Achieving High Stability and Performance in P2-Type Mn-Based Layered Oxides with Tetravalent Cations for Sodium-Ion Batteries

P2-type sodium-manganese-based layered cathodes, owing to their high capacity from both cationic and anionic redox, are a potential candidate for Na-ion batteries (NIBs) to replace Li-ion technology in certain applications. Still, the structure instability originating from irreversible oxygen redox at high voltage remains a challenge. Here, a high sustainability cobalt-free P2-Na0.72Mn0.75Li0.24X0.01O2 (X = Ti/Si) cathode is developed. The outstanding capacity retention and voltage retention after 150 cycles are obtained in half-cells. The finding shows that Ti localizes on the surface while Si diffuses to the bulk of the particles. Thus, Ti can act as a protective layer that alleviates side reactions in carbonate-based electrolyte. Meanwhile, Si can regulate the local electronic structure and suppress oxygen redox activities. Notably, full-cells with hard carbon (approximate to 300-335 W h kg(-1) based on the cathode mass) deliver the capacity retention of 83% for P2-Na(0.72)Mn(0.75)Li(0.24)Si(0.01)O(2 )and 66% for P2-Na(0.72)Mn(0.75)Li(0.24)Ti(0.01)O(2 )after 500 cycles; this electrochemical stability is the best compared to other reported cathodes based on oxygen redox at present. The superior cycle performance also stems from the ability to inhibit microcracking and planar gliding within the particles. Altogether, this finding offers a new composition for developing high-performance low-cost cathodes for NIBs and highlights the unique role of Ti/Si ions.

Automated summary

P2-type sodium-manganese-based layered cathodes show potential for replacing Li-ion batteries in certain applications. A cobalt-free P2-Na0.72Mn0.75Li0.24X0.01O2 (X = Ti/Si) cathode with high sustainability is developed, which exhibits outstanding capacity and voltage retention. The presence of Ti acts as a protective layer to alleviate side reactions, while Si regulates the local electronic structure and suppresses oxygen redox activities. The cathode also shows superior cycle performance and inhibits microcracking and planar gliding within the particles, making it a promising candidate for high-performance low-cost sodium-ion batteries.