Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have garnered significant interest due to their potential as viable alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly in environments where low-temperature (LT) performance is crucial. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current research on LT SIBs, focusing on electrode materials, electrolytes, and operational challenges specific to sub-zero conditions. Recent advancements in electrode materials, such as carbon-based materials and titanium-based materials, are discussed for their ability to enhance ion diffusion kinetics and overall battery performance at colder temperatures. The critical role of electrolyte formulation in maintaining battery efficiency and stability under extreme cold is highlighted, alongside strategies to mitigate capacity loss and cycle degradation. Future research directions underscore the need for further improvements in energy density and durability and scalable manufacturing processes to facilitate commercial adoption. Overall, LT SIBs represent a promising frontier in energy storage technology, with ongoing efforts aimed at overcoming technical barriers to enable widespread deployment in cold-climate applications and beyond.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are advantageous for large-scale energy storage due to the plentiful and ubiquitous nature of sodium resources, coupled with their lower cost relative to alternative technologies. To expedite the market adoption of SIBs, enhancing the energy density of SIBs is essential. Raising the operational voltage of the SIBs cathode is regarded as an effective strategy for achieving this goal, but it requires stable high-voltage cathode materials. Sodium iron sulfate (NFSO) is considered to be a promising cathode material due to its stable framework, adjustable structure, operational safety, and the high electronegativity of SO⁴⁻. This paper reviews the research progress of NFSO, discusses its structure and sodium storage mechanism on this basis, and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of NFSO cathode materials. This study also evaluates the advancements in enhancing the electrochemical characteristics and structural reliability of SIBs, drawing on both domestic and international research. The findings of this paper offer valuable insights into the engineering and innovation of robust and viable SIB cathodes based on NFSO at ambient temperatures, contributing to their commercial viability.

Lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries are recognized as a promising alternative in the energy storage domain due to their high theoretical energy density, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. However, challenges such as polysulfide dissolution, the low conductivity of sulfur, and limited cycling stability hinder their widespread application. To address these issues, the incorporation of heterostructured metallic substrates into Li-S batteries has emerged as a pivotal strategy, enhancing electrochemical performance by facilitating better adsorption and catalysis. This review delineates the modifications made to the cathode and separator of Li-S batteries through metallic heterostructures. We categorize the heterostructures into three classifications: single metals and metal compounds, MXene materials paired with metal compounds, and heterostructures formed entirely of metal compounds. Each category is systematically examined for its contributions to the electrochemical behavior and efficiency of Li-S batteries. The performance of these heterostructures is evaluated in both the cathode and separator contexts, revealing significant improvements in lithium-ion conductivity and polysulfide retention. Our findings suggest that the strategic design of metallic heterostructures can not only mitigate the inherent limitations of Li-S batteries but also pave the way for the development of high-performance energy storage systems.