Investigation of the NaNi_xMn_1-xO₂(0 ≤ x ≤ 1) System for Na-Ion Battery Cathode Materials

Layered NaNi x Mn 1-x O 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) oxides were prepared via solid state reactions. Different reaction conditions were required to obtain phase pure samples, depending on the value of x. The 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1 compositions were prepared in an inert argon atmosphere at 700°C and had a monoclinically distorted O ' 3 type structure. The 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.33 compositions were prepared in air at 850°C and had a P2-type structure. Compositions in the range of 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.66 were synthesized in air at 850°C and had an O3-type structure. Lastly, compositions with 0.9 ≤ x ≤ 1 were prepared in an oxygen atmosphere at 700°C and had a monoclinically distorted O ' 3 type structure. Electrochemical experiments were performed on pure phase samples. All showed reversibility of sodium ions and high capacities. The highest reversible capacity was achieved for x = 0.66, with a capacity of ∼190 mAh/g and an average discharge voltage of 3.07 V, corresponding to a high energy density of 2705 Wh/L. This is among the highest reported volumetric energy densities for Na-ion battery electrodes.