Electrolytes and Electrolyte/Electrode Interfaces in Sodium‐Ion Batteries: From Scientific Research to Practical Application

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn considerable interest as power‐storage devices owing to the wide abundance of their constituents and low cost. To realize a high performance–price ratio, the cathode and anode materials must be optimized. As essential components of SIBs, electrolytes should have wide electrochemical windows, high thermal stability, and exceptional ionic conductivity. Therefore, improved electrolytes, based on various materials and compositions, are developed to meet the practical demands of SIBs, including organic electrolytes, ionic liquids, aqueous, solid electrolytes, and hybrid electrolytes. Although mature organic electrolytes are currently used in production, aqueous and solid electrolytes show advantages for future applications, as discussed here in detail. Current efforts in modifying electrolytes to optimize their interfacial compatibility with electrodes, leading to longer battery lifetimes and greater safety, are described. The advanced characterization techniques used to investigate the properties of electrolytes and interfaces are introduced, and the reaction processes and degradation mechanisms of SIBs are revealed. Furthermore, the practical prospects of SIBs promoted by high‐quality electrolytes appropriately matched with electrodes are predicted and directions for developing next‐generation SIBs are suggested. The commercialization progress of sodium‐ion batteries used as energy‐storage devices is promoted by advanced electrolytes and electrode materials. From liquid electrolytes to solid electrolytes, the electrochemical properties and safety are taken into consideration. Meanwhile, combinations of various electrolytes can also solve the problems of interfacial compatibility, voltage window, and cycling stability.