Carbon nanotube-based nanomaterials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries: Recent advances and perspectives

With the rapid developments of electric vehicles and smart grids, the ever-growing demands for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and their further application will probably be impeded by limited lithium resources. In this context, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been regarded as highly promising alternatives for LIBs due to the abundant sodium resources and similar electrochemical properties of this element. As promising electrode materials for SIBs, carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanomaterials have received considerable attention because of their superior characteristics, such as their unique 1D nanostructure, large specific surface area, high conductivity, excellent flexibility and chemical stability. This article reviews recent advances in CNT-based electrode materials, including cathode materials and anode materials for SIBs. In addition, strategies to improve their electrochemical performance are concluded and discussed. Finally, challenges and prospects for future development of CNT-based electrode materials for SIBs are proposed.