Atomic-Level Structure and Dynamic Evolutions in Cobalt-Free High-Performance Sodium-Ion Battery Cathode

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) offer a promising, more affordable, and sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, they currently face issues with lower performance and reduced durability over many charging cycles, mainly because their specific challenges haven’t been addressed as thoroughly as those of LIBs.

This research aims to overcome these challenges by focusing on SIB cathodes, the part of the battery that stores and releases sodium ions. To do this, the study will use advanced material analysis methods, including cutting-edge solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) techniques, to closely examine a particular type of cathode material called biphasic NaxTMO2 (where x ranges from 0 to 1, and TM represents a transition metal ion). Recent studies have shown that these materials offer better stability and performance. The goal is to gain a detailed understanding of how the battery’s large-scale performance is linked to changes at the atomic level within the cathode material during operation. This insight could be key to improving SIBs, making them a stronger contender in the future of battery technology.