On the Reversible Sodium Plating/stripping Reaction in Porous SiCN(O) Ceramic: A Feasibility Study

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which might be independent of rare raw materials. These advantages come at the expense of low energy density. Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) can provide a possible solution. In this work, we present the use of a porous silicon carbonitride (SiCN(O)) ceramic as an anodic matrix for reversible Na-plating. The role of the pores is investigated and the plating mechanism allowing reversible and uniform plating/stripping of sodium is also presented. Electrochemical studies show a stable and reversible capacity gain of around 60 mAh/g beyond the insertion capacity of the SiCN(O) ceramic over 100 cycles.

Automated summary

Sodium-ion batteries offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with potential independence from rare raw materials, although they have lower energy density. Sodium metal batteries present a possible solution. In this study, porous silicon carbonitride (SiCN(O)) ceramic is used as an anodic matrix for reversible sodium plating. The role of pores is investigated, and a mechanism for reversible and uniform sodium plating/stripping is proposed. Electrochemical studies demonstrate a stable and reversible capacity gain of about 60 mAh/g beyond the insertion capacity of the SiCN(O) ceramic over 100 cycles.