Development and Investigation of a NASICON-Type High-Voltage Cathode Material for High-Power Sodium-Ion Batteries

Herein, we introduce a 4.0 V class high-voltage cathode material with a newly recognized sodium superionic conductor (NASICON)-type structure with cubic symmetry (space group P2₁3), Na₃V(PO₃)₃N. We synthesize an N-doped graphene oxide-wrapped Na₃V(PO₃)₃N composite with a uniform carbon coating layer, which shows excellent rate performance and outstanding cycling stability. Its air/water stability and all-climate performance were carefully investigated. A near-zero volume change (ca. 0.40 %) was observed for the first time based on in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and the in situ X-ray absorption spectra revealed the V^3.2+/V^4.2+ redox reaction with high reversibility. Its 3D sodium diffusion pathways were demonstrated with distinctive low energy barriers. Our results indicate that this high-voltage NASICON-type Na₃V(PO₃)₃N composite is a competitive cathode material for sodium-ion batteries and will receive more attention and studies in the future.