Na2.64Mn1.64(MoO4)3 and Na2.62Ni1.69(MoO4)3: Physicochemical investigations and electrochemical properties as 3.5 V class positive electrode material for Na-batteries

Abstract

Powders of two new mixed molybdates Na2.64Mn1.64(MoO4)3 (1) and Na2.62Ni1.69(MoO4)3 (2) have been prepared via a solid-solid reaction. They are isostructural, both crystallizing in monoclinic system (S. G.: C2/c), Z = 1, and the unit cell parameters a = 12.74109 (18) Å, b = 13.69390 (15) Å, c = 7.20028 (8) Å, β = 112.4314 (7) °, V = 1161.22 (2) Å3 (1), and a = 12.6368 (2) Å, b = 13.3633 (2) Å, c = 7.08501 (10) Å, β = 111.9248 (10) °, V = 1109.91 (3) Å3 (2). The structure consists of a 3D network of corners and edges sharing [MoO4] and [MO6] polyhedral, delimiting tunnels in which the Na ions partly site. The samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The vibrational study confirms the existence of the MoO42− functional groups. Laser Raman spectroscopy showed that the MoO42− tetrahedra in the two compounds are more regular, suggesting high symmetry for the compound. The as-synthesized compounds are fiber-like grains with an average length of 10−1 μm. FT-IR spectra showed the presence of all the functional groups present in the compounds. Magnetisation measurements showed their paramagnetic behaviour. The title compounds were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical performance and limiting factors are also applied as electrode material for Na-ion batteries at room temperature. Benefiting from these advantages, between 1.5 V and 4.6 V, (1) and (2) deliver high specific capacities of 230 and 160 mA h g−1 after 60 cycles, and good rate performances, respectively. It can also be inferred that the prepared electrocatalyst showed for both phases excellent Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) performance with an overpotential of 531 mV for Mn and 512 mV for Ni, required to afford a current density of 10 mA cm−2.