Nanoconfinement of low-conductivity products in rechargeable sodium–air batteries. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwak, Won-Jin; Chen, Zonghai; Yoon, Chong Seung; Lee, Joong-Kee; Amine, Khalil; Sun, Yang-Kook
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 12(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Na–air battery -- Porous carbon material -- Discharge product morphology -- Size-confinement -- Carbonate-based electrolyte; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2014.11.057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: To alleviate the high polarization and short cycle lifetime of rechargeable Na–air batteries, ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) was synthesized and evaluated as a nanostructured conductive matrix to host low-conductivity products generated during the discharge of Na–air batteries. The OMC had high specific surface area (1544 m 2 /g) and a narrow pore size (2.7 nm), with the voltage polarization of 1.5 V, lower than that of the commonly used Super P carbon black (~1.8 V). Although the carbonate-based electrolyte was decomposed to produce Na2 CO3, the OMC cathode allowed reversible formation and decomposition of Na2 CO3 and exhibited stable cycling behavior with low polarization for 20 cycles with a delivered capacity of 500 mAh/g at the current density of 100 mA/g. Graphical abstract: