Sodium-ion battery: A new energy storage star is rising, and technological breakthroughs lead the future
In recent years, with the growing global demand for clean energy and sustainable development, sodium-ion batteries, as a low-cost, high-security energy storage technology, are receiving more and more attention. Compared with lithium-ion batteries, sodium resources are abundant, widely distributed, and low-cost, giving them huge application potential in large-scale energy storage.
Cathode material: a hundred flowers bloom, performance continues to improve
Cathode material is one of the key factors that determine the energy density and cycle life of sodium-ion batteries. Currently, layered oxides and polyanionic compounds are the two mainstream research directions.
Layered oxide: has high specific capacity and energy density, but the cycle stability needs to be improved. Researchers have effectively improved its structural stability and electrochemical performance through element doping, surface coating and other means.
Polyanionic compounds: have a stable three-dimensional framework structure and long cycle life, but relatively low specific capacity. Its electrochemical performance can be significantly improved through strategies such as nanonization and compounding.
Anode material: The performance of hard carbon anode is optimized to help improve battery performance
Hard carbon materials have become a research hotspot for sodium-ion battery anode materials due to their low cost, wide sources, and stable structure. At present, researchers have effectively improved the specific capacity and first Coulomb efficiency of hard carbon materials by regulating precursors and optimizing the carbonization process.
Electrolyte and separator: ensure battery safety and extend cycle life
Electrolytes and separators are critical to battery cycle life and safety. Researchers developed new sodium salt electrolytes and functional additives to effectively improve the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability of the electrolyte. At the same time, significant progress has been made in the development of high-performance separators, ensuring the safe operation of sodium-ion batteries.
Future Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist
Although sodium-ion battery technology has made significant progress, it still faces some challenges, such as energy density that needs to be further improved and the industrial chain that has not yet been perfected. In the future, it is necessary to further strengthen basic research, break through key material and technology bottlenecks, and promote the industrialization process of sodium-ion batteries.