Nonflammable electrolyte for safer non-aqueous sodium batteries

Sodium batteries are now considered as promising low-cost alternatives for lithium batteries. However, safety problems such as fire and explosion during abuse-testing conditions hinder the development of room temperature sodium batteries. To address these issues, here we propose a nonflammable electrolyte system for sodium batteries. By introducing a high-efficiency flame-retarding additive, the carbonate based electrolyte becomes flame inhibiting. Moreover, the additive can improve the cyclability of both the acetylene black (AB) anode and the Na0.44MnO2 cathode.