NASICON-based all-solid-state Na–ion batteries: A perspective on manufacturing via tape-casting process

Abstract

On the background of the urgent demand to realize a decarbonized society, energy storage technology plays a key role in shifting from social activities founded on the combustion of fossil fuels to those based on renewable energy resources. Toward this end, global deployment of large-scale rechargeable batteries supplying electricity to power grids is imperative, which requires widespread commercialization of high-performance and safe batteries at a low price relying on abundant and ubiquitous source materials and a cost-efficient manufacturing process. Along this line, the trend of the battery research field is currently located at a turning point: “from Li–ion to Na–ion” and “from liquid to solid electrolyte.” From the viewpoints of the distinguished oxide solid electrolyte, Na superionic conductor (NASICON), and the long-standing progress in ceramic processing, Na–ion all-solid-state batteries (Na-ASSBs) based on NASICON and its derivatives show great promise to realize an innovative and sustainable society in the future. At this moment, however, Na-ASSBs face multifaceted and formidable challenges to overcome for practical usage, mostly relating to interfacial matters in terms of interparticle and interlayer contacts. Here, we overview the recent research progress in NASICON-based solid electrolytes (SEs) from the aspects of synthetic techniques and sintering aids, particularly focusing on the tape-casting process and glass additive. We also provide insights into how to prepare electrode layers and incorporate them with an SE layer into an ASSB cell via tape casting, with the prospect of a high-capacity multilayer-stacked ASSB analogous to the multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). In addition, the feasibility of a Na metal anode in conjunction with the NASICON-type SEs and the tape-casting process toward an MLCC-type cell configuration is discussed. In the last section, we propose our ideas about future research directions in relevant fields to achieve a breakthrough for Na-ASSBs based on NASICON.