A Stable Cathode-Solid Electrolyte Composite for Long-Cycle-Life, High Voltage Solid-State Sodium-ion Batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable solid-state sodium-ion batteries (SSSBs) hold great promise for safer and more energy-dense energy storage. However, the poor electrochemical stability between current sulfide-based solid electrolytes and high-voltage oxide cathodes has limited their long-term cycling performance and practicality. Here, we report the discovery of Na3-xY1-xZrxCl6 (NYZC) as an ion conductor that is both electrochemically stable (up to 3.8 V vs. Na/Na+) and chemically compatible with oxide cathodes. Its high ionic conductivity of 6.6 x 10-5 S cm-1 at ambient temperature, several orders of magnitude higher than oxide coatings, is attributed to abundant Na vacancies and cooperative MCl6 rotation, resulting in an extremely low interfacial impedance. A SSSB comprising a NaCrO2+NYZC composite cathode, Na3PS4 electrolyte, and Na-Sn anode exhibits an exceptional first-cycle Coulombic efficiency of 97.1% at room temperature and can cycle over 1000 cycles with 89.3% capacity retention at 40°C. These findings highlight the immense potential of halide ion conductors for SSSB applications.

Version notes

This version of the manuscript was submitted to Nature Energy on July 21, 2020.

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