Development of cathode materials for sodium ion batteries.

The Advanced Functional Materials Research Group (AFMRG) at IIT Indore is dedicated to the development of advanced cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Among the promising candidates, sodiated layered metal oxides and NASICON-type polyanionic compounds stand out due to their exceptional electrochemical properties. Sodiated layered metal oxides (SLMOs) are gaining attention because of their structural similarities to lithium-ion battery cathodes. These materials typically consist of transition metals like nickel, cobalt, manganese, or iron combined with sodium and oxygen. The layered structure of SLMOs allows for the reversible intercalation and deintercalation of sodium ions, which results in high energy density and good electrochemical performance. However, challenges such as structural instability during cycling can lead to capacity fading. To address these issues, our research at AFMRG focuses on innovative doping strategies, surface modifications, and advanced synthesis techniques to enhance the performance and stability of SLMOs. On the other hand, NASICON-type polyanionic compounds represent another class of promising cathode materials for SIBs. These materials are characterized by a robust 3D framework structure that provides excellent structural stability and ionic conductivity. The strong covalent bonds within the polyanionic framework contribute to high thermal and chemical stability, making these materials suitable for high-power applications. Despite their advantages, optimizing the electronic conductivity and addressing voltage hysteresis remain key challenges. Our team is actively exploring approaches such as carbon coating, nano-structuring, and ion substitution to improve the electrochemical performance of NASICON-type cathodes. At AFMRG, IIT Indore, our research is committed to overcoming the current limitations of these cathode materials through innovative material synthesis, thorough characterization, and comprehensive performance evaluation. By leveraging advanced techniques and collaborative efforts, we aim to develop high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable cathode materials for next-generation sodium-ion batteries. For more details on our research projects and publications, please explore through our AFMRG Research Group webpage.

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