Issue 7, 2019

Recent advances in hybrid sodium–air batteries

Abstract

Among alkali–air batteries, aprotic sodium–air batteries (SABs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their high theoretical specific energy (1683 W h kg−1), high Na abundance, low-cost, and environment-friendliness. However, the application of SABs is currently restricted by their limited cycling life and low energy efficiencies due to insoluble and nonconductive discharge products (NaO2 and Na2O2) generated on air electrodes. By contrast, hybrid SABs (HSABs) have resolved these daunting challenges by adopting an aqueous electrolyte cathode via a unique solid ceramic-ion-conductor-layer design separating the aprotic and aqueous electrolytes, resulting in extended cycle life. Thus, HSABs have aroused immense attention as promising next-generation energy storage systems. However, HSABs still face the key challenge of unsatisfactory cycling life that hinders their practical applications. In this review, HSAB principles are introduced, and the synthesis and rational designs of electrocatalysts based on the oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction from other metal–air batteries are comprehensively reviewed for the purpose of providing insight into the development of efficient air electrodes for HSABs. Furthermore, research directions of anodes, electrolytes, and air electrodes toward high-performance HSABs are proposed.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in hybrid sodium–air batteries

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
31 okt. 2018
Accepted
25 mar. 2019
First published
25 mar. 2019

Mater. Horiz., 2019,6, 1306-1335

Recent advances in hybrid sodium–air batteries

X. Xu, K. S. Hui, D. A. Dinh, K. N. Hui and H. Wang, Mater. Horiz., 2019, 6, 1306 DOI: 10.1039/C8MH01375F

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