Precisely controlled synthesis of sodium layered-oxide cathodes sets defect/strain landscapes that govern capacity retention. We will use ex-situ scanning X-ray diffraction microscopy (SXDM) at ID01 to quantify how precursor-induced gas and thermal history imprint grain-level elastic fields, and how state-of-charge (SoC) redistributes intragranular strain and mosaicity. nanofocused, rocked Bragg scans (50–100 nm steps over 5–10 µm ROIs) will reconstruct strain (Δd/d) and orientation maps, with strain gradients/rotation curls as proxies for stored energy and geometrically necessary dislocations. Two series are studied: (i) synthesis/atmosphere matrices from carbonate/hydroxide/peroxide routes; (ii) electrochemical series at defined SoC. Correlating strain topology with processing and SoC will yield actionable windows to minimize heterogeneity and fracture, and provide baselines for follow-up in-situ SXDM/CDI at ID01.