Performance Sodium-ion Batteries Research Articles

Prussian White/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite as Cathode Material to Enhance the Electrochemical Performance of Sodium-Ion Battery

Prussian White/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite as Cathode Material to Enhance the Electrochemical Performance of Sodium-Ion Battery

Integrating Multiple Redox-Active Units into Conductive Covalent Organic Frameworks for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The rational design of porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high conductivity and reversible redox activity is the key to improving their performance in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we report a series of COFs (FPDC-TPA-COF, FPDC-TPB-COF, and FPDC-TPT-COF) based on an organosulfur linker, (trioxocyclohexane-triylidene)tris(dithiole-diylylidene))hexabenzaldehyde (FPDC). These COFs feature two-dimensional crystalline structures, high porosity, good conductivity, and densely packed redox-active sites, making them suitable for energy storage devices. Among them, FPDC-TPT-COF demonstrates a remarkably high specific capacity of 420 mAh g-1 (0.2 A g-1), excellent cycling stability (~87% capacity retention after 3000 cycles, 1.0 A g-1) and high rate performance (339 mAh g-1 at 2.0 A g-1) as an anode for SIBs, surpassing most reported COF-based electrodes. The superior performance is attributed to the dithiole moieties enhancing the conductivity and the presence of redox-active carbonyl, imine, and triazine sites facilitating Na storage. Furthermore, the sodiation mechanism was elucidated through in-situ experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work highlights the advantages of integrating multiple functional groups into redox-active COFs for the rational design of efficient and stable SIBs.

Facile fabrication of graphene aerogel/Cu/CuO for enhanced sodium storage performance

It is widely recognized that CuO experiences volume expansion and conductivity issues, leading to unsatisfactory performance in sodium-ion batteries. A feasible approach to mitigate these challenges is the combination of Cu/CuO nanosheets with porous reduced graphene oxide aerogel (GA). In this study, an innovative composite of Cu/CuO nanosheets encapsulated within a 3D GA structure (GA/Cu/CuO) was synthesized via an alkaline exfoliation-mild self-assembly method. The results reveal that the Na+ storage properties of Cu/CuO/GA significantly surpassed those of pure CuO. Specifically, the GA/Cu/CuO exhibited a capacity retention of 320 mAh g–1 after 220 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g–1, and demonstrated an optimized rate capability of 225 mAh g–1 at a current density of 1 A g–1. The enhanced rate and long-cycle performances are attributed to the synergistic effects of Cu/CuO nanosheets and porous GA, which shorten the Na+ transfer pathway, improve electronic/ionic conductivity, and buffer volume expansion during the discharge/charge process. Furthermore, the facile and innovative design strategy presented could be applicable to the synthesis of other composites for energy storage applications.

Introducing nanodiamond-modified electrolyte to realize high capacity and rate performance of sodium ion batteries

The solid electrolyte interface (SEI) acts as a channel for sodium ions from electrolyte to anode, its structure and chemical properties are crucial to the Coulombic efficiency, cycling stability, and even safety of rechargeable batteries. In this work, using bio-carbon as an anode, and nanodiamond (ND) as electrolyte additive, the relation between ND and SEI properties and sodium storage performance is explored. It is found that ND is transferred to the surface of bio-carbon anode and induces the formation of stable and inorganic-rich SEI (such as NaF and Na2O). Besides, the introduction of ND significantly increases the ionic conductivity. The sodium-ion batteries with ND-electrolyte exhibit a superior reversible capacity of 340 mA g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, long-term cycling stability (183 mA g−1 over 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1), and remarkable rate performance (157 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1), which is attributed to the fact that the presence of ND could provide additional storage sites and improve the stability of SEI. This study provides valuable guidance for improving the electrochemical performance of electrode materials by regulating the SEI in the optimal electrolyte.

Predicting Sodium-Ion Battery Performance through Surface Chemistry Analysis and Textural Properties of Functionalized Hard Carbons Using AI.

Traditionally, the performance of sodium-ion batteries has been predicted based on a single characteristic of the electrodes and its relationship to specific capacity increase. However, recent studies have shown that this hypothesis is incorrect because their performance depends on multiple physical and chemical variables. Due to the above, the present communication shows machine learning as an innovative strategy to predict the performance of functionalized hard carbon anodes prepared from grapefruit peels. In this sense, a three-layer feed-forward Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was designed. The inputs used to feed the ANN were the physicochemical characteristics of the materials, which consisted of mercury intrusion porosimetry data (SHg and average pore), elemental analysis (C, H, N, S), ID/IG ratio obtained from RAMAN studies, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data of the C1s, N1s, and O1s regions. In addition, two more inputs were added: the cycle number and the applied C-rate. The ANN architecture consisted of a first hidden layer with a sigmoid transfer function and a second layer with a log-sigmoid transfer function. Finally, a sigmoid transfer function was used in the output layer. Each layer had 10 neurons. The training algorithm used was Bayesian regularization. The results show that the proposed ANN correctly predicts (R2 > 0.99) the performance of all materials. The proposed strategy provides critical insights into the variables that must be controlled during material synthesis to optimize the process and accelerate progress in developing tailored materials.

Pitch-based carbon anode for high-energy and long-life sodium-ion battery

Pitch-based carbon generally demonstrate remarkable electrochemical performance for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this paper, the medium temperature pitch is successively subjected to heat treatment under high pressure, extraction of toluene to remove soluble matter, and carbonization of toluene insoluble matter, to prepare the anode material, named pitch toluene insoluble anode (PTIA). The PTIA is characteristic of the coral-like morphology distributed with 100−200 nm pore channels and 2−3 nm mesopores for electrolyte immersion, and the disordered carbon structure is interwoven with graphitic carbon for sodium-ion insertion/desertion and electron transmission. In the PTIA half battery, the reversible specific capacity reaches 276.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 300 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 99.22%. Importantly, the PTIA exhibits good compatibility with vanadium sodium phosphate (NVP) cathode materials, enabling a battery PTIA//NVP to achieve a capacity density of 154 mAh g−1, an energy density of 246.7 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 4800 W kg−1 for 1000 cycles at a current density of 3 A g−1 (16−18 C). The battery has a certain working efficiency at -10−70°C.

Bimetallic Sulfide Sb2S3/FeS2 Heterostructure Anchored in a Carbon Skeleton for Fast and Stable Sodium Storage.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising substitute for lithium batteries due to their abundant resources and low cost. Metal sulfides are regarded as highly attractive anode materials due to their superior mechanical stability and high theoretical specific capacity. Guided by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, 3D porous network shaped Sb2S3/FeS2 composite materials with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through a simple solvothermal and calcination method, which is predicted to facilitate favorable Na+ ion diffusion, is synthesized. Benefiting from the well-designed structure, the resulting Sb2S3/FeS2 exhibit a remarkable reversible capacity of 536 mAh g-1 after 2000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1 and long high-rate cycle life of 3000 cycles at a current density of 30 A g-1 as SIBs anode. In situ and ex situ analyses are carried out to gain further insights into the storage mechanisms and processes of sodium ions in Sb2S3/FeS2@rGO composites. The significantly enhanced sodium storage capacity is attributed to the unique structure and the heterogeneous interface between Sb2S3 and FeS2. This study illustrates that combining rGO with heterogeneous engineering can provide an ideal strategy for the synthesis of new hetero-structured anode materials with outstanding battery performance for SIBs.

Confining WS2 hierarchical structures into carbon core-shells for enhanced sodium storage

The growing demand for clean energy has heightened interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics and significant volumetric changes in anode materials present challenges to the electrochemical performance of SIBs. This work introduces a hierarchical structure where WS2 is confined between an inner hard carbon core and an outer nitrogen-doped carbon shell, forming HC@WS2@NCs core–shell structures as anodes for SIBs. The inner hard carbon core and outer nitrogen-doped carbon shell anchor WS2, enhancing its structural integrity. The highly conductive carbon materials accelerate electron transport during charge/discharge, while the rationally constructed interfaces between carbon and WS2 regulate the interfacial energy barrier and electric field distribution, improving ion transport. This synergistic interaction results in superior electrochemical performance: the HC@WS2@NCs anode delivers a high capacity of 370 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A/g after 200 cycles and retains261 mAh g−1 at 2 A/g after 2000 cycles. In a full battery with a Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the Na3V2(PO4)3//HC@WS2@NC full-cell achieves an impressive initial capacity of 220 mAh g−1 at 1 A/g. This work provides a strategic approach for the systematic development of WS2-based anode materials for SIBs.

Optimizing Hard Carbon Anodes from Agricultural Biomass for Superior Lithium and Sodium Ion Battery Performance.

Biomass-derived carbon materials are gaining attention for their environmental and economic advantages in waste resource recovery, particularly for their potential as high-energy materials for alkali metal ion storage. However, ensuring the reliability of secondary battery anodes remains a significant hurdle. Here, we report Areca Catechu sheath-inner part derived carbon (referred to as ASIC) as a high-performance anode for both rechargeable Li-ion (LIBs) and Na-ion batteries (SIBs). We explore the microstructure and electrochemical performance of ASIC materials synthesized at various pyrolysis temperatures ranging from 700 to 1400 °C. ASIC-9, pyrolyzed at 900 °C, exhibits multilayer stacked sheets with the highest specific surface area, and the least lateral size and stacking height. ASIC-14, pyrolyzed at 1400 °C, demonstrates the most ordered carbon structure with the least defect concentration and the highest stacking height and an increased lateral size. ASIC-9 achieves the highest capacities (676 mAh/g at 0.134C) and rate performance (94 mAh/g at 13.4C) for hosting Li+ ions, while ASIC-14 exhibits superior electrochemical performance for hosting Na+ ions, maintaining a high specific capacity after 300 cycles with over 99.5% Coulombic efficiency. This comprehensive understanding of structure-property relationships paves the way for the practical utilization of biomass-derived carbon in various battery applications.

Enhancing electrochemical performance of sodium-ion batteries: Optimal Ca2+ doping in O3-NaNi0.33Mn0.33Fe0.33O2 layered oxide cathode materials

Current sodium-ion battery technologies are hindered by limitations in cathode material performance, including insufficient cycle stability and low energy density, which impede their wider application and competitiveness with lithium-ion counterparts. Addressing these challenges requires innovative material engineering to improve electrochemical properties and operational durability. In this study, we synthesized a series of Na1-2xCax(Ni0.33Mn0.33Fe0.33)O2 (x = 0, 0.015, 0.025, 0.04, 0.05), by doping with electrochemically inactive Ca2+. Our findings demonstrate that doping with Ca2+ significantly enhances the electrochemical performance, as evidenced by comparisons with undoped materials. Specifically, the material Na0.95Ca0.025(Ni0.33Mn0.33Fe0.33)O2, synthesized at 900 °C, showed the best electrochemical performance, achieving an initial discharge specific capacity of 137 mAh/g within a voltage range of 2–4 V, maintaining a capacity of 117 mAh/g at a 5C discharge rate, and exhibiting a capacity retention rate of 96.2 % after 50 cycles at 1C. Additionally, Ca2+ doping was found to enhance the air stability, with negligible change in initial discharge capacity after exposure to air for 24 and 72 h. This doping strategy not only improves the performance of sodium-ion batteries but also supports the development of high-energy–density industrial batteries, offering a viable approach to designing other layered oxide materials.

Design of Na2WO4-infused grain boundary for O3-type Ni-rich layered cathodes in sodium–ion batteries

The expansion of the battery industry and the search for alternatives to lithium–ion batteries are driving research into high-performance cathode materials for sodium–ion batteries (SIBs). The O3-type Ni-rich cathodes with high capacity are promising for use in SIBs. However, the large size of Na+ ions and side reactions with electrolyte mean that they require assistance with sluggish kinetics.This work reveals a fruitful solution in the form of strengthening the grain boundaries of polycrystalline cathodes, which are vital sites of electrochemical reactions. The infusion of Na2WO4 during calcination enhances the performance of NaNi0.8Mn0.2O2, while also opening new possibilities for research into SIBs. This process facilitates Na+ ion diffusion during cycling and suppresses undesirable side reactions, thereby significantly increasing the reversible capacity of NaNi0.8Mn0.2O2. The exceptional rate capability of Na2WO4-infused NaNi0.8Mn0.2O2, even at high current densities and low operating temperatures, instills a sense of optimism regarding the potential of grain boundary modification to improve performance for SIBs.

Anode of Anthracite Hard Carbon Hybridized by Phenolic Epoxy Resin toward Enhanced Performance for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Anode of Anthracite Hard Carbon Hybridized by Phenolic Epoxy Resin toward Enhanced Performance for Sodium-Ion Batteries

In situ heating-induced loading of anion-rich vacancy Mo–Fe1-xS nanoparticles on mesoporous carbon for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Inspiriting the kinetics of transition metal sulfide-based anodes is key to optimizing rate performance and cycling stability. To this end, the controllable anion vacancy and large specific surface area are considered as powerful means to improve the performance of sodium-ion batteries due to their unique physical and chemical properties and convenient transport paths. Hence, we have generated Fe3+/MoO42−@cystine nanosheets by solvothermal reaction with iron molybdate nanosheets using cysteine as a sulfur and carbon source. in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the Fe3+/MoO42−@cystine nanosheets calcined under a vacuum state undergo significant structural evolution, consequentially, the decomposition and carbonization of cystine induces the generation of mesoporous structures with increasing temperature. In the half-cell, Mo–Fe1-xS@mesoporous nitrogen doped carbon-600 showed excellent rate capability at current densities of 0.1–5 A g−1, as well as excellent cycling performance (428.9 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g-1 after 800 cycles). Mesoporous nitrogen doped carbon and sulfur vacancies induced enhanced conductivity, fast ionic transfer and structural stability, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance of Mo–Fe1-xS@mesoporous nitrogen doped carbon under calcination at 600 °C (Mo–Fe1-xS@MCN-600).

Innovative synthesis and comprehensive electrochemical evaluation of FeVO4 for enhanced sodium-ion battery performance

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a viable alternative to the more costly and resource-constrained lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), especially in meeting the increasing need for large-scale energy storage. A significant challenge for SIBs lies in the exploration of the advanced anode materials. FeVO4 (FVO) nanoparticles were synthesized through both wet chemical and solid-phase methods by using citric acid monohydrate and ferric nitrate nonahydrate as blowing agents. XRD and TEM characterization reveals the presence of a large (101) interlayer spacing (∼4.46 Å) that accommodates the insertion and extraction of sodium ions (Na+). As anode material for storing Na+, FVO demonstrates an impressive discharge capacity of 326.5 mAh g−1 when cycling at a rate of 0.1 A g−1 over 300 cycles. In addition, the NaFePO4||FeVO4 full cell provides a discharge specific capacity of 102.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1C (1C = 154 mAg−1). The dynamic properties of the FVO/Na battery are revealed by pseudo-capacitance analysis and GITT tests. Meanwhile, the storage mechanism of Na+ is further analyzed by XPS, TEM, in-situ XRD and density functional theory calculations. Overall, this work presents new insights into the application of FeVO4 in SIBs and also demonstrates the competitive potential of FeVO4 for energy storage.

Vacancies-Induced Delocalized States Cobalt Phosphide for Binder-Free Anode Toward Stable and High-Rate Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Metal phosphides with easy synthesis, controllable morphology, and high capacity are considered as potential anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the inherent shortcomings of metal phosphating materials, such as conductivity, kinetics, volume strain, etc are not satisfactory, which hinders their large-scale application. Here, a CoP@carbon nanofibers-composite containing rich Co─N─C heterointerface and phosphorus vacancies grown on carbon cloth (CoP1-x@MEC) is synthesized as SIB anode to accomplish extraordinary capacity and ultra-long cycle life. The hybrid composite nanoreactor effectively impregnates defective CoP as active reaction center while offering Co─N─C layer to buffer the volume expansion during charge-discharge process. These vast active interfaces, favored electrolyte infiltration, and a well-structured ion-electron transport network synergistically improve Na+ storage and electrode kinetics. By virtue of these superiorities, CoP1-x@MEC binder-free anode delivers superb SIBs performance including a high areal capacity (2.47 mAh cm-2@0.2mA cm-2), high rate capability (0.443 mAh cm-2@6mA cm-2), and long cycling stability (300 cycles without decay), thus holding great promise for inexpensive binder-free anode-based SIBs for practical applications.

Sulfur, fluorine, and nitrogen tri-doped carbon hollow spheres for enhanced electrochemical performance in sodium-ion batteries

Sulfur, fluorine, and nitrogen tri-doped carbon hollow spheres for enhanced electrochemical performance in sodium-ion batteries

Transition Metal Selenide-Based Anodes for Advanced Sodium-Ion Batteries: Electronic Structure Manipulation and Heterojunction Construction Aspect.

In recent years, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained a foothold in specific applications related to lithium-ion batteries, thanks to continuous breakthroughs and innovations in materials by researchers. Commercial graphite anodes suffer from small interlayer spacing (0.334 nm), limited specific capacity (200 mAh g-1), and low discharge voltage (<0.1 V), making them inefficient for high-performance operation in SIBs. Hence, the current research focus is on seeking negative electrode materials that are compatible with the operation of SIBs. Many studies have been reported on the modification of transition metal selenides as anodes in SIBs, mainly targeting the issue of poor cycling life attributed to the volume expansion of the material during sodium-ion extraction and insertion processes. However, the intrinsic electronic structure of transition metal selenides also influences electron transport and sodium-ion diffusion. Therefore, modulating their electronic structure can fundamentally improve the electron affinity of transition metal selenides, thereby enhancing their rate performance in SIBs. This work provides a comprehensive review of recent strategies focusing on the modulation of electronic structures and the construction of heterogeneous structures for transition metal selenides. These strategies effectively enhance their performance metrics as electrodes in SIBs, including fast charging, stability, and first-cycle coulombic efficiency, thereby facilitating the development of high-performance SIBs.

Doping Engineering in Electrode Material for Boosting the Performance of Sodium Ion Batteries.

In recent years, sodium ion batteries (SIBs) emerged as promising alternative candidates for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to the high abundance and low cost of sodium resources. However, their commercialization has been hindered by inherent limitations, such as low energy density and poor cycling stability. To address these issues, doping methodology is one of the most promising approaches to boosting the structural and electrochemical properties of SIB electrodes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in doping strategies, focusing on the improvement of the performance of SIBs. Various dopants including s- and p-block elements, transition metals, oxides, carbonaceous materials, and many more dopants are discussed in terms of their effects on enhancing the electrochemical properties of SIBs. Furthermore, the mechanisms responsible for the improvement in the performance of doped SIBs materials are also discussed. It also highlights the importance of doping sites in the crystal lattice, which also play a crucial role in doping in optimizing electrode structure, enhancing ion diffusion kinetics, and stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The review ends by looking at the recent studies in simultaneous multiple heteroatom doping, offering valuable perspectives for a high performance SIB. This study provides valuable insight into the researchers and battery industries striving for advancements in energy storage technologies.

Superior sodiophilicity and molecule crowding of crown ether boost the electrochemical performance of all-climate sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as one of the promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries have achieved remarkable progress in the past. However, the all-climate performance is still very challenging for SIBs. Herein, 15-Crown-5 (15-C-5) is screened as an electrolyte additive from a number of ether molecules theoretically. The good sodiophilicity, high molecule rigidity, and bulky size enable it to reshape the solvation sheath and promote the anion engagement in the solvated structures by molecule crowding. This change also enhances Na-ion transfer, inhibits side reactions, and leads to a thin and robust solid-electrolyte interphase. Furthermore, the electrochemical stability and operating temperature windows of the electrolyte are extended. These profits improve the electrochemical performance of SIBs in all climates, much better than the case without 15-C-5. This improvement is also adopted to μ-Sn, μ-Bi, hard carbon, and MoS2. This work opens a door to prioritize the potential molecules in theory for advanced electrolytes.

Hierarchically Porous Vanadium-Based Cathode Materials for High-Performance Na-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in sectors requiring extensive energy storage. The abundant availability of sodium at a low cost addresses concerns associated with lithium, such as environmental contamination and limited availability. However, SIBs exhibit lower energy density and cyclic stability compared to LIBs. One of the key challenges in improving the performance of SIBs lies in the electrochemical properties of the cathode materials. Among the various cathodes utilized in SIBs, sodium vanadium phosphates (NVPs) and sodium vanadium fluorophosphates (NVPFs) are particularly advantageous. These vanadium-based cathodes offer high theoretical capacity and are cost-effective. Commercialization of SIBs with NVPF cathodes has already begun. However, the poor conductivity of these cathode materials leads to a short cycle life and inferior rate performance. Various synthesis methods have been explored to enhance the conductivity, including heteroatom doping (N, S, and Co), surface modification, the fabrication of porous nanostructures, and composite formation with conductive carbon materials. In particular, cathodes with interconnected hierarchical micro- and nano-porous morphologies have shown promise. This review focuses on the diverse synthesis methods reported for preparing hierarchically porous cathodes. With increased attention, particular emphasis has been placed on carbon composites of NVPs and NVPFs. Additionally, the synthesis of vanadium pentoxide-based cathodes is also discussed.