lithium-ion battery, a team of researchers in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has identified a new safe and sustainable cathode material for low-cost sodium1-ion batteries. During the past five years, sodium-ion batteries have emerged as a promising2 new type of rechargeable battery and an alternative to lithium-ion batteries because sodium, better known as the main element of salt, is abundant and inexpensive. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are limited by high production costs and availability of lithium.

If researchers can figure out how to improve the performance and safety of sodium-ion batteries enough to widely commercialize them, then they could one day be used for wind and solar energy storage and to power electric vehicles.

To that end, professor John Goodenough, the inventor of the lithium-ion battery, and his team have identified a new cathode material made of the nontoxic and inexpensive mineral eldfellite, presenting a significant advancement3 in the race to develop a commercially viable4 sodium-ion battery. The researchers reported their findings Aug. 27 in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.

"At the core of this discovery is a basic structure for the material that we hope will encourage researchers to come up with better materials for the further development of sodium-ion batteries," said Preetam Singh, a postdoctoral fellow and researcher in Goodenough's lab.

1 sodium

n.（化）钠

参考例句：

Out over the town the sodium lights were lit.在外面，全城的钠光灯都亮了。

Common salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.食盐是钠和氯的复合物。

2 promising

adj.有希望的，有前途的

参考例句：

The results of the experiments are very promising.实验的结果充满了希望。

We're trying to bring along one or two promising young swimmers.我们正设法培养出一两名有前途的年轻游泳选手。

3 advancement

n.前进，促进，提升

参考例句：

His new contribution to the advancement of physiology was well appreciated.他对生理学发展的新贡献获得高度赞赏。

The aim of a university should be the advancement of learning.大学的目标应是促进学术。

4 viable

adj.可行的，切实可行的，能活下去的

参考例句：

The scheme is economically viable.这个计划从经济效益来看是可行的。

The economy of the country is not viable.这个国家经济是难以维持的。