Anion-Reinforced Solvation for a Gradient Inorganic-Rich Interphase Enables High-Rate and Stable Sodium Batteries

Metallic Na is a promising anode for rechargeable batteries, however, it is plagued by an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and Na dendrites. Herein, a robust anion-derived SEI is constructed on Na anode in a high-concentration 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) based electrolyte with a cosolvent hydrofluoroether, which effectively restrains Na dendrite growth. The hydrofluoroether can tune the solvation configuration of the electrolyte from three-dimensional network aggregates to solvent-cation-anion clusters, enabling more anions to enter and reinforce the inner solvation sheath and their stepwise decomposition. The gradient inorganic-rich SEI leads to a reduced energy barrier of Na+ migration and enhanced interfacial kinetics. These render the Na||Na3V2(PO4)(3) battery with an excellent rate capability of 79.9 mAh g(-1) at 24 C and a high capacity retention of 94.2 % after 6000 cycles at 2 C. This highlights the modulation of the electrode-electrolyte interphase chemistry for advanced batteries.

Automated summary

This study focuses on constructing a stable anion-derived solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) by adding a co-solvent hydrofluoroether to a high-concentration 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) based electrolyte, which effectively restrains the growth of sodium dendrites and enhances the migration rate of sodium ions.