Boosting Battery Power in the Cold with a Simple Trick

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries are gaining traction for their safety and affordability. However, they have a few drawbacks. The main issue is their limited electrochemical stability window and their tendency to freeze in cold temperatures. This can hinder their use in real-world situations. Researchers have found a way to tackle these problems. They added a substance called trimethylolpropane to a sodium nitrate solution. This simple addition widened the stability window to 2. 85 volts and lowered the freezing point to below -80°C. This is a significant improvement, making the batteries more versatile. To test this new electrolyte, they paired it with a special cathode and anode. The results were impressive. The batteries maintained a high capacity and showed excellent performance over many cycles, even at -20°C. This means they can handle extreme conditions, which is a big deal for energy storage. Spectral tests revealed how trimethylolpropane interacts with water molecules. This interaction is key to the battery's improved performance, especially in the cold. The findings suggest a new approach for using aqueous batteries in harsh weather conditions. This breakthrough could expand the use of aqueous batteries. They could be used in places where temperature extremes are common. This would make energy storage more reliable and accessible. It's a step forward in making batteries work better in challenging environments.