Preparation of intergrown P/O-type biphasic layered oxides as high-performance cathodes for sodium ion batteries

This study reports on the solid-state synthesis and characterization of novel quaternary P/O intergrown biphasic Na_0.8Mn_yNi_0.8−yFe_0.1Ti_0.1O₂(y= 0.6, 0.55, 0.5, 0.45) cathode materials. Electrochemical tests reveal superior performance of the P/O biphasic materials in a sodium ion battery compared to the single P2 or O3 phases, proving the beneficial effect of the intergrowth of P2 and O3 materials. The nature of the P/O interface was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The analysis shows a semi-coherent interface grown along thea/bandcaxes with local differences in the transition metal concentration along the interface between the two phases. EDX and EELS characterization revealed a charge compensation mechanism across the phase boundary based on variation of the transition element distribution, balancing the different sodium contents in the P and O phases. The results reported in this study provide a better understanding of P/O biphasic materials.