Did you know that an ancient blue pigment used in some of the world’s most famous artworks could hold the key to a greener, more sustainable future? Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are a fascinating Material that are chemically similar to this famous pigment, and they could revolutionize the storage of electrical Energy from renewable sources. Van Gogh would be amazed!

Sodium: a renewable energy game-changer

Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, have become increasingly prevalent as we transition toward a more sustainable energy landscape. However, one of the main challenges of renewable energy lies in its intermittent nature. The sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow – but we don’t want our power to cut out every time there’s no breeze! That means we need advanced energy storage solutions that can provide a continuous power supply.

This is where sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) step in. NIBs are emerging as a promising alternative for large-scale energy storage applications. What sets them apart? The abundance and affordability of sodium, a resource far more accessible and abundant than many other battery materials. Dr. Jian Peng’s research explores the development of low-cost cathode materials for NIBs – and we found it so important, we shortlisted his paper for the Malvern Panalytical Scientific Award!

Why PBAs are cheaper, faster, and better

PBAs offer a low-cost alternative to traditional battery materials with many advantages, including enhanced energy density, an extended cycle lifespan, and high voltage capacity. Jian’s work proposes a simple and universally applicable self-healing method to prepare defect-free PBAs, which unlocks their full potential and theoretical capacity as cathode materials. The approach uses a fast ion-conductive nickel-based PBA, which enables the rapid extraction and insertion of sodium ions within just three minutes. It also demonstrates a capacity retention of nearly 100% over 4000 cycles, indicating long-lasting performance.

The mechanism behind this behavior is a guest-ion disordered and quasi-zero-strain nonequilibrium solid-solution reaction, which ensures the materials can undergo reversible two-phase transition reactions – crucial for ensuring their long cycle life and high-rate capability.

Jian’s work also highlights the further significance of unconventional materials and mechanisms that enable the reversible insertion and extraction of ions in low-cost metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) within minutes. These findings have implications for many important applications that are currently being researched and developed, such as fast-charging devices, grid-scale energy storage, material discovery, and tailored modification.

Join our Ask an Expert! webinar on August 24 to hear more!

It’s exciting stuff – so, are you ready to embark on a journey from blue pigments to green energy solutions? Join our Ask an Expert! webinar, guest-hosted by Dr. Jian Peng from the University of Wollongong, on August 24 at 10:00 CEST!

The session offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into these cutting-edge advancements in renewable energy storage. Whether you’re a student, an industry professional, or simply curious about the future of sustainable power, this webinar will inspire you. Together, we can reimagine the potential of our materials and drive the transition towards a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Register now and secure your spot in uncovering the secrets of Prussian blue analog materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Make sure you get to Ask an Expert! Send your questions to Dr. Jian Peng ahead of time by emailing [email protected]

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