Sodium ion batteries: A sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries with an overview of market trends, recycling, and battery chemistry

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are being actively investigated as a potentially viable and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), driven by concerns over lithium resource scarcity, high production costs, and environmentally challenging extraction methods. While LIBs dominate applications in consumer electronics and electric vehicles due to their superior energy density and maturity, SIBs offer notable advantages, such as using earth-abundant and low-cost elements like sodium and aluminum. Despite current limitations in energy density and cycle life, ongoing research in electrode materials and cell design has yielded encouraging progress in enhancing the electrochemical performance and safety profile of SIBs. In particular, their improved thermal stability offers potential benefits for stationary energy storage applications where safety is critical. The development of SIBs aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting safer and potentially lower-cost energy storage technologies. Continued advancements in material innovation, system integration, and end-of-life recycling will be key to the commercial competitiveness of SIBs. This review emphasizes the potential of SIBs as a viable alternative to LIBs by integrating electrochemical, economic, and environmental perspectives amid growing concerns over lithium supply and cost. For sustainable energy solutions and provides valuable insights into the current state of SIB research, offering a roadmap for future developments in this field.