Could sodium replace lithium as the dominant ingredient in batteries?

Sodium might one day take over from lithium in batteries, just like a new best friend could replace an old one.

Imagine your battery is like a backpack that stores energy for you to use later. Right now, lithium is the main item we put in this backpack because it’s light and holds a lot of energy. But sodium, which is found in salt, something you see every day when you eat chips, could be a good backup.

Sodium is easier to find and cheaper than lithium, kind of like how your favorite snack might be more available at the store than another one. That makes it an attractive option for making batteries that are less expensive and maybe even better for the environment.

But sodium isn’t as light or powerful as lithium, imagine carrying a heavy backpack full of rocks instead of your usual stuff. This means batteries with sodium might not last as long or charge as fast, at least right now.

Scientists are working hard to make sodium batteries better so they can one day be the new favorite in the battery world! Sodium might one day take over from lithium in batteries, just like a new best friend could replace an old one.

Imagine your battery is like a backpack that stores energy for you to use later. Right now, lithium is the main item we put in this backpack because it’s light and holds a lot of energy. But sodium, which is found in salt, something you see every day when you eat chips, could be a good backup.