New Insights into the Instability of Discharge Products in Na-O2 Batteries

Sodium oxygen batteries currently stimulate extensive research due to their high theoretical energy density and improved operational stability when compared to lithium oxygen batteries. Cell stability, however, needs to be demonstrated also under resting conditions before future implementation of these batteries. In this work we analyze the effect of resting periods on the stability of the sodium superoxide (NaO2) discharge product. The instability of NaO2 in the cell environment is demonstrated leading to the evolution of oxygen during the resting period and the decrease of the cell efficiency. In addition, migration of the superoxide anion (O-2(-)) in the electrolyte is observed and demonstrated to be an important factor affecting Coulombic efficiency.