RESUMO
In this study, magnesium-ion-substituted, sodium-deficient, P3- and P2-layered manganese oxide cathodes (Na0.67Mg0.1Mn0.9O2) were synthesized through a facile polyol-assisted combustion technique for applications in sodium-ion batteries. The electrochemical reaction pathways, structural integrity, and long cycling ability at low current rates of the P3- and P2-phases of the Na0.67Mg0.1Mn0.9O2 cathodes were investigated using time-consuming techniques, such as galvanostatic titration and series cyclic voltammetry. The results obtained from these techniques were supported by those obtained from operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Particularly, the P2-phase provided excellent structural stability owing to its intrinsic crystal structure, thereby exhibiting a reversible capacity retention of 82.6% after 262 cycles at a low rate of 0.1 C; in contrast, the P3-phase exhibited a capacity retention of 38.7% after 241 cycles at a similar current rate. The air stability of these as-prepared powders, which were stored under ambient conditions, was progressively analyzed over a period of 6 months through XRD without conducting any special experiments. The results suggest that in the P3-phase, the formation of NaHCO3 and hydrated phase impurities, resulting from Na+/H+ exchange and hydration reactions, respectively, was likely to occur more quickly, that is, within a few days, compared to that in the P2-phase.
RESUMO
Owing to their safety and low cost, aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries (ARZIBs) are currently more feasible for grid-scale applications, as compared to their alkali counterparts such as lithium- and sodium-ion batteries (LIBs and SIBs), for both aqueous and nonaqueous systems. However, the materials used in ARZIBs have a poor rate capability and inadequate cycle lifespan, serving as a major handicap for long-term storage applications. Here, we report vanadium-based Na2V6O16·3H2O nanorods employed as a positive electrode for ARZIBs, which display superior electrochemical Zn storage properties. A reversible Zn2+-ion (de)intercalation reaction describing the storage mechanism is revealed using the in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique. This cathode material delivers a very high rate capability and high capacity retention of more than 80% over 1000 cycles, at a current rate of 40C (1C = 361 mA g-1). The battery offers a specific energy of 90 W h kg-1 at a specific power of 15.8 KW kg-1, enlightening the material advantages for an eco-friendly atmosphere.
