Hydration mechanism and potential as solid-state electrolytes in sodium chloride-magnesium phosphate composite

Abstract

This study explores the feasibility of NaCl based magnesium phosphate cement (NaCl-MPC) composites as a solid electrolyte for energy storage applications by analyzing the physical, mechanical, hydration and electrochemical properties of composites. The results indicated that the incorporation of NaCl greatly improved the mechanical properties and ionic conductivity of composites, demonstrating enhanced electrochemical stability, making it a promising energy storage material. NaCl induced complex physical and chemical interactions within the MPC system by facilitating the filling of micropores and microcracks, providing the additional nucleation sites and converting intermediate products into struvite. NaCl also reacted chemically in the MPC system to produce small amounts of hazenite crystals. These effects ultimately led to the densification of the microstructure of MPC and significantly improved its mechanical properties. Generally, the improvement of ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes compromises their mechanical properties. However, the NaCl-MPC composites in this study showed significant improvement both in ionic conductivity and mechanical properties, highlighting their potential for advanced energy storage applications.