Environmentally stable interface of layered oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

Sodium-ion batteries are strategically pivotal to achieving large-scale energy storage. Layered oxides, especially manganese-based oxides, are the most popular cathodes due to their high reversible capacity and use of earth-abundant elements. However, less noticed is the fact that the interface of layered cathodes always suffers from atmospheric and electrochemical corrosion, leading to severely diminished electrochemical properties. Herein, we demonstrate an environmentally stable interface via the superficial concentration of titanium, which not only overcomes the above limitations, but also presents unique surface chemical/electrochemical properties. The results show that the atomic-scale interface is composed of spinel-like titanium (III) oxides, enhancing the structural/electrochemical stability and electronic/ionic conductivity. Consequently, the interface-engineered electrode shows excellent cycling performance among all layered manganese-based cathodes, as well as high-energy density. Our findings highlight the significance of a stable interface and, moreover, open opportunities for the design of well-tailored cathode materials for sodium storage.

Multidimensional Evolution of Carbon Structures Underpinned by Temperature‐Induced Intermediate of Chloride for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

“…Note that the largest CE and lowest voltage platforms of CNF‐700 are crucial for the practical applications. Clearly, the outstanding rate performance (111.7 mAh g −1 at 5.0 A g −1 ) can be noticed for CNF‐700, which is ascribed to the introduction of effective defect, the expanded lattice space, and the increased lattice domain, facilitating the ion/electrons diffusion 43. In addition, it is noteworthy that their following cycling is still stable at 1.0 A g −1 , demonstrating the best reversible properties.…”

A Water Stable, Near‐Zero‐Strain O3‐Layered Titanium‐Based Anode for Long Cycle Sodium‐Ion Battery

“…Typically, moisture contamination is a big concern for layered TM oxides in SIBs, as they generally show structure degradation and huge capacity loss after moisture exposure. Surface adsorption or even interlayer insertion of water molecules into the material would lead to irreversible structural damage during on‐shelf storage and serious performance degradation during electrochemical application . Herein, different electrodes were soaked in water to imitate long‐term moisture exposure.…”

Exploration of Advanced Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries

“…[63] It has been reported that LIB cathode materials are prone to irreversible surface structural changes, [50,51,[64][65][66] The results show that the interface 2 nm from the particle edge is enriched by titanium rather than other elements. [63] It has been reported that LIB cathode materials are prone to irreversible surface structural changes, [50,51,[64][65][66] The results show that the interface 2 nm from the particle edge is enriched by titanium rather than other elements.…”