Optimization of Precursor Synthesis for Future Fabrication of Sodium-Ion Positive Electrode Materials
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Claire Xiong (Mentor), Boise State University
Abstract
The proliferation of electric vehicles and renewable energy has caused an increase in demand for small-scale and large-scale energy storage systems. This rapid rise has placed a great strain on the expensive and limited resources found within contemporary lithium-ion battery technologies (e.g. Li, Ni, Co). Thus, sodium-ion batteries have been proposed as a “beyond Li-ion” technology, due to sodium’s low cost and abundance. Specifically, Fe- and Mn-based systems show promise as both are high in abundance, electrochemically active, and nontoxic. Currently, the coprecipitation reaction of transition metal ions with a hydroxide source is the industry standard for making positive electrode precursor material for lithium-ion batteries. However, there is great difficulty implementing current technology in the production of Fe/Mn based hydroxides. In particular, the standard chelating agent (ammonia) cannot form a stable ammine with iron, disrupting the elemental and morphological homogeneity of the material. To ensure the commercialization of future sodium-ion Fe/Mn based positive electrode materials, an alternative chelating agent must be found. In this work, the role of the chelating agent (or the lack-thereof) on the resulting morphology and electrochemical performance will be examined. We have found an alternative chelating agent that results in morphological uniformity and exemplary electrochemical performance.
Optimization of Precursor Synthesis for Future Fabrication of Sodium-Ion Positive Electrode Materials
The proliferation of electric vehicles and renewable energy has caused an increase in demand for small-scale and large-scale energy storage systems. This rapid rise has placed a great strain on the expensive and limited resources found within contemporary lithium-ion battery technologies (e.g. Li, Ni, Co). Thus, sodium-ion batteries have been proposed as a “beyond Li-ion” technology, due to sodium’s low cost and abundance. Specifically, Fe- and Mn-based systems show promise as both are high in abundance, electrochemically active, and nontoxic. Currently, the coprecipitation reaction of transition metal ions with a hydroxide source is the industry standard for making positive electrode precursor material for lithium-ion batteries. However, there is great difficulty implementing current technology in the production of Fe/Mn based hydroxides. In particular, the standard chelating agent (ammonia) cannot form a stable ammine with iron, disrupting the elemental and morphological homogeneity of the material. To ensure the commercialization of future sodium-ion Fe/Mn based positive electrode materials, an alternative chelating agent must be found. In this work, the role of the chelating agent (or the lack-thereof) on the resulting morphology and electrochemical performance will be examined. We have found an alternative chelating agent that results in morphological uniformity and exemplary electrochemical performance.