Facilitating an Ultrastable O3-Type Cathode for 4.5 V Sodium-Ion Batteries via a Dual-Reductive Coupling Mechanism.

O3-type layered oxides for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted extensive attention due to their inherently sufficient Na content, which have been considered as one of the most promising candidates for practical applications. However, influenced by the irreversible oxygen loss and the phase transition of O3-P3, the O3-type cathodes are always limited by low cutoff voltages (typically <4.2 V), restraining the full release of the capacity. In this study, we originally propose a dual-reductive coupling mechanism in a novel O3-type Na0.8Li0.2Fe0.2Ru0.6O2 cathode with the suppressed O3-P3 phase transition, aiming at improving the reversibility of oxygen redox at high voltage regions. Consequently, thanks to the formation of the strong covalent Fe/Ru-(O-O) bonding and inhibited slab gliding from the O to P phase, the cathode delivers the preeminent cyclic stability among the numerous O3-type cathodes within a high voltage of 4.5 V (a capacity retention of 95.4% after 100 cycles within 1.5-4.5 V). More importantly, HAADF-STEM and 7Li solid-state NMR results reveal the absence of transition metal migration and the presence of reversible Li migration during cycling, which further contributes to the improved structural robustness of the cathode. This study proposes an innovative strategy to boost the reversibility of anionic redox and to achieve stable high-voltage O3-type layered oxides, promoting the further development of SIBs.

Gas induced formation of inactive Li in rechargeable lithium metal batteries.

The formation of inactive lithium by side reactions with liquid electrolyte contributes to cell failure of lithium metal batteries. To inhibit the formation and growth of inactive lithium, further understanding of the formation mechanisms and composition of inactive lithium are needed. Here we study the impact of gas producing reactions on the formation of inactive lithium using ethylene carbonate as a case study. Ethylene carbonate is a common electrolyte component used with graphite-based anodes but is incompatible with Li metal anodes. Using mass spectrometry titrations combined with 13C and 2H isotopic labeling, we reveal that ethylene carbonate decomposition continuously releases ethylene gas, which further reacts with lithium metal to form the electrochemically inactive species LiH and Li2C2. In addition, phase-field simulations suggest the non-ionically conducting gaseous species could result in an uneven distribution of lithium ions, detrimentally enhancing the formation of dendrites and dead Li. By optimizing the electrolyte composition, we selectively suppress the formation of ethylene gas to limit the formation of LiH and Li2C2 for both Li metal and graphite-based anodes.

Understanding the failure process of sulfide-based all-solid-state lithium batteries via operando nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The performance of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) is affected by the presence of electrochemically inactive (i.e., electronically and/or ionically disconnected) lithium metal and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which are jointly termed inactive lithium. However, the differentiation and quantification of inactive lithium during cycling are challenging, and their lack limits the fundamental understanding of SSLMBs failure mechanisms. To shed some light on these crucial aspects, here, we propose operando nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements for real-time quantification and evolution-tracking of inactive lithium formed in SSLMBs. In particular, we examine four different sulfide-based solid electrolytes, namely, Li10GeP2S12, Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7Cl0.3, Li6PS5Cl and Li7P3S11. We found that the chemistry of the solid electrolyte influences the activity of lithium. Furthermore, we demonstrate that electronically disconnected lithium metal is mainly found in the interior of solid electrolytes, and ionically disconnected lithium metal is found at the negative electrode surface. Moreover, by monitoring the Li NMR signal during cell calendar ageing, we prove the faster corrosion rate of mossy/dendritic lithium than flat/homogeneous lithium in SSLMBs.

Quantifying the Evolution of Inactive Li/Lithium Hydride and Their Correlations in Rechargeable Anode-free Li Batteries.

Electrolyte optimization, such as using fluoride-bearing electrolytes, is regarded as an effective way to improve the cycle performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs), but the promotion mechanisms of the electrolytes are in controversy due to the lack of quantitative understanding of the reaction products during cycling. Here, taking several fluorinated electrolytes as models, we use mass spectrometry titration (MST) and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to quantify the evolution of dead Li metal, solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) and lithium hydride (LiH) during cycling. Our quantitative results clearly disclose that lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiODFB) is able to inhibit the formation of SEI and LiH while fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) mainly inhibits the formation of dead Li metal. Furthermore, we surprisingly observe a linear correlation between LiH and SEI formation, whereas the commonly mentioned lithium fluoride (LiF) shows a weak correlation with either dead Li metal or SEI. Guided by the clear failure mechanism, we can provide a reasonable explanation for the synergistic effect with the combination of LiODFB and FEC from a quantitative perspective. We believe that a quantitative insight of electrolytes on the failure mechanism of LMBs will guide us to explore the functional electrolytes to achieve the practical application of LMBs.

Sieving carbons promise practical anodes with extensible low-potential plateaus for sodium batteries.

Non-graphitic carbons are promising anode candidates for sodium-ion batteries, while their variable and complicated microstructure severely limits the rational design of high-energy carbon anodes that could accelerate the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries, as is the case for graphite in lithium-ion batteries. Here, we propose sieving carbons, featuring highly tunable nanopores with tightened pore entrances, as high-energy anodes with extensible and reversible low-potential plateaus (<0.1 V). It is shown that the tightened pore entrance blocks the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase inside the nanopores and enables sodium clustering to produce the plateau. Theoretical and spectroscopic studies also show that creating a larger area of sodiophilic pore surface leads to an almost linearly increased number of sodium clusters, and controlling the pore body diameter guarantees the reversibility of sodium cluster formation, producing a sieving carbon anode with a record-high plateau capacity of 400 mAh g-1. More excitingly, this approach to preparing sieving carbons has the potential to be scalable for modifying different commercial porous carbons.

Mitigating the Surface Reconstruction of Ni-Rich Cathode via P2-Type Mn-Rich Oxide Coating for Durable Lithium Ion Batteries.

Ni-rich materials have received widespread attention as one of the mainstream cathodes in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. However, Ni-rich cathodes suffer from severe surface reconstruction in a high delithiation state, constraining their rate capabilities and life span. Herein, a novel P2-type NaxNi0.33Mn0.67O2 (NNMO) is rationally selected as the surficial modification layer for LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode, which undergoes a spontaneous Na+-Li+ exchange reaction to form an O2-type LixNi0.33Mn0.67O2 (LNMO) layer revealed by combining X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Owing to the specific oxygen stacking sequence, O2-type LNMO significantly prevents the initial layered structure of NCM811 from transforming to the spinel or rock-salt phases during cycling, thus effectively maintaining the integral surficial structure and the Li+ diffusion channels of NCM811. Eventually, the NNMO@NCM811 electrode yields enhanced thermal stability, outstanding rate performance, and long cycling stability with 80% capacity retention after 294 cycles at 200 mA g-1, and its life span is further extended to 531 cycles while enhancing the mechanical stability of the bulk material.

Quantitatively analyzing the failure processes of rechargeable Li metal batteries.

Practical use of lithium (Li) metal for high­energy density lithium metal batteries has been prevented by the continuous formation of Li dendrites, electrochemically isolated Li metal, and the irreversible formation of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs). Differentiating and quantifying these inactive Li species are key to understand the failure mode. Here, using operando nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy together with ex situ titration gas chromatography (TGC) and mass spectrometry titration (MST) techniques, we established a solid foundation for quantifying the evolution of dead Li metal and SEI separately. The existence of LiH is identified, which causes deviation in the quantification results of dead Li metal obtained by these three techniques. The formation of inactive Li under various operating conditions has been studied quantitatively, which revealed a general "two-stage" failure process for the Li metal. The combined techniques presented here establish a benchmark to unravel the complex failure mechanism of Li metal.

Insights of the Electrochemical Reversibility of P2-Type Sodium Manganese Oxide Cathodes via Modulation of Transition Metal Vacancies.

Among cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, Mn-based layered oxides have attracted enormous attention owing to their high capacity, cost-effectiveness, and fast transport channels. However, their practical application is hindered by the unsatisfied structural stability and the deficient understanding of electrochemical reaction mechanisms. Among these issues, the research of transition metal (TM) vacancy remains highly active due to their modulation roles on the anionic redox reactions, but their effects on structural and electrochemical stability remain obscure. Herein, based on Al-substituted P2-type Na2/3MnO2, we comprehensively investigate the effects of TM vacancies on the corresponding layered oxides. With several characterization techniques such as neutron diffraction, superconducting quantum interferometry, in situ X-ray diffraction, ex situ solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we determined the TM vacancy content and further revealed that higher content of TM vacancies (7.8%) in the transition layer is beneficial to mitigate the structure evolutions and maintain the P2 structure during cycling in voltage range 1.5-4.5 V, while the oxides with lower content of TM vacancies (1.6%) deliver higher discharge capacity but experience complicated phase transition, including stacking faults and P2-P2' transitions. It is demonstrated that regulating the contents of TM vacancies can be utilized as an effective strategy to tune the structure stability and electrochemical performances of layered sodium oxide cathodes.

Solid-State NMR and MRI Spectroscopy for Li/Na Batteries: Materials, Interface, and In Situ Characterization.

Enhancing the electrochemical performance of batteries, including the lifespan, energy, and power densities, is an everlasting quest for the rechargeable battery community. However, the dynamic and coupled (electro)chemical processes that occur in the electrode materials as well as at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces complicate the investigation of their working and decay mechanisms. Herein, the recent developments and applications of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in Li/Na batteries are reviewed. Several typical cases including the applications of NMR spectroscopy for the investigation of the pristine structure and the dynamic structural evolution of materials are first emphasized. The NMR applications in analyzing the solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI) on the electrode are further concluded, involving the identification of SEI components and investigation of ionic motion through the interfaces. Beyond, the new development of in situ NMR and MRI techniques are highlighted, including their advantages, challenges, applications and the design principle of in situ cell. In the end, a prospect about how to use ssNMR in battery research from the perspectives of materials, interface, and in situ NMR, aiming at obtaining deeper insight of batteries with the assistance of ssNMR is represented.

Insight into Ion Diffusion Dynamics/Mechanisms and Electronic Structure of Highly Conductive Sodium-Rich Na3+xLaxZr2-xSi2PO12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) Solid-State Electrolytes.

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have attracted considerable attention as an alternative for liquid electrolytes to improve safety and durability. Sodium Super Ionic CONductor (NASICON)-type SSEs, typically Na3Zr2Si2PO12, have shown great promise because of their high ionic conductivity and low thermal expansivity. Doping La into the NASICON structure can further elevate the ionic conductivity by an order of magnitude to several mS/cm. However, the underlying mechanism of ionic transportation enhancement has not yet been fully disclosed. Herein, we fabricate a series of Na3+xLaxZr2-xSi2PO12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) SSEs. The electronic and local structures of constituent elements are studied via synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and the ionic dynamics and Na-ion conduction mechanism are investigated by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results prove that La3+ ions exist in the form of phosphate impurities such as Na3La(PO4)2 instead of occupying the Zr4+ site. As a result, the increased Si/P ratio in the NASICON phase, accompanied by an increase in the sodium ion occupancy, makes a major contribution to the enhancement of ionic conductivity. The spin-lattice relaxation time study confirms the accelerated Na+ motions in the altered NASICON phase. Modifications on the Si/P composition can be a promising strategy to enhance the ionic conductivity of NASICON.

Unravelling the Fast Alkali-Ion Dynamics in Paramagnetic Battery Materials Combined with NMR and Deep-Potential Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) has received extensive attention in characterizing alkali-ion battery materials because it is highly sensitive for probing the local environment and dynamic information of atoms/ions. However, precise spectral assignment cannot be carried out by conventional DFT for high-rate battery materials at room temperature. Herein, combining DFT calculation of paramagnetic shift and deep potential molecular dynamics (DPMD) simulation to achieve the converged Na+ distribution at hundreds of nanoseconds, we obtain the statistically averaged paramagnetic shift, which is in excellent agreement with ssNMR measurements. Two 23 Na shifts induced by different stacking sequences of transition metal layers are revealed in the fast chemically exchanged NMR spectra of P2-type Na2/3 (Mg1/3 Mn2/3 )O2 for the first time. This DPMD simulation auxiliary protocol can be beneficial to a wide range of ssNMR analysis in fast chemically exchanged material systems.

Visualizing the growth process of sodium microstructures in sodium batteries by in-situ 23Na MRI and NMR spectroscopy.

The growth of sodium dendrites and the associated solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is a critical and fundamental issue influencing the safety and cycling lifespan of sodium batteries. In this work, we use in-situ 23Na magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, along with an innovative analytical approach, to provide space-resolved and quantitative insights into the formation and evolution of sodium metal microstructures (SMSs; that is, dendritic and mossy Na metal) during the deposition and stripping processes. Our results reveal that the growing SMSs give rise to a linear increase in the overpotential until a transition voltage of 0.15 V is reached, at which point violent electrochemical decomposition of the electrolyte is triggered, leading to the formation of mossy-type SMSs and rapid battery failure. In addition, we determined the existence of NaH in the SEI on sodium metal with ex-situ NMR results. The poor electronic conductivity of NaH is beneficial for the growth of a stable SEI on sodium metal.

High-Efficiency Lithium Metal Anode Enabled by a Concentrated/Fluorinated Ester Electrolyte.

Lithium (Li) metal anode (LMA) has received growing attention due to its highest theoretical capacity (3860 mA h g-1) and lowest redox potential (-3.04 V versus standard hydrogen electrode). However, practical application of LMA is obstructed by the detrimental side reactions between Li metal and organic electrolytes, especially when cycled in traditional carbonate ester electrolytes. Herein, we propose a novel fluorinated carbonate ester-based electrolyte by combining diethyl fluorocarbonate (ETFEC) solvent and 5 M LiFSI concentration (M = mol L-1). Using this electrolyte, an ultrahigh Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.1% can be obtained in Li||Cu cells and a stable cycle performance of Li||LiFePO4 is achieved under the conditions of limited Li metal (5 mA h cm-2), moderate loading LiFePO4 (7-8 mg cm-2), and lean electrolyte (40 uL). The fundamental functioning mechanism of this novel electrolyte has been carefully investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), operando optical microscopy (OM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS-NMR). The results demonstrate that this optimized electrolyte facilitates formation of a high Li+ conductive SEI layer enriched with LiF and inorganic sulfur-containing species, which can effectively suppress the side reactions between electrolyte and Li metal and prevent formation of dead Li.

Recognition of V3+/V4+/V5+ Multielectron Reactions in Na3V(PO4)2: A Potential High Energy Density Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Na3V(PO4)2 was reported recently as a novel cathode material with high theoretical energy density for Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, whether V3+/V4+/V5+ multielectron reactions can be realized during the charging process is still an open question. In this work, Na3V(PO4)2 is synthesized by using a solid-state method. Its atomic composition and crystal structure are verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron diffraction (ND) joint refinement. The electrochemical performance of Na3V(PO4)2 is evaluated in two different voltage windows, namely 2.5-3.8 and 2.5-4.3 V. 51V solid-state NMR (ssNMR) results disclose the presence of V5+ in Na2-xV(PO4)2 when charging Na3V(PO4)2 to 4.3 V, confirming Na3V(PO4)2 is a potential high energy density cathode through realization of V3+/V4+/V5+ multielectron reactions.

Tuning Oxygen Redox Reaction through the Inductive Effect with Proton Insertion in Li-Rich Oxides.

As a parent compound of Li-rich electrodes, Li2MnO3 exhibits high capacity during the initial charge; however, it suffers notoriously low Coulombic efficiency due to oxygen and surface activities. Here, we successfully optimize the oxygen activities toward reversible oxygen redox reactions by intentionally introducing protons into lithium octahedral vacancies in the Li2MnO3 system with its original structural integrity maintained. Combining structural probes, theoretical calculations, and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering results, a moderate coupling between the introduced protons and lattice oxygen at the oxidized state is revealed, which stabilizes the oxygen activities during charging. Such a coupling leads to an unprecedented initial Coulombic efficiency (99.2%) with a greatly improved discharge capacity of 302 mAh g-1 in the protonated Li2MnO3 electrodes. These findings directly demonstrate an effective concept for controlling oxygen activities in Li-rich systems, which is critical for developing high-energy cathodes in batteries.

Elucidating and Mitigating the Degradation of Cationic-Anionic Redox Processes in Li1.2Mn0.4Ti0.4O2 Cation-Disordered Cathode Materials.

Cation-disordered rock-salt oxides with the O2-/O2n- redox reaction, such as Li1.2Mn0.4Ti0.4O2 (LMTO), are critical Li-rich cathode materials for designing high-energy-density batteries. Understanding the cationic-anionic redox accompanying the structural evolution process is really imperative to further improve the performance. In this work, the cationic-anionic redox and capacity degradation mechanism of carbon-coated LMTO during (dis)charge processes are elucidated by combining in situ X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical analyses. It is concluded that the redox reaction of Mn2+/Mn4+ is quite stable, while the severe degradation is mainly caused by the O2-/O2n- redox process. Moreover, we clearly clarify how the cationic-anionic interplay governs sluggish kinetics, large polarization, and capacity fading in LMTO, and reveal for the first time that a certain amount of carbon coating is capable of suppressing the irreversible lattice oxygen loss and results in an encouraging cycling performance. In summary, we elucidate the degradation of cationic-anionic redox processes in cation-disordered cathode materials and propose strategies for adjusting the electronic/ionic conductivity of the electrodes to modulate the oxygen redox reactions, setting a new direction for the design of better cation-disordered oxides.

P2-Na0.67 Alx Mn1-x O2 : Cost-Effective, Stable and High-Rate Sodium Electrodes by Suppressing Phase Transitions and Enhancing Sodium Cation Mobility.

Sodium layered P2-stacking Na0.67 MnO2 materials have shown great promise for sodium-ion batteries. However, the undesired Jahn-Teller effect of the Mn4+ /Mn3+ redox couple and multiple biphasic structural transitions during charge/discharge of the materials lead to anisotropic structure expansion and rapid capacity decay. Herein, by introducing abundant Al into the transition-metal layers to decrease the number of Mn3+ , we obtain the low cost pure P2-type Na0.67 Alx Mn1-x O2 (x=0.05, 0.1 and 0.2) materials with high structural stability and promising performance. The Al-doping effect on the long/short range structural evolutions and electrochemical performances is further investigated by combining in situ synchrotron XRD and solid-state NMR techniques. Our results reveal that Al-doping alleviates the phase transformations thus giving rise to better cycling life, and leads to a larger spacing of Na+ layer thus producing a remarkable rate capability of 96 mAh g-1 at 1200 mA g-1 .

Identification of the Solid Electrolyte Interface on the Si/C Composite Anode with FEC as the Additive.

Silicon-based anodes have the potential to be used in next-generation lithium ion batteries owing to their higher lithium storage capacity. However, the large volume change during the charge/discharge process and the repeated formation of a new solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the re-exposed Si surface should be overcome to achieve a better electrochemical performance. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) has been widely used as an electrolyte additive for Si-based anodes, but the intrinsical mechanism in performance improvement is not clear yet. Here, we combined solid-state NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy to characterize the composition, structure, and inhomogeneity of the SEI on Si/C composite anodes with or without the FEC additive. Similar species are observed with two electrolytes, but a denser SEI formed with FEC, which could prevent the small molecules (i.e., LiPF6, P-O, and Li-O species) from penetrating to the surface of the Si/C anode. The hydrolysis of LiPF6 leading to Li xPO yF z and further to Li3PO4 could also be partially suppressed by the denser SEI formed with FEC. In addition, a large amount of LiF could protect the cracking and pulverization of Si particles. This study demonstrates a deeper understanding of the SEI formed with FEC, which could be a guide for optimizing the Si-based anodes for lithium ion batteries.