Vanadium substituted Fe, Cr co-doped high performance C/Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathode for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

In recent years, Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) has been considered as one of the most promising candidates for cathodes in sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, presence of vanadium makes the material costly. Besides, its electrochemical properties are hampered due to its low electronic conductivity. Herein, carbon coated Fe, Cr co-doped Na3V2(PO4)2F3 has been synthesized using rota-tumbler assisted sol–gel method. The effects of co-doping on structure, morphology and electrochemical performances are systematically studied. It is confirmed that co-doping of Fe and Cr can enhance the electrochemical performances of NVPF. Among all, Na3V1.9Fe0.095Cr0.005(PO4)2F3 shows a high initial capacity of 119.85 mAhg−1 at 0.1C and maintains a capacity retention of 88.58 % after 500 cycles at 1C. Increase in the size of the saddle point, planes of monocapped trigonal prisms and the hexagonal cavities help in decreasing the ion diffusion activation energy, thus improving the diffusivity of the doped material. The improved electrochemical performances can be attributed to the increase in the electronic conductivity of the material. Besides, vanadium reduction in the cathode aids in manufacturing cost reduction. Our work demonstrates that carbon coated Na3V1.9Fe0.095Cr0.005(PO4)2F3 can be considered as a potential cathode candidate for practical applications in SIBs.