Sodium metal batteries retain 91% capacity after 1,000 cycles

Researchers at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have developed a novel solid electrolyte for sodium metal batteries (SMBs) that significantly enhances their safety and longevity. The new fluorinated block copolymer material, P(Na3-EO7)-PFPE, is non-flammable and engineered with a body-centered cubic internal structure that facilitates efficient sodium-ion transport while inhibiting the growth of dendrites—metal spikes that cause short circuits and fires in conventional batteries. Testing demonstrated that batteries using this electrolyte retained over 91% of their capacity after 1,000 charge cycles and operated continuously for more than 5,000 hours at 80°C, marking a substantial advancement for grid-scale energy storage applications. This development addresses major safety concerns associated with traditional liquid electrolytes, which are flammable and prone to instability during repeated cycling. By replacing the liquid with a solid, plastic-like electrolyte, the researchers have created a safer, more reliable battery that could serve as a low