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Next-generation anodes for high-energy and low-cost sodium-ion batteries

delete2026-01-27
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PRE
AI
W
Wenhua Zuo
Z
Zaichun Liu
A
Andrew Dopilka
Z
Ziqi Yang
Y
Yuqi Li
J
Joseph Kubal
H
Haegyeom Kim
F
Fang Liu
P
Ping Liu
A
Anh T. Ngo
J
Johanna Nelson Weker
Z
Zonghai Chen
R
Robert Kostecki
J
Julie Wulf-Knoerzer
V
Venkat Srinivasan
Y
Yi Cui *
K
Khalil Amine *
G
Gui-Liang Xu *
DOI:10.1038/s41578-025-00857-4delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are increasingly becoming commercially viable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), driven by sodium’s lower cost and greater resource availability. However, current NIB technology still falls short of established LIB systems, such as those based on LiFePO4, in both cost efficiency and energy density. Although since the early 2020s, industrial advances have raised NIB energy densities to around 175 Wh kg−1, performance remains limited by the relatively low specific capacity (typically 200–350 mAh g−1) and low tap density (0.3–1.0 g cm−3) of the prevailing hard carbon anodes. This Review analyses emerging anode materials that could unlock higher-energy and lower-cost NIBs, with a focus on high-capacity hard carbon and alloy-based systems. We discuss the latest progress, fundamental challenges and future directions in these anode materials across the key themes of electrode design, structure–property engineering and characterization. By offering forward-looking insights into the rational design and optimization of anode materials, this Review aims to accelerate the research and development of commercially viable NIBs and support the broader advancement of energy storage technologies. Sodium-ion batteries are promising low-cost alternatives to lithium-ion systems yet limited by underperforming anodes. This Review highlights advances and challenges in hard carbon and alloy-based anodes, outlining design strategies to boost capacity, stability and commercial viability of next-generation high-energy sodium-ion batteries.
Keywords:
Batteries
Energy storage
Materials Science
general
Optical and Electronic Materials
Biomaterials
Nanotechnology
Condensed Matter Physics

Journal

Nature Reviews Materials cover
Nature Reviews Materials
IF:
86.2
Papers:
1.2K
Citations:
4.3W

Organization

L
lens consortium
Scholars:
12
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
A
Argonne National Laboratory
Scholars:
1.1W
Papers: 9.2K
Citations: 3.8W