journal article·2026-02Open access

Multi‐Ion Doping Controlled CEI Formation in Structurally‐Stable High‐Energy Monoclinic‐Phase NASICON Cathodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Sharad Dnyanu Pinjari, Vignesh Mahalingam, Purandas Mudavath, Malavika Aarayil, Tasdique Arman, Ipsita Pal, Dipan Kundu, Raghavan Ranganathan, Ashok Kumar Nanjundan, Rohit Ranganathan Gaddam

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 14

Abstract

Abstract Overcoming the energy density limitations of sodium‐ion batteries (NIBs) requires innovative strategies to optimize cathode materials. While entropy‐engineering through multi‐ion doping has shown promise, previous efforts in polyanion‐type cathodes are confined to conventional (pyro)phosphate‐based systems. Here, it is reported for the first time a entropy‐engineered NASICON‐type cathode, NaFe 1.8 (MnCrAlZnIn) 0.2 (PO 4 )(MoO 4 ) 2 (NFM'PM20), stabilized in a rare monoclinic P2/c phase via solid‐state reaction. This entropy design enables robust cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation, mitigates lattice strain, and reduces the bandgap, collectively facilitating reversible 2.6 Na⁺ storage with an exceptional energy density of 315.62 Wh kg −1 . The NFM'PM20 cathode demonstrates outstanding cycling stability (92.2% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 5C) and ultra‐long cycle life exceeding 2000 cycles. Mechanistic investigations via in situ X‐ray diffraction confirm a strain‐accommodating solid‐solution reaction mechanism with minimal volume change (≈4.5%). At the same time, electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate enhanced Fe spin‐states, which improve electrontransport. Ex‐situ transmission electron microscope images reveal a thin and stable CEI layer. Density functional theory calculations elucidate the atomic‐scale advantages, including optimized Na⁺ migration pathways with 0.45 eV lower diffusion barriers and enhanced interfacial charge transfer kinetics. The NFM'PM20 cathode represents a transformative advancement for developing practical high‐energy‐density NIBs.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advancements in Battery Materials · Semiconductor materials and devices · Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies

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Affiliations

Department of Chemical Engineering Indian Institute of Science Education and Research‐Bhopal Bhopal Madhya Pradesh 462066 India

Department of Materials Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar Palaj Gandhinagar Gujarat 382355 India

LBRI School of Chemical Engineering UNSW Sydney Kensington NSW 2052 Australia

Centre for Future Materials and the School of Engineering University of Southern Queensland Brisbane QLD 4300 Australia

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