Optimizing the Na/NASCION electrolyte interface for stable solid-state Na metal batteries

Abstract

Na super ionic conductor (NASICON)-type Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) electrolytes, with their excellent safety and high energy density, are a promising candidate material for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries. However, poor sintering performance and interfacial issues have limited its practical application. Herein, we propose the addition of sintering aids to densify grain boundaries and fine-tune the grain to achieve the densest microstructure, improve interfacial contact with sodium, and realize stable Na plating/stripping cycles at room temperature. (CuO)2-(B2O3)3 (CBO) is selected to reinforce grain boundary densification, inhibit dendrite growth, and ensure interfacial stability upon sintering at the lower temperature of 1000 °C. The optimized NZSP-0.2CBO demonstrates an ion conductivity reaching 6.83×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature, exhibiting a lower activation energy of 0.27 eV compared to bare NZSP. The interface impedance of Na/NZSP-0.2CBO (34.48 Ω cm²) is significantly lower than that of bare NZSP (373.43 Ω cm²). The corresponding Na/NZSP-0.2CBO/Na exhibits stable deposition/stripping cycles over 850 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 and room temperature, with a low polarization voltage of 65 mV. These superior performances can be attributed to the densification effect that enhances conductivity, enabling a uniform and enhanced Na+ flux across the electrode/electrolyte interface without dendrite formation. A Na/NZSP-0.2CBO/Na3V2(PO4)3 battery is assembled accordingly, exhibiting a capacity of 87.4 mAh g−1for 100 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 84.9% and a high average coulombic efficiency of 97.6% at room temperature.