Investigating the electrochemical properties of SnO monolayer in sodium-ion batteries. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butt, Mehwish Khalid; Rehman, Javed; Alofi, Ayman S.; Yang, Zhao; Zeeshan, Hafiz Muhammad; Wang, Shuanhu; Laref, Amel; Albaqami, Munirah D.; Alotabi, Reham Ghazi; Kexin, Jin; Shibl, Mohamed F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics and chemistry of solids. Volume 171(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: First-principles calculations -- Anode material -- SnO monolayer -- Sodium-ion batteries; Solids -- Periodicals; Solides -- Périodiques; Solids; Periodicals; 530.41
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2022.110975
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3697

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing energy crises have driven the world toward the exploration of clean and renewable energy sources. The selection of electrodes is a fundamental step in sodium (Na)-ion batteries (SIBs) to achieve extraordinary performance. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are strong candidates as electrode materials for SIBs owing to their enormous surface area, high thermal and electrical conductivities, and plenty of accumulation sites for adsorption of Na atoms. In this study, we investigate the electrochemical performance of two-dimensional tin mono-oxide (SnO) monolayers as an anodic material for SIBs using first-principles calculations. The electronic band structure, adsorption process, diffusion mechanism, and storage capacity of Na atoms in the SnO monolayer are examined. Our simulations disclose the semiconducting nature of the SnO monolayer, which becomes metallic after adsorption of a minor amount of Na atoms. This metallic behavior provides good electrical conductivity and mobility with low diffusion energy (0.15 eV) for the migration of Na on the SnO monolayer, indicating a rapid charge–discharge process. Furthermore, the determined specific capacity of the Na-loaded SnO monolayer is 398 mAh g −1 with low average open circuit voltage of 0.60 V. The above encouraging results show that the SnO monolayer is a promising anode for rechargeable SIBs. Highlights: The feasibility of the SnO sheet as an anod material for SIBs has been discovered by employing first principle calculations. Pristine SnO monolayer is a semiconductor, which becomes metallic after minor amounts of Na adsorption. A moderate average OCV of 0.60 V and a high specific capacity of 398 mAhg −1 have been obtained for the Na SnO monolayer. The smallest diffusion barrier for Na migration is 0.15 eV, which reveals fast charging and discharging process. All the above fascinating outcomes recommend that SnO sheet might be a proficient anode material for rechargeable SIBs.