TechnologyAugust 24, 2026
intercalate
in-TER-kuh-layt
Definition
To insert or position a material or ions between the layers of a substance's atomic or molecular structure.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'intercalare', meaning 'to insert among' or 'to proclaim that a day be inserted into the calendar', later adopted into scientific contexts to describe the insertion of materials between existing layers.
In the news
The article describes how sodium ions must enter the structure of battery materials like graphite or hard carbon to function, noting that sodium's larger size prevents it from being able to intercalate into the narrow layers of graphite in the same way lithium does.
Step-by-Step Guide to Partnering with a Sodium-Ion Battery Technology Developer in China
Read the full article ↗EIN News