Rational-designed high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries: a review

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have aroused wide attention because a large amount of sodium reserves has been proven to exist, acquiring less cost compared to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Besides, their chemical/electrochemical performances are quite similar to those of modern LIBs as well as they have extraordinary safety, playing a crucial role in large energy storage systems. However, the main challenge faced by SIB anode is the inherent low specific capacity, rapid capacity degradation, and slow ion diffusion dynamics, which means they need to be further designed to solve these problems. In this review, the recent research on the rational-designed anode materials with boosted sodium storage performance and controlled morphologies which lead to better electrochemical performance has been summarized. Further investigation of anode materials with enhanced specific capacity has been emphasized, providing references for the investigations of advanced SIBs.