Development and Investigation of a NASICON-Type High-Voltage Cathode Material for High-Power Sodium-Ion Batteries

Herein, we introduce a 4.0 V class high-voltage cathode material with a newly recognized sodium superionic conductor (NASICON)-type structure with cubic symmetry (space group P2₁3), Na₃V(PO₃)₃N. We synthesize an N-doped graphene oxide-wrapped Na₃V(PO₃)₃N composite with a uniform carbon coating layer, which shows excellent rate performance and outstanding cycling stability. Its air/water stability and all-climate performance were carefully investigated. A near-zero volume change (ca. 0.40 %) was observed for the first time based on in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and the in situ X-ray absorption spectra revealed the V^3.2+/V^4.2+ redox reaction with high reversibility. Its 3D sodium diffusion pathways were demonstrated with distinctive low energy barriers. Our results indicate that this high-voltage NASICON-type Na₃V(PO₃)₃N composite is a competitive cathode material for sodium-ion batteries and will receive more attention and studies in the future.     

Recent Progress of P2-Type Layered Transition-Metal Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much attention due to their abundance, easy accessibility, and low cost. All of these advantages make them potential candidates for large-scale energy storage. The P2-type layered transition-metal oxides (Na_xTMO₂; TM=Mn, Co, Ni, Ti, Fe, V, Cr, and a mixture of multiple elements) exhibit good Na⁺ ion conductivity and structural stability, which make them an excellent choice for the cathode materials of SIBs. Herein, the structural evolution, anionic redox reaction, some challenges, and recent progress of Na_xTMO₂ cathodes for SIBs are reviewed and summarized. Moreover, a detailed understanding of the relationship of chemical components, structures, phase compositions, and electrochemical performance is presented. This Review aims to provide a reference for the development of P2-type layered transition-metal oxide cathode materials for SIBs.     

Development and Investigation of a NASICON‐Type High‐Voltage Cathode Material for High‐Power Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Herein, we introduce a 4.0 V class high‐voltage cathode material with a newly recognized sodium superionic conductor (NASICON)‐type structure with cubic symmetry (space group P2₁3), Na₃V(PO₃)₃N. We synthesize an N‐doped graphene oxide‐wrapped Na₃V(PO₃)₃N composite with a uniform carbon coating layer, which shows excellent rate performance and outstanding cycling stability. Its air/water stability and all‐climate performance were carefully investigated. A near‐zero volume change (ca. 0.40 %) was observed for the first time based on in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, and the in situ X‐ray absorption spectra revealed the V^3.2+/V^4.2+ redox reaction with high reversibility. Its 3D sodium diffusion pathways were demonstrated with distinctive low energy barriers. Our results indicate that this high‐voltage NASICON‐type Na₃V(PO₃)₃N composite is a competitive cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries and will receive more attention and studies in the future.     

Towards Reversible High-Voltage Multi-Electron Reactions in Alkali-Ion Batteries Using Vanadium Phosphate Positive Electrode Materials

Vanadium phosphate positive electrode materials attract great interest in the field of Alkali-ion (Li, Na and K-ion) batteries due to their ability to store several electrons per transition metal. These multi-electron reactions (from V²⁺ to V⁵⁺) combined with the high voltage of corresponding redox couples (e.g., 4.0 V vs. for V³⁺/V⁴⁺ in Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃) could allow the achievement the 1 kWh/kg milestone at the positive electrode level in Alkali-ion batteries. However, a massive divergence in the voltage reported for the V³⁺/V⁴⁺ and V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ redox couples as a function of crystal structure is noticed. Moreover, vanadium phosphates that operate at high V³⁺/V⁴⁺ voltages are usually unable to reversibly exchange several electrons in a narrow enough voltage range. Here, through the review of redox mechanisms and structural evolutions upon electrochemical operation of selected widely studied materials, we identify the crystallographic origin of this trend: the distribution of PO₄ groups around vanadium octahedra, that allows or prevents the formation of the vanadyl distortion (O^…V⁴⁺=O or O^…V⁵⁺=O). While the vanadyl entity massively lowers the voltage of the V³⁺/V⁴⁺ and V⁴⁺/V⁵⁺ couples, it considerably improves the reversibility of these redox reactions. Therefore, anionic substitutions, mainly O²⁻ by F⁻, have been identified as a strategy allowing for combining the beneficial effect of the vanadyl distortion on the reversibility with the high voltage of vanadium redox couples in fluorine rich environments.     

High-Voltage Polyanion Positive Electrode Materials

High-voltage generation (over 4 V versus Li⁺/Li) of polyanion-positive electrode materials is usually achieved by Ni³⁺/Ni²⁺, Co³⁺/Co²⁺, or V⁴⁺/V³⁺ redox couples, all of which, however, encounter cost and toxicity issues. In this short review, our recent efforts to utilize alternative abundant and less toxic Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ and Cr⁴⁺/Cr³⁺ redox couples are summarized. Most successful examples are alluaudite Na₂Fe₂(SO₄)₃ (3.8 V versus sodium and hence 4.1 V versus lithium) and β₁-Na₃Al₂(PO₄)₂F₃-type Na₃Cr₂(PO₄)₂F₃ (4.7 V versus sodium and hence 5.0 V versus lithium), where maximizing ΔG by edge-sharing Fe³⁺-Fe³⁺ Coulombic repulsion and the use of the 3d²/3d³ configuration of Cr⁴⁺/Cr³⁺ are essential for each case. Possible exploration of new high-voltage cathode materials is also discussed.     

The Synthesis of Porous Na3V2(PO4)3 for Sodium-Ion Storage

Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ (NVP) has been regarded as a potential cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its excellent structural stability and rapid Na⁺ conductivity. However, its electrochemical performances are restricted by the large bulk structure and poor electronic conductivity. The construction of porous NVP materials is a powerful method to improve the electrochemical properties. This concept aims to provide an overview of recent progress of porous NVP materials for SIBs. Herein, the synthetic strategies and formation mechanisms of porous NVP materials as well as the relationship between the porous structures and electrochemical performances of NVP materials are reviewed. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects for the preparation of porous NVP materials in this field are outlined.     

A robust carbon coating of Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode material for high performance sodium-ion batteries

Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ is a very prospective sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) electrode material owing to its NASICON structure and high reversible capacity. Conversely, on account of its intrinsic poor electronic conductivity, Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ electrode materials confront with some significant limitations like poor cycle and rate performance which inhibit their practical applications in the energy fields. Herein, a simple two-step method has been implemented for the successful preparation of carbon-coated Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ materials. As synthesized sample shows a remarkable electrochemical performance of 124.1 mAh/g at 0.1 C (1 C = 117.6 mA/g), retaining 78.5 mAh/g under a high rate of 200 C and a long cycle-performance (retaining 80.7 mAh/g even after 10000 cycles at 20 C), outperforming the most advanced cathode materials as reported in literatures.     

A Cation and Anion Dual Doping Strategy for the Elevation of Titanium Redox Potential for High-Power Sodium-Ion Batteries

Titanium-based polyanions have been intensively investigated for sodium-ion batteries owing to their superior structural stability and thermal safety. However, their low working potential hindered further applications. Now, a cation and anion dual doping strategy is used to boost the redox potential of Ti-based cathodes of Na₃Ti_0.5V_0.5(PO₃)₃N as a new cathode material for sodium ion batteries. Both the Ti³⁺/Ti⁴⁺ and V³⁺/V⁴⁺ redox couples are reversibly accessed, leading to two distinctive voltage platforms at ca. 3.3 V and ca. 3.8 V, respectively. The remarkably improved cycling stability (86.3 %, 3000 cycles) can be ascribed to the near-zero volume strain in this unusual cubic symmetry, which has been demonstrated by in situ synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction. First-principles calculations reveal its well-interconnected 3D Na diffusion pathways with low energy barriers, and the two-sodium-extracted intermediate NaTi_0.5V_0.5(PO₃)₃N is also a stable phase according to formation energy calculations.     

NASICON型Na4FeV(PO4)3的合成、晶体结构和电化学性能

采用高温熔盐法制备了NASICON型Na_4Fe V(PO_4)_3单晶。单晶X射线衍射数据分析表明,Na_4Fe V(PO_4)_3属于六方R3c空间群,单胞参数为a=b=0.878 17(4) nm,c=2.170 1(2) nm,Z=6,V=1.449 31(18) nm~3。该磷酸盐属于典型的NASICON结构,由PO_4四面体和Fe/VO_6八面体共顶点组成三维框架结构,提供多维的Na~+传输通道,2种不同类型Na~+位于框架的间隙。以Na_4Fe V(PO_4)_3/C粉末样品作为钠电池正极材料并以金属钠为对电极制备电池时,电化学测试结果表明其具有较高的容量。     

A Cation and Anion Dual Doping Strategy for the Elevation of Titanium Redox Potential for High‐Power Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Titanium‐based polyanions have been intensively investigated for sodium‐ion batteries owing to their superior structural stability and thermal safety. However, their low working potential hindered further applications. Now, a cation and anion dual doping strategy is used to boost the redox potential of Ti‐based cathodes of Na₃Ti_0.5V_0.5(PO₃)₃N as a new cathode material for sodium ion batteries. Both the Ti³⁺/Ti⁴⁺ and V³⁺/V⁴⁺ redox couples are reversibly accessed, leading to two distinctive voltage platforms at ca. 3.3 V and ca. 3.8 V, respectively. The remarkably improved cycling stability (86.3 %, 3000 cycles) can be ascribed to the near‐zero volume strain in this unusual cubic symmetry, which has been demonstrated by in situ synchrotron‐based X‐ray diffraction. First‐principles calculations reveal its well‐interconnected 3D Na diffusion pathways with low energy barriers, and the two‐sodium‐extracted intermediate NaTi_0.5V_0.5(PO₃)₃N is also a stable phase according to formation energy calculations.     

Temperature-Dependent Electrochemical Properties and Electrode Kinetics of Na3V2(PO4)2O2F Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries with High Energy Density

Phosphate cathode materials are practical for use in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their high stability and long-term cycle life. In this work, the temperature-dependent properties of the phosphate cathode Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂O₂F (NVPOF) are studied in a wide temperature range from −25 to 55 °C. Upon cycling at general temperature (above 0 °C), the NVPOF cathode retains an excellent charge/discharge performance, and the rate capability is noteworthy, indicating that NVPOF is a competitive candidate as a temperature-adaptive cathode for SIBs. Upon decreasing the temperature below 0 °C, the cell performance deteriorates, which may be caused by the electrolyte and Na electrode, based on the study of ionic conductivity and electrode kinetics. This work proposes a new breakthrough point for the development of SIBs with high performance over a wide temperature range for advanced power systems.     

Carbon coated Na3V2(PO4)3 as novel electrode material for sodium ion batteries

A Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ sample coated uniformly with a layer of 6 nm carbon has been successfully synthesized by a one-step solid state reaction. This material shows two flat voltage plateaus at 3.4 V vs. Na⁺/Na and 1.63 V vs. Na⁺/Na in a nonaqueous sodium cell. When the Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C sample is tested as a cathode in a voltage range of 2.7-3.8 V vs. Na⁺/Na, its initial charge and discharge capacities are 98.6 and 93 mAh/g. The capacity retention of 99% can be achieved after 10 cycles. The electrode shows good cycle performance and moderate rate performance. When it is tested as an anode in a voltage range of 1.0-3.0 V vs. Na⁺/Na, the initial reversible capacity is 66.3 mAh/g and the capacity of 59 mAh/g can be maintained after 50 cycles. These preliminary results indicate that Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C is a new promising material for sodium ion batteries.     

Li3V2(PO4)3/C和Li2.5Na0.5V2(PO4)3/C的结构和电化学性能的比较研究

采用溶胶-凝胶法合成了锂离子正极材料Li3V2(PO4)3/C(LVP/C)及Li2.5Na0.5V2(PO4)3/C,并用XRD、循环伏安及交流阻抗等方法,研究了大量Na+掺杂对材料结构和电化学性能影响。结果表明,大量钠离子的掺杂会使LVP结构由单斜向菱方转变。掺杂化合物Li2.5Na0.5V2(PO4)3/C在0.5 C充电1 C放电时,首次放电容量为118 mAh.g-1,50次循环后容量保持率为92.4%,并发现与单斜LVP存在多个放电平台不同,Li2.5Na0.5V2(PO4)3/C仅在3.7 V处有一个放电平台。     

A sodium vanadium three-fluorophosphate cathode for rechargeable batteries synthesized by carbothermal reduction

Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃, which could be used as cathode in Na-ion or Li-ion rechargeable batteries, was synthesized by carbothermal reduction (CTR) method at 700 °C with coralline structure by SEM analysis. The Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃ cathode in Li-ion battery displayed an appreciable capacity of 188 mAh/g with a discharge plateau at 3.7 V under close-to-equilibrium galvanostatic conditions illuminating the feasible extraction of three Na ions per unit, and 130 mAh/g with retention of 96.8% after 37 cycles at 0.1 C. The NASICON-type structure could produce a large diffusion coefficient due to the three-dimensional framework, but cause a low conductivity and OCV around 3 V. The cathode could reach 188 mAh/g at 0.1 C, with a more 20 mAh/g at 3.7 V after washing by distilled water.     

Cobalt‐Doped FeS2 Nanospheres with Complete Solid Solubility as a High‐Performance Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Considering that the high capacity, long‐term cycle life, and high‐rate capability of anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) is a bottleneck currently, a series of Co‐doped FeS₂ solid solutions with different Co contents were prepared by a facile solvothermal method, and for the first time their Na‐storage properties were investigated. The optimized Co_0.5Fe_0.5S₂ (Fe0.5) has discharge capacities of 0.220 Ah g^?1 after 5000 cycles at 2 A g^?1 and 0.172 Ah g^?1 even at 20 A g^?1 with compatible ether‐based electrolyte in a voltage window of 0.8–2.9 V. The Fe0.5 sample transforms to layered Na_xCo_0.5Fe_0.5S₂ by initial activation, and the layered structure is maintained during following cycles. The redox reactions of Na_xCo_0.5Fe_0.5S₂ are dominated by pseudocapacitive behavior, leading to fast Na⁺ insertion/extraction and durable cycle life. A Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/Fe0.5 full cell was assembled, delivering an initial capacity of 0.340 Ah g^?1.     

An Aqueous Symmetric Sodium‐Ion Battery with NASICON‐Structured Na3MnTi(PO4)3

A symmetric sodium‐ion battery with an aqueous electrolyte is demonstrated; it utilizes the NASICON‐structured Na₃MnTi(PO₄)₃ as both the anode and the cathode. The NASICON‐structured Na₃MnTi(PO₄)₃ possesses two electrochemically active transition metals with the redox couples of Ti⁴⁺/Ti³⁺ and Mn³⁺/Mn²⁺ working on the anode and cathode sides, respectively. The symmetric cell based on this bipolar electrode material exhibits a well‐defined voltage plateau centered at about 1.4 V in an aqueous electrolyte with a stable cycle performance and superior rate capability. The advent of aqueous symmetric sodium‐ion battery with high safety and low cost may provide a solution for large‐scale stationary energy storage.     

Superior Na‐Storage Performance of Low‐Temperature‐Synthesized Na3(VO1−xPO4)2F1+2x (0≤x≤1) Nanoparticles for Na‐Ion Batteries

Na‐ion batteries are becoming comparable to Li‐ion batteries because of their similar chemical characteristics and abundant sources of sodium. However, the materials production should be cost‐effective in order to meet the demand for large‐scale application. Here, a series of nanosized high‐performance cathode materials, Na₃(VO_1?xPO₄)₂F_1+2x (0≤x≤1), has been synthesized by a solvothermal low‐temperature (60–120 °C) strategy without the use of organic ligands or surfactants. The as‐synthesized Na₃(VOPO₄)₂F nanoparticles show the best Na‐storage performance reported so far in terms of both high rate capability (up to 10 C rate) and long cycle stability over 1200 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, the current developed synthetic strategy for Na₃(VO_1?xPO₄)₂F_1+2x is by far one of the least expensive and energy‐consuming methods, much superior to the conventional high‐temperature solid‐state method.     

Research progress on Na3V2(PO4)2F3-based cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have received significant attention in large-scale energy storage due to their low cost and abundant resources. To obtain high-performance SIBs, many intensive studies about electrode materials have been carried out, especially the cathode material. As various types of cathode material for SIBs, a 3D open framework structural Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃ (NVPF) with Na superionic conductor (NASICON) structure is a promising cathode material owing to its high operating potential and high energy density. However, its electrochemical properties are severely limited by the poor electronic conductivity due to the insulated [PO₄] tetrahedral unit. In this review, the challenges and strategies for NVPF are presented, and the synthetic strategy for NVPF is also analyzed in detail. Furthermore, recent developments of modification research to enhance their electrochemical performance are discussed, including designing the crystal structure, adjusting the electrode structure, and optimizing the electrolyte components. Finally, further research and application for future development of NVPF are prospected.     

NASICON结构正极材料用于钠离子电池的研究进展

随着二次电池技术的迅速发展,锂离子电池(LIBs)已经成为了当今社会一种重要的储能装置。然而,地壳中锂资源有限、含锂化合物价格昂贵,因此科研工作者正在积极寻找LIBs的替代品。钠离子电池(SIBs)具有与LIBs相似的工作原理,且钠元素在地球上储量更丰富更均匀、价格更低廉,使得SIBs成为了最有希望替代LIBs的新型二次电池体系之一。不过,钠离子半径较大、充放电过程中电极材料的不可逆性更明显等缺点,明显地增加了开发高性能SIBs的难度。因此,寻找具有优异性能的电极材料,成为了当前SIBs研究的难点和重点。钠超离子导体(NASICON)结构材料是一类具有超快钠离子传导能力的化合物,在脱/嵌钠过程中具有离子传导率高、结构稳定等优点,表现出明显的应用潜力。本文将在介绍NASICON材料晶体结构的基础上,重点从过渡金属种类与个数,以及阴离子调控的角度,总结其研究进展,并分析了该类材料面临的主要问题和挑战。     

Phase formation in the ScPO4-Na3PO4-Li3PO4 ternary system

The 950°C isothermal section of the ScPO₄-Na₃PO₄-Li₃PO₄ three-component system was plotted and studied; one-, two-, and three-phase fields were bounded. Three solid solution fields exist in the title system: one based on LiNa₅(PO₄)₂ complex phosphate (olympite structure), another on scandium-stabilized high-temperature Na₃PO₄ phase Na_{3(1 − x)}Sc _x/3□_2/3x PO₄ (space group Fm3m), and the third on Na₃Sc₂(PO₄)₃ (NASICON structure). All phases found in the title system are derivatives of phases that exist in its subsystems. Lithium-for-sodium isovalent substitutions in Na₃Sc₂(PO₄)₃ considerably increase the NASICON-type solid solution field but negatively influence the conductivity of the phase.