Science
Hard-carbon anodes in sodium-ion batteries
Hard carbon is the leading sodium-ion anode because its disordered structure can store sodium where ordinary graphite struggles.
What matters
During charge, sodium occupies sites between disordered carbon layers and within nanoscale pores. The sloping and plateau regions of a voltage curve reflect different storage processes.
The detail
First-cycle losses consume sodium while forming the solid-electrolyte interphase. Pore design, precursor, heat treatment and surface area affect efficiency, capacity and gas generation.
Practical conclusion
Hard carbon is a manufactured material, not automatically cheap or impact-free. Consistent high-quality supply is one bottleneck in scaling sodium-ion.
Sources
- CATL unveils six major innovations — CATL, 21 April 2026.
- Sodium-ion cell design research call — The Faraday Institution, June 2026.
Sources last checked 10 November 2026. Product availability can change.