Challenges for Developing Rechargeable Room‐Temperature Sodium Oxygen Batteries

Abstract

Abstract The development of high energy‐density and low‐cost energy storage devices requires new chemistry beyond the horizon of current state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. Recently, sodium/oxygen (Na/O 2 ) batteries have attracted great attention as one possible battery type among the new generation of rechargeable batteries. They convince with superior energy density, a relatively simple cell reaction, and abundance of sodium. Research on Na/O 2 batteries has progressed quickly in recent years. However, a fundamental understanding underpinning the complex chemical/electrochemical side reactions is still insufficient, and many challenges remain unsolved for real practical applications. Herein, recent achievements and remaining issues for the development of rechargeable Na/O 2 batteries are summarized. The discussion focuses on cell reaction mechanisms as well as cathode materials, sodium anodes, and electrolytes as key components of this type of battery. Furthermore, perspectives for future research and technological advances of Na/O 2 batteries are outlined.