Unusual Site-Selective Doping in Layered Cathode Strengthens Electrostatic Cohesion of Alkali-Metal Layer for Practicable Sodium-Ion Full Cell

P2-type Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 is a dominant cathode material for sodium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, charging P2-type Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 to voltages higher than 4.2 V (vs. Na+/Na) can induce detrimental structural transformation and severe capacity fading. Herein, stable cycling and moisture resistancy of Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 at 4.35 V (vs. Na+/Na) are achieved through dual-site doping with Cu ion at transition metal site (2a) and unusual Zn ion at Na site (2d) for the first time. The Cu ion doping in 2a site stabilizes the metal layer, while more importantly, the unusual alkali-metal site doping by Zn ion serves as O2--Zn2+-O2- pillar for enhancing electrostatic cohesion between two adjacent transition metal layers, preventing the crack of active material along the a-b-plane and restraining the generation of O2 phase upon deep desodiation. This unique dual-site-doped [Na0.67Zn0.05]Ni0.18Cu0.1Mn0.67O2 cathode exhibits a prominent cyclability with 80.6% capacity retention over 2000 cycles at an ultrahigh rate of 10C, demonstrating its great potential for practical applications. Impressively, the full cell devices with [Na0.67Zn0.05]Ni0.18Cu0.1Mn0.67O2 and commercial hard carbon as cathode and anode, respectively, can deliver a high energy density of 217.9 Wh kg(-1) and excellent cycle life over 1000 cycles.

Automated summary

The P2-type Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 cathode material achieves stable cycling and moisture resistancy at a higher voltage through dual-site doping with Cu ion and unusual Zn ion. This unique dual-site-doped cathode exhibits excellent cyclic performance and capacity retention at high rates, demonstrating its potential for practical applications.