On April 3, 2026, at the invitation of Professor Tang Yuxin from the School of Chemical Engineering of our university, Professor Wu Chao from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and Professor Xiao Yao from Wenzhou University delivered an academic report in the field of sodium-ion batteries. The report systematically presented the core progress in cathode material optimization and battery system innovation in this field.
Professor Wu Chao focused on breakthroughs in high-energy-density sodium-metal batteries. He innovatively proposed a dipole-dipole interaction and "molecular wedge" electrolyte strategy to construct a dense and stable solid-electrolyte interphase, solving the bottlenecks of low-temperature performance and cycling stability in anode-free sodium-metal batteries. His team successfully achieved stable operation of ampere-level pouch cells over a wide temperature range, with energy density and cycling performance reaching the leading level among similar batteries, providing a novel technical pathway for practical high-power sodium-metal batteries.
Professor Xiao Yao's team has long been engaged in the modification of cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. To address the sluggish kinetics of the polyanion material Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7, they proposed an oxygen vacancy defect engineering strategy, preparing high-purity cathodes with outstanding rate capability and long cycle life. Through boron chemistry engineering, they realized bulk phase regulation and interface reconstruction of layered oxide cathodes, suppressing phase transitions and side reactions. Furthermore, via titanium substitution and sodium compensation strategies, they promoted the industrial scale-up of tunnel-type oxide cathodes from laboratory research, offering key solutions for the design of high-performance cathodes.
The research conducted by the two scholars covered material design, interface regulation, and device integration from the dimensions of cathode materials and battery systems respectively, demonstrating the innovative breakthroughs and application prospects of sodium-ion battery energy storage technology. After the report, Professor Wu Chao and Professor Xiao Yao visited our laboratory, had in-depth exchanges with laboratory members, and provided valuable guidance on our research directions.
Group photo
