An air-stable single-crystal layered oxide cathode based on multifunctional structural modulation for high-energy-density sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

P2-type layered oxide, Na_2/3Ni_1/3Mn_2/3O₂, has drawn particular interest as a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its fast sodium-ion transport channels with low migration potential. However, some catastrophic flaws, such as air instability, complicated multiphase evolution, and irreversible anionic redox, limit its electrochemical performance and hinder its application. Here, an air-stable single-crystal P2-type Na_2/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/3Ti_1/3O₂ is proposed based on the multifunctional structural modulation of Ti substitution that could alleviate the issues for practical SIBs. As a result, the cathode with high energy density shows excellent air stability and highly reversible phase transitions (P2-OP4), and delivers faster kinetics and stable anion redox chemistry. Meanwhile, a thorough investigation of the relationship between structure, function, and properties is demonstrated, emphasizing formation processes, electrochemical behavior, structural evolution, and air stability. Overall, this study provides the direction of multifunctional structural modulation for the development of high-performance sodium-based layered cathode materials for practical applications.