Sodium-Metal Chloride (ZEBRA) Batteries

Sodium-metal chloride batteries, also known as ZEBRA batteries, have a proven track record for backup power applications. They also show great potential for large-scale stationary electricity storage, which is currently dominated by lithium-ion batteries. While lithium-ion cells rely on critical cobalt and lithium and are prone to thermal runaway, ZEBRA batteries are based on abundant, noncritical sodium chloride, nickel, and alumina. In the absence of a flammable electrolyte, ZEBRA cells provide a safe failure mechanism. Operated at elevated temperatures (250-340°C), ZEBRA cells of large size and areal capacity are well suited for large-scale deployment. However, to be competitive with lithium-ion batteries, charge and discharge rate capability should be improved, and cell production costs should be reduced.