Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

As a promising alternative to the market-leading lithium-ion batteries, low-cost sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are attractive for applications such as large-scale electrical energy storage systems. The energy density, cycling life, and rate performance of SIBs are fundamentally dependent on dynamic physiochemical reactions, structural change, and morphological evolution. Therefore, it is essential to holistically understand SIBs reaction processes, degradation mechanisms, and thermal/mechanical behaviors in complex working environments. The recent developments of advanced in situ and operando characterization enable the establishment of the structure–​processing–​property–​performance relationship in SIBs under operating conditions. This Review summarizes significant recent progress in SIBs exploiting in situ and operando techniques based on X-ray and electron analyses at different time and length scales. Through the combination of spectroscopy, imaging, and diffraction, local and global changes in SIBs can be elucidated for improving materials design. The fundamental principles and state-of-the-art capabilities of different techniques are presented, followed by elaborative discussions of major challenges and perspectives.

Pyridine-based benzoquinone derivatives as organic cathode materials for sodium ion batteries

“…9a, and more information on the preparation is given in the Experimental section in the ESI. † The full-cell was assembled using 2 M sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (NaTFSI) in DOL 6 and DME (1/1, v/v) as the electrolyte and was tested over a voltage range from 0.1 to 3.0 V. The charge/discharge curves for the full-cell are shown in Fig. 9b, and it can deliver a discharge capacity of 119 mA h g −1 in the initial state, and a stable discharge capacity of 103 mA h g −1 after 200 cycles at the rate of 0.2 C (Fig.…”

“…4,5 In contrast, organic materials can provide more void space for accommodating metal ions due to their relatively weak molecular interactions. 6 In particular, organic electrode materials are generally in the amorphous state, and insensitive to ion radius. Also, there is a wide source of raw materials for organic compounds and their molecular structures can be easily modified.…”

Multiphase layered transition metal oxide positive electrodes for sodium ion batteries

“…In general, it is important to consider that variation in processing or composition will affect properties other than structure, which must be accounted for in the interpretation of altered properties and performance. To accurately determine which interactions are affecting electrochemical properties, it is essential to utilize tools that span multiple length and time scales 153 . The development of high‐performance layered transition metal oxide positive electrodes for SIBs stands to benefit greatly from the ideas and methods demonstrated in the work reviewed here but still faces significant challenges.…”

“…To accurately determine which interactions are affecting electrochemical properties, it is essential to utilize tools that span multiple length and time scales. 153 The development of high-performance layered transition metal oxide positive electrodes for SIBs stands to benefit greatly from the ideas and methods demonstrated in the work reviewed here but still faces significant challenges.…”

A furan-based organic cathode material for high-performance sodium ion batteries

“…Sodium and lithium belong to the same main group of alkali metals and have similar chemical properties. 3 Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) undergo a similar reaction mechanism to LIBs. Currently, most of the electrode materials for sodium ion batteries are transition metal oxides; however, due to the large radius of sodium ions (1.02 Å), the dynamics are slow during insertion and extraction, causing a low electrochemical activity and poor cycle performance.…”