Core-Shell NaBH4@Na2B12H12 Nanoparticles as Fast Ionic Conductors for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Herein, we report on a method to engineer a conductive interface to promote high Na+ ionic conductivity in NaBH4. By controlled reaction with B2H6, the ionic conductivity of NaBH4 is enhanced by 5 orders of magnitude at room temperature. The origin of the enhanced conductivity is believed to be the result of the formation of a Na2B12H12 layer on the surface of alpha-NaBH4 particles. The resultant NaBH4@ Na2B12H12 heterostructure exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 115 degrees C superior to that of pristine NaBH4 and shows the potential to act as a solid-state electrolyte for all Na solid-state batteries.

Automated summary

This paper reports on a method to enhance the Na+ ionic conductivity in NaBH4 by engineering a conductive interface. By reacting with B2H6, the ionic conductivity of NaBH4 is increased by 5 orders of magnitude at room temperature. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of a Na2B12H12 layer on the surface of alpha-NaBH4 particles. The resulting NaBH4@ Na2B12H12 heterostructure exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 115 degrees C, surpassing pristine NaBH4, and shows potential as a solid-state electrolyte for all Na solid-state batteries.