Development of Highly Efficient Sodium-Ion Battery Components

Project description

As the cathode component constitutes one-third of the total SIB manufacturing expense, substantial research efforts have been put forth to improve its activity. Among others, two classes of cathode materials, Polyanionic compounds (NASICON) and Layered Transition Metal Oxides (LTMOs) have garnered widespread attention as effective reversible cathode materials given their stable cycling performance, rich chemistry, ability to tolerate stress, and high operating potential. Nevertheless, the limited Na-ion mobility, cycling stability, and electronic conductivity hampers the practical application of the stated materials. Therefore, the rational designing of cathode materials with surface and structural modulation is an indispensable synergistic strategy to tailor the electrochemical performance of preferred SIB. Further, a full-cell operation is also hindered by the poor initial Coulombic efficiency attributable to the irreversible sodium loss occurring during the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in the initial cycles. Consequently, the exploration of an effective pre-sodiation approach for complementary hard carbon anode is inevitable. Besides the active materials, electrolyte also plays a vital role in controlling the performance of the fabricated battery system. Hence, the compatibility among different battery constituents ought to be taken into consideration while designing a commercially feasible prototype.

Outcomes

1. Synthesis and characterization of high-performance cathode material: Pristine and tuned Na3V2-x Mx(PO4)2(O2-2yF1+2y) (0 ≤ x ≤ 2; 0 ≤ y ≤ 1; M =Fe, Mn ) and P2-Na0.66Ni0.33-xMxMn0.66O2 (M= Fe, Cu) materials will be prepared using a commercially relevant coprecipitation and solid-state route and analyzed via physical-chemical characterizations to elucidate the phase formation, surface morphology, elemental distribution, material’s crystallinity, and existing oxidation states.
2. Development of an efficient pre-sodiation protocol for commercial hard carbon: To compensate for the initial irreversible capacity of hard carbon, pre-sodiation strategies such as chemical treatment and sacrificial salt incorporation will be devised.
3. Electrode processing of synthesized materials: The prepared materials will be utilized for electrode fabrication using a sustainable aqueous processing technique in contrast to conventional toxic N-Methyl 2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent. The active material loading will be carried out as per the practical standards (Cathode: 15-16 mg cm-2 and anode as per anode-cathode areal capacity ratio).
4. Electrolyte optimization and surface analysis: Novel electrolyte formulation will be deduced with high Na+ ion conductivity, interfacial properties, and excellent compatibility with active materials. Detailed surface estimation of cycled electrodes will be performed to comprehend the electrode/electrolyte interface affecting reactions.
5. Electrochemical characterization: The performance of the fabricated cathode with pre-sodiated hard carbon and prepared electrolyte will be investigated in both half and full-cell modes. Post-mortem analysis will be carried out to explain the structure-property-performance relationship.
The proposed deliverables (~140 mAh/g) in the project aid in contributing to the prospering field of sodium-ion batteries as a promising medium to bridge the gap between clean energy production and utilization.

Essential capabilities

Electrcochemical Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Material Sci & Eng / Phy /Chem

Desireable capabilities

electrochemical technique and experience in energy storage materials

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

B.Tech./ B.Tech & M.Tech./ BSc & M.Tech / BSc and MSc with experince in the above field