Anode and Cathode Materials for Sodium-ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology, offering advantages in cost, material availability, and safety. Their performance is largely determined by the choice of cathode and anode materials, which impact energy density, cycle life, and overall efficiency. Key cathode materials include Na-layered oxides, polyanionic compounds, and Prussian blue analogues, each with distinct strengths and trade-offs. On the anode side, hard carbon is the most widely used, while other materials like metal oxides, sulfides, and alloying compounds offer high capacity but face durability challenges. Understanding these materials and their sodium storage mechanisms—insertion, conversion, and alloying—is crucial for advancing SIB technology and scaling commercial production.