A glance of the layered transition metal oxide cathodes in sodium and lithium-ion batteries: difference and similarities

The fast-growing demand for energy storage devices has prompted diverse battery techniques, while the state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries (LIBs) continue to flourish, Na-ion batteries (SIBs) have been identified to be a promising alternative to share the burden with LIBs, particularly for large-scale grid storage applications. Both LIBs and SIBs techniques work based on similar fundamental mechanisms, with a heavy focus on the intercalation chemistry of layered transition metal oxides. However, the differences between Li-ion and Na-ion in terms of their size and Lewis acidity induce many different behaviors when crystallizing or diffusing in layered cathode materials. This minireview summarizes some typical cases where Li and Na-ion differ in layered cathode materials and discusses potential approaches to leverage their similarities and dissimilarities for future developments of high-performance SIBs.

Automated summary

The fast-growing demand for energy storage devices has led to diverse battery techniques. While Li-ion batteries continue to flourish, Na-ion batteries have been identified as a promising alternative, particularly for large-scale grid storage applications. Both techniques are based on similar fundamental mechanisms, but differences in size and Lewis acidity between lithium and sodium ions result in different behaviors when crystallizing or diffusing in layered cathode materials. This review highlights the differences between Li-ion and Na-ion in layered cathode materials and explores potential approaches to leverage their similarities and dissimilarities for future developments of high-performance SIBs.