Science Daily June 1, 2020
An international team of researchers (USA – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Washington State University, China) created a layered metal oxide cathode and a liquid electrolyte that included extra sodium ions. The cathode design and electrolyte system allowed for continued movement of sodium ions, preventing inactive surface crystal build-up, and allowing for unimpeded electricity generation. The research revealed the essential correlation between cathode structure evolution and surface interaction with the electrolyte. They are working to better understand the important interaction between the electrolyte and the cathode, so they can work with different materials for improved battery design. The work paves the way toward practical sodium-ion batteries and shed light on how we might develop future cobalt-free or low cobalt cathode materials in sodium-ion batteries…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Abstract. Credit: ACS Energy Lett. 2020, 5, XXX, 1718–1725, April 28, 2020