Sodium is an important light non-ferrous metal with special properties and is widely applied in various fields of pharmaceutical intermediates

airbags metallurgy and nuclear coolants. However

the high energy consumption

low current efficiency of the sodium industry

coupled with the substantial sodium slag byproduct and inefficient sodium slag recovery technology

have greatly hindered the further development of the metallic sodium industry. Although many research papers and new patents continue to emerge

there are very few reviews on the preparation of metallic sodium and the disposal of sodium slag which affects the exchange and development of new technologies in the sodium industry. Herein

this review summarizes the progress in sodium production technology and sodium slag recovery. Based on the ion migration mechanism and the competition discharge mechanism of different cations

constructing suitable electrolyte components containing sodium and selecting appropriate membrane materials can significantly improve current efficiency and reduce the reduction of impurity metals

while sodium slag recovery methods like mechanical separation

solvent leaching

and melting substitution have been developed

enabling the recycling of valuable components. Furthermore

this review explores sodium applications in energy storage

inorganic/organic synthesis

metal smelting

and nuclear reactors. It emphasizes the need for further technological advancements to address energy efficiency

slag recovery

and chlorine gas utilization challenges in sodium production.