A Comparative Study of Mixed Phosphate-Pyrophosphate Materials for Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Na-ion Batteries

Na-ion batteries based on abundant and sustainable materials might become one of the leading alternative technologies especially suitable for large-scale stationary storage. Various (mixed)phosphate framework materials are attracting much interest mainly due to their high structural stability and diversity. In this study, we report on the successful synthesis of mixed phosphate-pyrophosphate Na7V4(PO4)(P2O7)4, Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7, and Na4Mn3(PO4)2P2O7. The electrochemical properties of these materials are comprehensively characterized in different organic and aqueous electrolytes. The findings reveal that Na7V4(PO4)(P2O7)4 and Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 exhibit very good cycling performance and rate capability in organic solvent-based electrolytes. However, their performance deteriorates significantly even in 'water-in-salt' aqueous electrolytes due to the rapid electrochemical degradation. Na4Mn3(PO4)2P2O7 demonstrates limited electrochemical activity in organic electrolytes and virtually no activity in 'water-in-salt' electrolytes, likely due to degradation processes resulting in blocking interphasial layers on electrode particles. These results underscore the need for further research to optimize the performance of these materials and identify potential strategies for enhancing their stability and activity in different electrolytes. Herein, we report a successful synthesis of Na7V4(PO4)(P2O7)4, Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 and Na4Mn3(PO4)2P2O7 mixed polyanionic materials. A comprehensive comparative study of these materials in terms of their electrochemical performance and stability as Na-ion battery electrodes in a series of aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes is presented to understand the influence of the cathode metal on aqueous Na-ion batteries.image