A New Route Toward Improved Sodium Ion Batteries: A Multifunctional Fluffy Na0.67FePO4/CNT Nanocactus. Issue 18 (10th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Weifeng; Zhou, Jing; Li, Biao; An, Li; Cui, Peixin; Xia, Wei; Song, Li; Xia, Dingguo; Chu, Wangsheng; Wu, Ziyu
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 11:Issue 18(2015)
• Page Start: 2170
• Page End: 2176
• Publication Date: 2015-01-10
• Subjects: Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201402246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>To improve the performance of energy storage systems, the rational design of new electrode configurations is a strategic initiative. Here, we present a novel monodisperse fluffy alluaudite Na<sub>0.67</sub>FePO<sub>4</sub>, prepared by a modified solvothermal method, as promising electrode for sodium ion battery. This porous Na<sub>0.67</sub>FePO<sub>4</sub> with nanocactus‐like morphology is composed by nanorods within an open three‐dimensional structure. This unique nanocactus‐based morphology offers three important advantages when used as electrode for sodium ion battery: (i) provides an open frame structure for a large Na+ ions transport; (ii) reduces the sodium ion and electron transport path by ≈20 nm; (iii) offers a large surface area for a more efficient interface between the electrode and the electrolyte. The electrochemical investigation revealed that this fluffy Na<sub>0.67</sub>FePO<sub>4</sub> nanocactus exhibits the high discharge capacity of 138 mAh g<sup>−1</sup>. Moreover, a battery with a Na<sub>0.67</sub>FePO<sub>4</sub>/CNT hybrid electrode delivered a discharge capacity as high as ≈143 mAh g<sup>−1</sup>, coupled to an excellent stable cyclability (no obvious capacity fading over 50 cycles at a current rate of 5 mA g<sup>−1</sup>). This enhanced mechanism was studied by means of absorption measurements and ex situ XAFS characterizations. Results of the characterization of the Na<sub>0.67</sub>FePO<sub>4</sub> suggests that the outstanding performance can be associated with the unique fluffy nanocactus morphology.</p> </abstract>