The Rise of Sodium-Ion Batteries

As interest and increasing demand for safer, sustainable energy storage grows, sodium-ion (Na-ion, or SIBs) batteries are emerging as an alternative to traditional lithium-ion technology.

Companies including CATL, Faradion, Natron Energy, and HiNa Battery Technology are leading the commercialization and technological advancement of this emerging energy storage technology by offering lower-cost, abundant, and safer options for stationary storage and electric vehicles.

However, while sodium-ion batteries solve some supply chain and sustainability challenges, they are not without safety risks — particularly during manufacturing and storage. Gas detection systems are essential in ensuring safe operating environments.

Comparing Sodium-Ion and Lithium-Ion Safety Risks

Category	Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)	Sodium-Ion (Na-ion)
Reactivity	Lithium reacts violently with air and water.	Sodium is even more reactive, especially with moisture.
Thermal Runaway	High fire and explosion risk.	Lower energy density reduces severity, but thermal events can still occur.
Gas Emissions	Hydrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and hydrofluoric acid.	Hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and toxic sodium oxides.
Fire Behavior	Hot, hard-to-extinguish fires.	Very hot fires with toxic smoke; potential for re-ignition.
Oxygen Deficiency Risks	Present in inerted environments.	Present if nitrogen or argon is used.

While sodium-ion cells offer improved thermal stability compared to some lithium chemistries, they still pose serious hazards, including hydrogen off-gassing, toxic smoke during thermal events, and oxygen displacement risks in inert gas environments.

Where PureAire Monitoring Systems Makes a Difference 

At PureAire Monitoring Systems, we offer robust and reliable gas detection solutions specifically designed for the unique challenges of modern battery manufacturing facilities.

Key gas monitoring needs for sodium-ion plants include:

• Hydrogen (H₂) Gas Detectors: Hydrogen is flammable and can accumulate to dangerous levels during thermal runaway or chemical reactions.

• Oxygen (O₂) Deficiency Monitors: If inert gases like nitrogen or argon are used to prevent fires or moisture intrusion, leaks can cause life-threatening oxygen depletion.

• VOC Detectors: Some electrolytes and solvents can emit volatile organic compounds that require early detection.

PureAire’s Advantages:

• Long-life sensors with no calibration required for oxygen monitors.

• Continuous monitoring even in harsh environments (cold rooms, dry rooms, gloveboxes).

• Low cost of ownership and industry-proven reliability for critical safety applications.

• UL, CE, and CSA certifications to meet global safety standards.

Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Performance Edge in Cold Temperatures

One of the unique advantages of sodium-ion technology is its superior performance in cold environments compared to lithium-ion.

Why?

• Lithium-ion batteries suffer from sluggish ion movement at low temperatures, causing reduced capacity, voltage drops, and poor charging efficiency.

• Sodium ions, being slightly larger and less tightly bound in electrode structures, maintain better mobility even in freezing conditions.

• Some sodium-ion chemistries (like hard carbon anodes) are specifically engineered to minimize performance loss down to -20°C (-4°F) and even lower.

What this means:

• Better cold-weather performance for EVs, stationary storage, and backup systems.

• Faster charging and discharging at low temperatures compared to lithium-ion alternatives.

• Reduced risk of lithium plating, which can cause battery degradation or failure in cold-charged lithium-ion systems.

Performance Comparison at Low Temperatures