Surface Engineering Suppresses the Failure of Biphasic Sodium Layered Cathode for High Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries

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Abstract

In the process of upgrading energy storage structures, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as the most promising candidates for large‐scale grid storage systems. However, the difficulty in further improving their specific capacity and lifespan has become a major obstacle to promoting extensive application. Herein, by optimizing synthesis conditions, a biphasic‐Na _2/3Ni _1/3Mn _2/3O ₂ cathode that exhibits an ultrahigh capacity of ≈200 mAh g ^‐1 without the involvement of anion redox reactions is successfully synthesized. Nevertheless, there is significant electrochemical performance degradation because of failure at the cathode‐electrolyte interface as revealed by comprehensive analyses. Further in‐depth research proves that the surface side reactions that occur at high operating voltages and the transition metal dissolution that occurs in low voltage are the root causes of electrode surface failure. Therefore, the metal oxide atomic layer deposition (ALD) protective layer is deliberately chosen to suppress such failures. The coating effectively blocks corrosion of the cathode material by the electrolyte and successfully anchors the transition metal ions on the particle surface. As a result, the cycle stability and rate performance of the electrode are improved considerably. This surface engineering strategy could provide concepts with broad applicability for suppressing the failure of sodium layered cathodes.

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Sodium-ion batteries: present and future.

Yang-Kook Sun, Seung-Taek Myung, Jang-Yeon Hwang (2017)

Energy production and storage technologies have attracted a great deal of attention for day-to-day applications. In recent decades, advances in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology have improved living conditions around the globe. LIBs are used in most mobile electronic devices as well as in zero-emission electronic vehicles. However, there are increasing concerns regarding load leveling of renewable energy sources and the smart grid as well as the sustainability of lithium sources due to their limited availability and consequent expected price increase. Therefore, whether LIBs alone can satisfy the rising demand for small- and/or mid-to-large-format energy storage applications remains unclear. To mitigate these issues, recent research has focused on alternative energy storage systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as the best candidate power sources because sodium is widely available and exhibits similar chemistry to that of LIBs; therefore, SIBs are promising next-generation alternatives. Recently, sodiated layer transition metal oxides, phosphates and organic compounds have been introduced as cathode materials for SIBs. Simultaneously, recent developments have been facilitated by the use of select carbonaceous materials, transition metal oxides (or sulfides), and intermetallic and organic compounds as anodes for SIBs. Apart from electrode materials, suitable electrolytes, additives, and binders are equally important for the development of practical SIBs. Despite developments in electrode materials and other components, there remain several challenges, including cell design and electrode balancing, in the application of sodium ion cells. In this article, we summarize and discuss current research on materials and propose future directions for SIBs. This will provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of SIBs.