High Rate Na3NiZr(PO4)3 Electrode Material for Sodium-ion Batteries

Highly crystalline and stable Na superionic conductor-type phase Na3NiZr(PO4)3 was explored as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Synthesized through a simple sol-gel method, the structural and electrochemical properties of this phosphate material was investigated using a diversity of techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical testing (Galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry). Na3NiZr(PO4)3/C delivers an initial specific discharge energy of 140 mAh/g in sodium half-cell at current density of 25 mA/g in the potential window 0.01-2.5V. Good capacity retention was maintained even at high current density rates from 25 to 500 mA/g.