Comprehensive Investigation of the Na3V2(PO4)2F3–NaV2(PO4)2F3 System by Operando High Resolution Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

Abstract

Na3V2(PO4)2F3 is a positive electrode material for Na-ion batteries which is attracting strong interest due to its high capacity, rate capability, and long-term cycling stability. The sodium extraction mechanism from this material has been always described in the literature as a straightforward solid solution, but several hints point toward a more complicated phase diagram. In this work we performed high angular resolution synchrotron radiation diffraction measurements, realized operando on sodium batteries upon charge. We reveal an extremely interesting phase diagram, created by the successive crystallization of four intermediate phases before the end composition NaV2(PO4)2F3 is reached. Only one of these phases undergoes a solid solution reaction, in the interval between 1.8 and 1.3 Na per formula unit. The ability to resolve weak Bragg reflections allowed us to reveal differences in terms of symmetry among the phases, to determine their previously unknown space groups, and to correlate them with sodium...