Structural Evolution Process Research Articles

Correlating the initial gas evolution and structural changes to cycling performance of Co-free Li-rich layered oxide cathode

Alternatives to Lithium-rich layered oxides xLi2MnO3∙(1−x)LiNi1−y−zCoyMnzO2 (LR-NCMs) are needed, despite them being promising high-capacity cathode materials for next generation of high-energy batteries, because these materials contain toxic Co in their structure and their practical applications are restricted by prominent capacity and voltage fade, caused by structural transformation upon long-term cycling. To address these issues, a search for a low-cost, Co-free Li-rich cathode materials with a better surface structural stability than LR-NCMs is ongoing. One of such compounds is Li1.16Ni0.19Fe0.18Mn0.46O2 (LNFM). Our as-synthesized LNFM cathode not only delivers a high specific capacity of 229 mAh g−1 with the capacity retention of 83% in half-cell and 81% in a full-cells but also a stable average discharge voltage, even when cycled at C/5 rate to upper cutoff potential of 4.8 V vs Li+/Li in additive-free electrolyte. Both operando and post mortem characterization was used to understand the structural changes, gas evolution and oxygen redox processes of LNFM material, as well as to understand cathode−electrolyte interfacial reactions and their correlation to the improved electrochemical performance. The gained understanding will help designing new high-capacity Co-free cathode materials, meeting the performance requirements for future high-energy density batteries.

Tuning core-shell structural architecture for high-performance Li-Mn-O layered oxides

Being free of cobalt and nickel, Li-Mn-O layered oxides are considered as one of the most promising candidate cathodes due to the low cost and high specific capacity. The relatively poor thermal stability of Li-Mn-O layered oxides can lead to battery safety issues, and thus needs to be improved for practical applications. Herein, we systemically investigated the heat-induced structural/chemical evolution of a Li-Mn-O material, revealing a two-step phase transition process through concurrent Li and O loss, heterogeneously occurring in the bulk and at the surface of the primary particles. Based on the understanding of structural change, two new Li-Mn-O materials with different core-shell microstructures, one with a spinel shell and another with an orthorhombic shell, were synthesized. Experimentally, the one with the spinel shell achieved an ultrahigh decomposition temperature of ~300 °C, which is vital for battery safety. This material also exhibited greatly enhanced cycling stability and rate capability due to the protection role of the spinel shell. This work paves new routes to produce high-performance cathode materials with various heterostructure architectures through the tunning temperature-sensitive structure evolution process.

Scenario Expression Method for Regional Geological Structures

Knowing the GIS expression of geological phenomena is an important basis for the combination of geology and GIS. Regional geological structures include folds, faults, strata, rocks, and other typical geological phenomena and are the focus of geological GIS research. However, existing research on the GIS expression of regional geological structure focuses on the expression of the spatial and attribute characteristics of geological structures, and our knowledge of the expression of the semantic, relationship, and evolution processes of geological structures is not comprehensive. In this paper, a regional geological structure scene expression model with the semantic terms positional accuracy, geometric shape, relationship type, attribute type, and time-type attributes and operations is proposed. A regional geological structure scenario markup language (RGSSML) and a method for mapping it with graphics are designed to store and graphically express regional geological structure information. According to the geological time scale, a temporal reference coordinate system is defined to dynamically express the evolution of regional geological structures. Based on the dynamic division of the time dimension of regional geological structures, the expression method of “time dimension + space structure” for the regional geological structure evolution process is designed based on the temporal model. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the regional geological structure scene expression method proposed in this paper is verified using the Ningzhen Mountain (Nanjing section) as an example. The research results show that the regional geological structure scene expression method designed in this paper has the following characteristics: (1) It can comprehensively express the spatial characteristics, attribute characteristics, semantics, relationships, and evolution processes of regional geological structures; (2) it can be used to realize formalized expression and unified storage of regional geological information; and (3) it can be used to realize dynamic expression of the regional geological structure evolution process. Moreover, it has significant advantages for the expression of regional geological structure semantics, relationships, and evolution processes. This study improves our knowledge of the GIS expression of regional geological structures and is expected to further promote the combination and development of geology and GIS.

Improving performance of zinc-manganese battery via efficient deposition/dissolution chemistry

Aqueous zinc-manganese batteries with rapid development are faced with many issues, such as insufficient capacity and low energy density. Here, the efficient dissolution/deposition chemistry interfered by anionic groups of electrolyte was proposed, which achieves a dramatic improvement of the specific capacity at low current density in Zn-MnO2 system. It was demonstrated that the reaction mechanism is dissolution-deposition mechanism coupled with Zn2+/H+-insertion/extraction. Meanwhile, the capacity provided by dissolution/deposition process was evaluated by semi-quantitative. These findings also open up new horizons for artificially manipulating the structural evolution and electrochemical process of Mn-based cathodes, and pave a way in designing advanced zinc-manganese batteries.

Operando Monitoring and Deciphering the Structural Evolution in Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis

AbstractThe oxygen evolution reaction (OER) acts as the bottleneck of some crucial energy conversion and storage technologies involving water electrolysis, CO2 electrolysis, and metal‐air batteries, among others. The challenging sluggish reaction kinetics of the OER can be overcome via developing highly efficient electrocatalysts, which experience a dynamic structural evolution process during the reaction. However, the reaction mechanism of the structural transformation of electrocatalysts during the OER and the structure‐activity correlation in understanding the real active sites remain elusive. Fortunately, operando characterizations offer a platform to study the structural evolution processes and the reaction mechanisms of OER electrocatalysts. In this review, using several in situ/operando techniques some recent advances are elaborated with emphases on tracking the structural evolution processes of electrocatalysts, recording the reaction intermediates during electrocatalysis, and building a link between the structure and activity/stability of electrocatalysts. Moreover, theoretical considerations are also discussed to assist operando characterization understanding. Finally, some perspectives are provided which are expected to be helpful to tackle the current challenges in operando monitoring and unraveling the reaction mechanisms of OER electrocatalysts.

Structural Characteristics and Evolution Process of the Metamorphic Buried Hill: A Case of BZ Oilfield in Bohai Bay, China

Bozhong oilfield which is abbreviated as BZ oilfield is the first oilfield with deep metamorphic buried hill that is discovered reserves of billion-ton in Bohai Bay. Affected by multi-stage tectonic movements, the distribution of fractures is very complex in this area, therefore it is significant to study the evolution of structures for understanding the distribution of fractures. In view of the complexity on the tectonic evolution of the buried hill region in the study area, the influence of tectonic movements on the formation of fractured reservoir is analyzed, and the research results lay the foundation for the efficient development in this type of the oilfield. The results show that main faults, which is formed during early Indosinian and Yanshanian period, are mainly developed in the BZ oilfield area, and the fracture strike has mainly east-west and north-east-east trend. Based on the analysis of the relationship among tectonic evolution, regional stress field and fracture development, it is considered that Indosinian extrusion is the main reason for the formation of main direction faults in the study area. Yanshanian strike-slip transformation and Himalayan reactivation further controlled the development of the fractured reservoirs in the later stage, and formed the present fracture network system. Well block 5 is located in passive plate system during Indosinian period, it is affected by Himalayan stretching and long-term activation of large faults in the later stage, so that the effective fractures are relatively developed. The result plays an important role in guiding the overall plan deployment of the BZ oilfield.

Tight Sandstone Reservoir Formation Mechanism of Upper Paleozoic Buried Hills in the Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China

Carboniferous-Permian petroleum resources in the Huanghua Depression of the Bohai Bay Basin, a super petroleum basin, are important exploration successor targets. The reservoir sedimentary environment of coal measures in the Upper Paleozoic buried hills is variable, and the structural evolution process is complicated, which restricts the optimization of targeting sections. Using the analysis and testing results of logging, thin section, porosity, mercury injection, hydrochemistry, and basin simulation, this study revealed the formation mechanism differences of tight sandstones in the Upper Paleozoic period in different buried hills. The results show that the sandstones are mainly feldspathic sandstone, lithic arkose, feldspathic lithic sandstone, and feldspathic lithic quartz sandstone. The quartz content varies between 25% and 70%, averaging 41%. Feldspar and debris are generally high, averaging 31% and 28%, respectively. Secondary dissolution pores are the main reservoir spaces, with 45% of the tested samples showing porosity of 5–10%, and 15% being lower than 5%. The pore radium is generally lower than 100 nm, and the sandstones are determined as small pore with fine throat and medium pore with fine throat sandstones by mercury saturation results. Frequent changing sedimentary environments and complex diagenetic transformation processes both contribute to the reservoir property differences. The former determines the original pore space, and the latter determines whether they can be used as effective reservoirs by controlling the diagenetic sequences. Combining tectonic movement background and different fluid history, the different formation mechanisms of high-porosity reservoirs are recognized, which are atmospheric leaching dominated (Koucun buried hills), atmospheric water and organic acid co-controlled (Wangguantun and Wumaying buried hills), and organic acid dominated (Nandagang buried hills) influences. The results can be beneficial for tight gas exploration and development in coal measures inside clastic buried hills in the Bohai Bay Basin.

Repsol to invest EUR 2.5 bn to ramp up renewable hydrogen capacity

Glycerol steam reforming (GSR) is one of the promising technologies that can realize renewable hydrogen production and efficient utilization of crude glycerol. To illuminate the functions of Ca content (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12 %, by mass) and preparation method for Ni/ATP catalyst structure and its catalytic behaviors, the Ni-xCa/ATP (x=3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%, by mass) catalysts are prepared by co-impregnation (ci) and hydrothermal synthesis (hs) method and then tested in GSR. Characterization results of XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, H2-TPR, HRTEM, XPS, and NH3/CO2-TPD demonstrate that the combined effect between appropriate Ca additive (6%, by mass) and hs enhance catalyst reducibility, uniform distribution of Ca additive and nickel species over ATP, and adsorption for CO2. This attributes to hs method protects the ATP framework through suppressing the interaction of Ca with ATP and promotes the formation of Ni-CaOx interface sites. Therefore, Ni-6Ca/ATP-hs exhibits the highest conversion (86.77%) of glycerol to gas product and H2 yield (76.17%) and selectivity (58.56%) during GSR. Furthermore, XRD, HRTEM, TG-DTG and Raman analyses confirm that Ni-6Ca/ATP-hs also reveals outstanding anti-sintering and coke resistance. In addition, the structural evolution process of Ni/ATP catalyst with Ca introduction and hs method is presented. Considering the high performance, simple preparation process and low cost, the as-prepared catalyst providing new opportunities for utilization of glycerol derived from biodiesel industry.

BASF builds battery recycling prototype and pilot catalyst units

Glycerol steam reforming (GSR) is one of the promising technologies that can realize renewable hydrogen production and efficient utilization of crude glycerol. To illuminate the functions of Ca content (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12 %, by mass) and preparation method for Ni/ATP catalyst structure and its catalytic behaviors, the Ni-xCa/ATP (x=3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%, by mass) catalysts are prepared by co-impregnation (ci) and hydrothermal synthesis (hs) method and then tested in GSR. Characterization results of XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, H2-TPR, HRTEM, XPS, and NH3/CO2-TPD demonstrate that the combined effect between appropriate Ca additive (6%, by mass) and hs enhance catalyst reducibility, uniform distribution of Ca additive and nickel species over ATP, and adsorption for CO2. This attributes to hs method protects the ATP framework through suppressing the interaction of Ca with ATP and promotes the formation of Ni-CaOx interface sites. Therefore, Ni-6Ca/ATP-hs exhibits the highest conversion (86.77%) of glycerol to gas product and H2 yield (76.17%) and selectivity (58.56%) during GSR. Furthermore, XRD, HRTEM, TG-DTG and Raman analyses confirm that Ni-6Ca/ATP-hs also reveals outstanding anti-sintering and coke resistance. In addition, the structural evolution process of Ni/ATP catalyst with Ca introduction and hs method is presented. Considering the high performance, simple preparation process and low cost, the as-prepared catalyst providing new opportunities for utilization of glycerol derived from biodiesel industry.

Evonik is building a new alkoxides plant in Southeast Asia

Glycerol steam reforming (GSR) is one of the promising technologies that can realize renewable hydrogen production and efficient utilization of crude glycerol. To illuminate the functions of Ca content (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12 %, by mass) and preparation method for Ni/ATP catalyst structure and its catalytic behaviors, the Ni-xCa/ATP (x=3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%, by mass) catalysts are prepared by co-impregnation (ci) and hydrothermal synthesis (hs) method and then tested in GSR. Characterization results of XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, H2-TPR, HRTEM, XPS, and NH3/CO2-TPD demonstrate that the combined effect between appropriate Ca additive (6%, by mass) and hs enhance catalyst reducibility, uniform distribution of Ca additive and nickel species over ATP, and adsorption for CO2. This attributes to hs method protects the ATP framework through suppressing the interaction of Ca with ATP and promotes the formation of Ni-CaOx interface sites. Therefore, Ni-6Ca/ATP-hs exhibits the highest conversion (86.77%) of glycerol to gas product and H2 yield (76.17%) and selectivity (58.56%) during GSR. Furthermore, XRD, HRTEM, TG-DTG and Raman analyses confirm that Ni-6Ca/ATP-hs also reveals outstanding anti-sintering and coke resistance. In addition, the structural evolution process of Ni/ATP catalyst with Ca introduction and hs method is presented. Considering the high performance, simple preparation process and low cost, the as-prepared catalyst providing new opportunities for utilization of glycerol derived from biodiesel industry.

Pore structure evolution characteristics of continental shale in China as indicated from thermal simulation experiments

Organic matter (OM) pores in shale can provide abundant storage space for gas. However, there are different types of OM with different compositions and structures in continental shale, and their pore structure evolution lacks direct observations. In this study, anhydrous thermal simulation experiments in an open system were conducted on a continental Jurassic Ziliujing Formation shale sample with a low initial thermal maturity, taken from an outcrop in the northeastern Sichuan Basin. Changes in the pore structure of a specific OM at different thermal maturities were captured by field emission–scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). These FE-SEM images processed by image processing software were combined with N2 adsorption and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry data to help clarify the pore structure evolution characteristics. Our results show that OM developed in Ziliujing Formation shale can be divided into four types based on their morphological characteristics. The pore structure evolution process is closely related to the processes of petroleum generation, migration, and thermal cracking. More specifically, the filling of pores by generated oil at lower temperature caused a decrease of the macropore volume in the shale sample and these filled macropores were released at higher temperature by thermal cracking of oil. In addition, there were no OM pores larger than 10 nm created during thermal simulation experiments, which indicates that the development of such sized OM pores is largely dependent on the original composition and structure of the parent OM.

A deep learning approach for efficient topology optimization based on the element removal strategy

In this paper, a deep learning-based model is proposed which is capable of automatically generating the structural topology configurations with the minimum structural compliance and deformation under various load conditions and volume fraction limitations. The deep-learning model combines the advanced algorithms of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with U-net architecture and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) architecture. The established data-driven framework learns the structural evolution process from training data samples, which are randomly generated in finite element simulations employing an element removal strategy. The well-trained model is successfully utilized for two types of cases: two-dimensional and three-dimensional cantilever-beam structural topology designs. The deep-learning model outperforms the traditional methods in terms of lower time cost and broader applicability, demonstrating the potential of such a data-driven approach to accelerate the process of preliminary structural design.

In Situ Phase Separation into Coupled Interfaces for Promoting CO2 Electroreduction to Formate over a Wide Potential Window.

Bimetallic sulfides are expected to realize efficient CO2 electroreduction into formate over a wide potential window, however, they will undergo in situ structural evolution under the reaction conditions. Therefore, clarifying the structural evolution process, the real active site and the catalytic mechanism is significant. Here, taking Cu2 SnS3 as an example, we unveiled that Cu2 SnS3 occurred self-adapted phase separation toward forming the stable SnO2 @CuS and SnO2 @Cu2 O heterojunction during the electrochemical process. Calculations illustrated that the strongly coupled interfaces as real active sites driven the electron self-flow from Sn4+ to Cu+ , thereby promoting the delocalized Sn sites to combine HCOO* with H*. Cu2 SnS3 nanosheets achieve over 83.4 % formate selectivity in a wide potential range from -0.6 V to -1.1 V. Our findings provide insight into the structural evolution process and performance-enhanced origin of ternary sulfides under the CO2 electroreduction.

In Situ Phase Separation into Coupled Interfaces for Promoting CO2 Electroreduction to Formate over a Wide Potential Window

AbstractBimetallic sulfides are expected to realize efficient CO2 electroreduction into formate over a wide potential window, however, they will undergo in situ structural evolution under the reaction conditions. Therefore, clarifying the structural evolution process, the real active site and the catalytic mechanism is significant. Here, taking Cu2SnS3 as an example, we unveiled that Cu2SnS3 occurred self‐adapted phase separation toward forming the stable SnO2@CuS and SnO2@Cu2O heterojunction during the electrochemical process. Calculations illustrated that the strongly coupled interfaces as real active sites driven the electron self‐flow from Sn4+ to Cu+, thereby promoting the delocalized Sn sites to combine HCOO* with H*. Cu2SnS3 nanosheets achieve over 83.4 % formate selectivity in a wide potential range from −0.6 V to −1.1 V. Our findings provide insight into the structural evolution process and performance‐enhanced origin of ternary sulfides under the CO2 electroreduction.

Unraveling the Nucleation Process from a Au(I)-SR Complex to Transition-Size Nanoclusters.

Atomically precise noble metal nanoclusters provide a critical benchmark for the fundamental research of the origin of condensed matter because they retain the original state of the metal bonds. Also, knowledge about the transition from organometallic complexes to a nanoclusters is important for understanding the structural evolution of the nanoclusters, particularly their nucleation mechanism. Herein, three transition-size gold nanoclusters are prepared via a controlled diphosphine-mediated top-down routine. Starting from small-size nanoclusters, three new nanoclusters including Au13(SAdm)8(L4)2(BPh4) (Au13), Au14(S-c-C6H11)10L4 (Au14), and Au16(S-c-C6H11)11LPh* (Au16) are obtained by controlled clipping on the surface and kernel of initial nanoclusters. Combining their atomically precise structures with DFT theoretical calculations, the overall atom-by-atom structural evolution process from Au12(SR)12 (0 e-) to Au18(SR)14 (4 e-) is mapped out. In addition, studies on their electronic structures show that the evolution from an organometallic complex to nanoclusters is accompanied by a dramatic decrease in the HOMO-LUMO gaps. Most importantly, the formation of the first Au-Au bond is captured in the "Au4S4 to Au5" nucleation process from Au12(SR)12 complex to the Au13 nanocluster. This work provides a deep insight into the origin of inner core in Au NCs and their structural transition relationship with metal complexes.

Engineering Self-Reconstruction via Flexible Components in Layered Double Hydroxides for Superior-Evolving Performance.

Most transition metal-based catalysts for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) undergo surface reconstruction to generate real active sites favorable for high OER performance. Herein, how to use self-reconstruction as an efficient strategy to develop novel and robust OER catalysts by designing pre-catalysts with flexible components susceptibleto OER conditions is proposed. The NiFe-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) intercalated with resoluble molybdate (MoO4 2- ) anions in interlayers are constructed and then demonstrated to achieve complete electrochemical self-reconstruction (ECSR) into active NiFe-oxyhydroxides (NiFeOOH) beneficial to alkaline OER. Various ex situ and in situ techniques are used to capture structural evolution process including fast dissolution of MoO4 2- and deep reconstruction to NiFeOOH upon simultaneous hydroxyl invasion and electro-oxidation. The obtained NiFeOOH exhibits an excellent OER performance with an overpotential of only 268mV at 50mA cm-1 and robust durability over 45 h, much superior to NiFe-LDH and commercial IrO2 benchmark. This work suggests that the ECSR engineering in component-flexible precursors is a promising strategy to develop highly active OER catalysts for energy conversion.

Acid-induced mixed methylcellulose and casein gels: Structures, physical properties and formation mechanism

In this study, caseins and methylcellulose (MC) were selected as building materials to prepare a class of mixed gels by adding glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) to induce the gelation of composite MC/casein systems, where the casein concentration was fixed at 8.0% (w/v) and the MC concentration varied from 0 to 1.0% (w/v). It was found that with increasing amount of MC addition (0–0.4%), the mixed gels exhibited a structural conversion from a casein-dominant gel network to a “water-in-water emulsion structure”, with the caseins as the continuous gelling phase and the MC as the dispersed phase; further MC addition (0.4–1.0%, w/v) caused a more significant phase separation phenomenon. The structural conversion was in consistent with the determination result of gel hardness. Furthermore, by a combination of confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and rheological studies, the structural evolution process of the mixed gels was revealed to explore the underlying formation mechanism of the mixed gels.

Pore characteristics and pore structure deformation evolution of ductile deformed shales in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation, southern China

Marine shales in southern China experiences multiple complex tectonic movements, which highly affects shale pore characteristics and pore evolution. The effects of tectonic deformation on nanopore structure and petrophysical properties of organic shales remain unclear. Three ductile deformed shale samples were collected and analyzed through an integrated experiment procedure for a comparative research against undeformed shale samples. Field emission-Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), low pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption and mercury injection porosimetry (MIP) analyses were performed to characterize pore structure of the shales. The results reveal that the mineral compositions of these shale samples are controlled by sedimentary environment and source and exhibits no obvious relationship with tectonic deformation. With increasing deformation degree, the micropore proportion gradually decreases (from 17% to 6%), and the macropore proportion increases from 16% to more than 20%. Micropore volumes and proportion in the fold core samples are the smallest (4.2 × 10−3 cm3/g and 6.3%) and account for only one-third of the undeformed shale values, while the meso- and macropore values are larger-1.2 times those of the undeformed shale values. The evolution characteristics and deformation modes of organic matter (OM), interparticle (interP) and intraparticle (intraP) pores and microfractures under ductile deformation were examined. All pore types become interconnected during deformation and form microfractures ranging from a few nanometers to tens of microns, which is the main reason for the enhanced shale connectivity caused by deformation. Under the same porosity conditions, the deformed shale permeability is much higher than the undeformed shale permeability, and stronger deformation corresponds to higher permeability. The fold core permeability is generally higher than the limb permeability and exceeds 30 times. The different ductile deformation positions were divided into five levels, and the corresponding reservoir quality was evaluated. This study is of great significance to better understand the pore structure evolution process for shale exploration and development under tectonic deformation.

Topic structure and evolution patterns of documentary heritage preservation and conservation research in China

PurposeThis study aims to identify the prominent topics, the distribution and association characteristics of topics and the topic evolutionary trends of Documentary Heritage Preservation and Conservation (DHPAC) research in China.Design/methodology/approachKeywords of relevant papers in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were extracted as the data source in this study. First, frequency and co-occurrence of keywords of the selected papers were obtained by using SATI. Second, co-word network indicators were calculated with the Pajek software. Then, VOSviewer was applied to optimize the visualization of the sub-communities. Finally, a topics evolution map of this research field was implemented by CorTexT.FindingsThe research topics of DHPAC research in China were unbalanced but distinct. Topics of DHPAC research in China possessed inconspicuous orientation and consistency. The core topics had less influence on the overall network. A research system had formed with archival conservation and ancient books conservation as the core research directions. Research in this field had formed four continuous evolutionary paths about ancient books conservation, salvage conservation, archival conservation and archives conservation technology science with topics fusion and differentiation coexisting. Attentions on “ancient books conservation”, “paper relics conservation”, “electronic record”, “digitization”, “minority”, “documents in the republic of China” had increased during the past two decades and new hot topics of DHPAC research kept appearing in China.Originality/valueThis study synthesized and analyzed the research results of DHPAC research in China from a more comprehensive perspective and revealed the topic structure and longitudinal evolution process intuitively with co-word analysis and social network analysis, which can assist researchers to improve research systematization, discover new research directions and seek cooperative research path.

Oxygen vacancy promising highly reversible phase transition in layered cathodes for sodium-ion batteries

Phase transition is common during (de)-intercalating layered sodium oxides, which directly affects the structural stability and electrochemical performance. However, the artificial control of phase transition to achieve advanced sodium-ion batteries is lacking, since the remarkably little is known about the influencing factor relative to the sliding process of transition-metal slabs upon sodium release and uptake of layered oxides. Herein, we for the first time demonstrate the manipulation of oxygen vacancy concentrations in multinary metallic oxides has a significant impact on the reversibility of phase transition, thereby determining the sodium storage performance of cathode materials. Results show that abundant oxygen vacancies intrigue the return of the already slide transition-metal slabs between O3 and P3 phase transition, in contrast to the few oxygen vacancies and resulted irreversibility. Additionally, the abundant oxygen vacancies enhance the electronic and ionic conductivity of the Na0.9Ni0.3Co0.15Mn0.05Ti0.5O2 electrode, delivering the high initial Coulombic efficiency of 97.1%, large reversible capacity of 112.7 mAh·g−1, superior rate capability upon 100 C and splendid cycling performance over 1,000 cycles. Our findings open up new horizons for artificially manipulating the structural evolution and electrochemical process of layered cathodes, and pave a way in designing advanced sodium-ion batteries.