Hunting Sodium Dendrites in NASICON-Based Solid-State Electrolytes

NASICON- (Na superionic conductor-) based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are believed to be attracting candidates for solid-state sodium batteries due to their high ionic conductivity and prospectively reliable stability. However, the poor interface compatibility and the formation of Na dendrites inhibit their practical application. Herein, we directly observed the propagation of Na dendrites through NASICON-based Na3.1Zr2Si2.1P0.9O12 SSE for the first time. Moreover, a fluorinated amorphous carbon (FAC) interfacial layer on the ceramic surface was simply developed by in situ carbonization of PVDF to improve the compatibility between Na metal and SSEs. Surprisingly, Na dendrites were effectively suppressed due to the formation of NaF in the interface when molten Na metal contacts with the FAC layer. Benefiting from the optimized interface, both the Na parallel to Na symmetric cells and Na3V2(PO4)(3)parallel to Na solidstate sodium batteries deliver remarkably electrochemical stability. These results offer benign reference to the maturation of NASICON-based solid-state sodium batteries.

Automated summary

This study observed the propagation of Na dendrites on NASICON-based solid-state electrolyte (SSE) for the first time and found that the development of a fluorinated amorphous carbon (FAC) interfacial layer on the ceramic surface can effectively suppress Na dendrite formation, enhancing the compatibility between Na metal and SSEs and improving the stability of solid-state sodium batteries.