Core-shell structured P2-type layered cathode materials for long-life sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

P2-type layered Ni–Mn-based oxides are vital cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high discharge capacity and working voltage. However, they suffer from the detrimental P2 → O2 phase transition induced by the O^2––O^2– electrostatic repulsion upon high-voltage charge, which leads to rapid capacity fade. Herein, we construct a P2-type Ni–Mn-based layered oxide cathode with a core-shell structure (labeled as NM–Mg–CS). The P2-Na_0.67[Ni_0.25Mn_0.75]O₂ (NM) core is enclosed by the robust P2-Na_0.67[Ni_0.21Mn_0.71Mg_0.08]O₂ (NM–Mg) shell. The NM–Mg–CS exhibits the phase-transition-free character with mitigated volume change because the confinement effect of shell is conductive to inhibit the irreversible phase transition of the core material. As a result, it drives a high capacity retention of 81% after 1000 cycles at 5 C with an initial capacity of 78 mA h/g. And the full cell with the NM–Mg–CS cathode and hard carbon anode delivers stable capacities over 250 cycles. The successful construction of the core-shell structure in P2-type layered oxides sheds light on the development of high-capacity and long-life cathode materials for SIBs.

Keywords

cathode materials / core-shell structure / P2-type layered oxides / phase transition / sodium-ion batteries

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2024 The Author(s). SmartMat published by Tianjin University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.