Glycerol Electrolytes for Safer and More Sustainable Sodium Ion Batteries

Abstract

To replace toxic and flammable carbonate solvents used in sodium-ion batteries, we demonstrate the first glycerol-based electrolytes for battery applications. Extremely low-cost glycerol was mixed with Na[N(SO2F)2] (NaFSA) up to a molar ratio of 1:0.8 (NaFSA:glycerol) leading to nonflammability and good electrochemical stability (~3.2-4.3 V). Combined with metal-free organic electrodes, we show stable charge/discharge cycling over 250 cycles. Overall, these electrolytes show interesting properties and opportunities for improving the safety of next-generation batteries.