From blue to green energy: Discover Prussian blue analog electrodes with Ask an Expert!

by Umesh Tiwari, Friday, 4th August 2023

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 askanexpert@malvernpanalytical.com

Further reading