Emerging Solutions to Enable the Efficient Use of Sodium Metal Anodes: Progress and Perspectives

Sodium-metal batteries (SMBs) are regarded as key for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical energy and potential cost-effectiveness. However, Na-metal systems remain challenged by several factors, including uncontrollable metallic dendrite growth for liquid systems and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with most organic electrolytes, which limit the feasibility of SMBs. Here, the authors detail the interrelated degradation mechanisms. Afterward, the recent advances in improving the electrochemical performance of SMBs are highlighted. The strategies can be subdivided into the following taxonomy: The utilization of three-dimensional (3D) conductive skeletons; the introduction of protective layers; the development of compatible electrolyte systems; and the employment of alloy anodes. Designing deposition substrates for the 'hostless' Na has a great effect on reducing the current density and buffering the plating-stripping volume expansion. The artificial interface approach would introduce efficient mechanical modulus or film-forming type barriers, which can inhibit detrimental parasitic reactions. Improved solvent-electrolyte combinations and additives tailored for Na will promise to suppress Na dendrite growth by obtaining a more stable SEI. The formation of alloy phase with Na can tune the bulk properties of the metal per se. Finally, the research challenges and possible development directions of SMBs are also discussed. Sodium-metal batteries (SMBs) are regarded as key for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical energy and potential cost effectiveness. The interrelated degradation mechanisms is detailed here. Afterward, the recent advances for improving electrochemical performance of SMBs are highlighted. The strategies can be subdivided into the following taxonomy: The utilization of 3D conductive skeletons; introducing protective layers to serve as an artificial SEI; developing compatible electrolyte systems; and employing alloy anodes. Finally, the research challenges and possible development directions of SMBs are also discussed.image

Automated summary

Sodium-metal batteries (SMBs) are considered crucial for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical energy and potential cost-effectiveness. This article provides a detailed explanation of the degradation mechanisms and highlights recent advances in improving the electrochemical performance of SMBs. The strategies discussed include the use of 3D conductive skeletons, protective layers, compatible electrolyte systems, and alloy anodes. The challenges and potential development directions for SMBs are also discussed.