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Intermolecular interactions optimization in weakly solvating ether solvents for wide-temperature Na metal batteries
Mengjie He1, Yunsen Liu1, Zhiling Wang1
1College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China.
Nature Communications
|June 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed new sodium metal batteries that perform reliably in extreme temperatures (-40 to 70°C). This breakthrough enhances battery safety and stability for demanding applications by modifying solvent properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Wide-temperature-range batteries are crucial for extreme environments and exploration.
- Sodium (Na) metal batteries offer advantages in low-temperature desolvation due to weak ion-solvent interactions.
- Conventional low-volatility solvents pose safety risks at high temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design novel weakly solvating solvents with enhanced intermolecular interactions for improved thermal stability.
- To develop stable and high-performance sodium metal batteries for wide-temperature applications.
- To investigate the role of solvent intermolecular interactions in low-temperature desolvation.
Main Methods:
- Redesigning molecular structures of ether-based solvents to increase boiling points.
- Synthesizing and characterizing modified solvents.
- Electrochemical testing of sodium metal batteries using the new electrolytes across a wide temperature range.
- Kinetic studies to analyze desolvation barriers.
Main Results:
- Modified solvents exhibited increased boiling points while retaining weak solvation properties.
- Sodium metal batteries demonstrated stable performance at 0.5 mA cm⁻² from -40 to 70°C.
- Kinetic analysis revealed the significant impact of solvent intermolecular interactions on low-temperature desolvation.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing intermolecular interactions in weakly solvating solvents is a viable strategy for wide-temperature sodium metal batteries.
- The developed electrolytes enhance electrochemical reversibility and stability across diverse thermal conditions.
- This research provides a promising pathway for next-generation energy storage solutions.
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