Advancements in sodium-ion batteries technology: A comprehensive review of recent development on materials, mechanisms, applications, and prospects for energy storage

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits of sodium resources, making them preferable for large-scale applications. This review comprehensively explores the key aspects of SIBs, covering electrode materials and electrolytes, synthesis methods, performance enhancement strategies, challenges, and applications. Cathode materials such as transition metal oxides, polyanionic compounds, and Prussian blue analogues, alongside anode materials like carbonaceous materials, alloys, and metal oxides, are discussed. Electrolytes, including liquid, aqueous, solid-state, and ionic liquids, are evaluated for their roles in facilitating ion transport and ensuring battery safety. Synthesis methods, such as hydrothermal, solvothermal, sol-gel, and solid-state approaches, are examined for their impact on material properties and scalability. Performance enhancement strategies, including doping, surface coating, electrolyte optimization, and nano-structuring for SIBs, are highlighted. Additionally, the challenges of SIBs, such as low energy density, volume expansion, and limited cycle life, are analyzed alongside innovative solutions to overcome these limitations. Applications of SIBs in energy storage systems, electric mobility, and backup power are also discussed, emphasizing their potential for widespread adoption. Literature results demonstrate substantial progress in improving SIB performance, with advancements in materials design and synthesis. Recent sodium-ion cathodes have achieved capacities of ∼160 mAh g⁻¹ and cycle lifetimes exceeding 1,000 cycles with > 90 % retention. In conclusion, while challenges remain, SIBs are poised to become a key technology for sustainable energy storage, with ongoing research and development paving the way for their commercialization and integration into a greener energy future.