Sodium-ion batteries are widely regarded as an excellent option for large-scale grid energy storage, thanks to the abundance and affordability of sodium resources. Hard carbon, a mainstream anode material, is highly valued for its high reversible specific capacity, structural stability, and outstanding compatibility with sodium chemistry. Sodium storage in hard carbon mainly takes place through two mechanisms: surface defect adsorption and micropore filling. The low-potential plateau plays a pivotal role in boosting battery energy density. Nevertheless, hard carbon prepared through traditional high-temperature annealing contains a large number of isolated closed pores. These "dead pores" not only diminish the plateau capacity but also impede sodium ion transport, ultimately undermining battery performance.
