Advanced characterizations and measurements for sodium-ion batteries with NASICON-type cathode materials

• Published in: eScience (Beijing) Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 10 - 31
• Main Authors: Liu, Yukun, Li, Jie, Shen, Qiuyu, Zhang, Jian, He, Pingge, Qu, Xuanhui, Liu, Yongchang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-01-2022; KeAi Communications Co. Ltd
• Subjects: Characterization techniques; Electrochemical measurements; NASICON-Type cathodes; Sodium-ion batteries; Theoretical computations; Theoretical computations; Electrochemical measurements; NASICON-Type cathodes; Characterization techniques; Sodium-ion batteries
• ISSN: 2667-1417; 2667-1417
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2021.12.008

NASICON (Na superionic conductor)-type cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted extensive attention due to their mechanically robust three-dimensional (3D) framework, which has sufficient open channels for fast Na+ transportation. However, they usually suffer from inferior electronic conductivity and low capacity, which severely limit their practical applications. To solve these issues, we need to deeply understand the structural evolution, redox mechanisms, and electrode/electrolyte interface reactions during cycling. Recently, rapid developments in synchrotron X-ray techniques, neutron-based resources, magnetic resonance, as well as optical and electron microscopy have brought numerous opportunities to gain deep insights into the Na-storage behaviors of NASICON cathodes. In this review, we summarize the detection principles of advanced characterization techniques used with typical NASICON-structured cathode materials for SIBs. The special focus is on both operando and ex situ techniques, which help to investigate the relationships among phase, composition, and valence variations within electrochemical responses. Fresh electrochemical measurements and theoretical computations are also included to reveal the kinetics and energy-storage mechanisms of electrodes upon charge/discharge. Finally, we describe potential new developments in NASICON-cathodes with optimized SIB systems, foreseeing a bright future for them, achievable through the rational application of advanced diagnostic methods.
Advanced characterizations and measurements to investigate the NASICON-type cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries are comprehensively summarized from three aspects: i) materials characterization techniques; ii) electrochemical measurements; and iii) theoretical computation technologies. This review helps to understand the in-depth reaction mechanisms behind performance and provides a rational guidance for the future design of promising Na-storage NASICON cathodes with the assistance of advanced diagnostic methods. [Display omitted]
•The advanced characterizations and measurements for SIBs with NASICON-type cathodes have been comprehensively summarized.•The detection principles of advanced characterization/measurement techniques have been deeply discussed.•Both operando and ex situ techniques have been highlighted to understand the structure-mechanism-performance correlations.•Challenges and promises in developing high-performance NASICON-cathodes with advanced techniques are outlined.