It often gets quoted that Na-ion Batteries (not to be confused with Na metal anode cells - which are a completely different beast!) is a relatively new energy storage technology. In fact, these types of batteries have been under development for a great many years.
Below is a paper I published (with my good friends and colleagues, Yazid Saidi and Jeff Swoyer) in 2003 - it was the first report of a full-functioning and commercially-viable Na-ion cell using a hard carbon anode material. We used a fluorophosphate cathode active material, NaVPO4F. We also filed some IP around this concept.
As you will know, Faradion has now developed this Na-ion battery technology, using a layered oxide cathode material, to the point where it is performance competitive with commercial Li-ion batteries. But, in addition........sustainable, no lithium, no cobalt, no copper, lower materials costs, 0 V transportation and better intrinsic safety!! What's not to like?
