Nb-based NASICONs as electrode materials for Sodium-ion batteries

The current historical period can be considered a golden age for Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), which accompany our lives from portable devices (e.g. cell phones) to electric vehicles. Unfortunately, the scarsity and univen distribution of some of the raw materials that are mandatory for LIBs' manufacturing means that the growth of this market is threatened. To alleviate this problem, Sodium-Ion Batteries (NIBs) can be introduced to partially substitute LIBs. Some research on new categories of electrode materials is however required to improve NIBs. The research presented here focuses on Nb-based NASICON materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries. As an example, two new phases are proposed: NaFeNb(PO4)3 and NaAlNb(PO4)3. After a facile and reproducible synthesis, the two phases have been studied electrochemically and via operando XAS and XRD, revealing the reaction's kinetics upon sodiation and desodiation.