Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin. ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 100206.doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100206

Special Issue: Advanced Cathode Materials for Secondary Batteries

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Synergistic optimization of ion migration and electron transfer in sodium-ion battery cathode materials

Shuang Wang1, Xiaoqi Fu2,*(), Shanshan Yao1,*()   

  1. 1 School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
    2 School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2025-08-11 Revised:2025-09-21 Accepted:2025-10-21 Published:2026-01-23
  • Contact: Email: xfu@ujs.edu.cn (Xiaoqi Fu)yaosshan@hotmail.com (Shanshan Yao)

Abstract:

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have demonstrated enormous application potential in large-scale energy storage systems due to their abundant sodium resources, low cost, and environmental friendliness. The ion migration rate and electron transfer efficiency of cathode materials are key factors determining the rate performance, cycle life, and capacity retention rate of batteries, and synergistic improvement of both is essential to overcoming performance bottlenecks. This paper takes the three mainstream cathode materials of sodium-ion batteries as its research objects, including layered transition metal oxides (LTMOs), polyanionic compounds (PACs), and Prussian blue analogues (PBAs). It systematically reviews the structural basis of ion migration channels and electron transfer pathways in different material systems and thoroughly analyzes their synergistic regulatory mechanisms. Combining the latest research findings, this paper explains, from three dimensions of elemental optimization, structural design, and composite modification, the specific pathways and mechanisms for synergistically enhancing the efficiency of ion channels and the continuity of electronic pathways. It distills universal strategies for designing high-performance SIBs cathode materials, providing a valuable reference for further developing SIBs cathode materials that combine high capacity, exceptional rate performance, and robust stability.

Key words: Cathode materials, Synergistic regulation, Elemental optimization, Structural design, Composite modification