Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of the layered high capacity sodium ion intercalation cathode material

Abstract

Because of the high safety, abundant resource and low cost of sodium ion batteries (SIBs), lithium ion batteries (LIBs) will be replaced by SIBs with the ever-increasing market demand for high performance and low cost energy storage battery system. However, the short cycle life and poor rate performance for current SIBs restrict their further application. Cathode materials are the most important component for the development of SIBs, which have an unparalleled effect on enhancing the electrochemical performance of SIBs. Herein, a high electrochemical performance O3-type NaMn2/3Co1/6Ni1/6O2 is synthesized by hydrothermal method and high-temperature annealing. The as-prepared sample shows the uniform spherical morphology and exhibits a specific capacity of 153.6 mAh g−1 with high capacity retention of 81.7% after 100 cycles and the coulombic efficiency of 98%. Moreover, the sample also exhibits excellent rate performance and the reversible capacity is 91.6 mAh g−1 at 1 C. The remarkably enhancing electrochemical performances make it be considered as a promising cathode active material of SIBs.