Electrochemical Energy Reviews ›› 2026, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (2): 10-.doi: 10.1007/s41918-026-00282-3

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Advanced Aqueous Sodium-Air Batteries: From Chemical and Electrochemical Fundamentals to Future Perspectives

Bowen Xu1,2,3, Xuantian Feng1,2,3, Kun Ren1,2,3, Fupeng Li1,2,3, Da Zhang1,2,3, Bin Yang1,2,3, Feng Liang1,2,3   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory for Nonferrous Vacuum Metallurgy of Yunnan Province, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650093, Yunnan, China;
    2. National Engineering Research Center of Vacuum Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650093, Yunnan, China;
    3. School of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650093, Yunnan, China
  • Received:2025-04-15 Revised:2025-10-15 Accepted:2026-01-27 Online:2026-06-18 Published:2026-04-11
  • Contact: Da Zhang Email:E-mail:zhangda@kust.edu.cn;Feng Liang Email:E-mail:liangfeng@kust.edu.cn E-mail:zhangda@kust.edu.cn;liangfeng@kust.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    The work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12205127, 12175089), the Applied Basic Research Programs of Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department (202401AV070008, 202301AS070051, 202401AT070329, 202301BE070001-052, 202301AU070064), and the “Xingdian Talent Support Plan” Programs of Yunnan Province (KKXY202252001, KKXX202452067).

Abstract: Aqueous sodium-air batteries (SABs) represent a highly promising type of next-generation energy storage system, combining high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. However, safety concerns and limited cycle life have impeded their commercialization. Over the past decade, significant breakthroughs in electrochemical performance, battery component design, and battery configuration have been achieved in aqueous SAB systems. To date, there has been a lack of focused attention and in-depth discussion on these systems. This review covers the concept, reaction mechanism, battery device, and key components (anode, anolyte, separator, aqueous electrolytes, and catalyst) of the latest developments in aqueous SABs in detail. Moreover, advanced strategies for enhancing the electrochemical performance of aqueous SABs are discussed. Furthermore, to indicate the direction of future aqueous SAB research, this review summarizes the challenges and prospects of this rapidly evolving field. This review can provide a reference for the design and application of electrochemical energy storage systems and for the development of new systems in this field.The progress in the reaction mechanisms, battery components, and electrochemical performance of aqueous sodium-air batteries is systematically reviewed.

Key words: Aqueous sodium-air battery, Reaction mechanism, Chemical fundamentals, Electrochemical performance