NASICON-type
Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) has
emerged as a promising solid-state electrolyte for all-solid-state
Na batteries. The ionic conductivity of NZSP is found to be dependent
on the processing of the material. Multistep mixing and sintering
at elevated temperatures (1200 °C) for long hours have been shown
to be detrimental to the electrolytic properties of NZSP because of
the precursor imbalance in the compound and thereby the formation
of unwanted secondary phases. In the present work, a straightforward
polymer-assisted solution synthesis (PASS) route is proposed for development
of highly conducting single-phase NZSP. Because of the capping effect,
the polymer not only prevents an imbalance of precursors in the system
but also allows achievement of high density in the system. Furthermore,
the presently reported PASS method confers better control over the
microstructure and conductivity of the NZSP samples. The role of polymer
and sintering condition on the phase purity and microstructure and
hence on the conductivity is thoroughly studied by X-ray diffraction
(XRD), field-emission scanning transmission electron microscopy (FE-SEM),
energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX), X-ray photoluminescence spectroscopy
(XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and discussed.
The detailed ionic conduction mechanism is further studied using frequency-dependent
ac impedance analysis. The suitability of the presently reported NZSP
as a solid-state electrolyte is examined by cyclic voltammetry and
galvanostatic sodium stripping–plating experiments.
The developed nano-engineered NSPC membranes exhibit high flexibility, good electrochemical stability, high thermal endurance, and high mechanical strength, making them a promising choice for solid-state lithium batteries.
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