Radially aligned hierarchical columnar structure as a cathode material for high energy density sodium-ion batteries

Delivery of high capacity with good retention is a challenge in developing cathodes for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries. Here we present a radially aligned hierarchical columnar structure in spherical particles with varied chemical composition from the inner end (Na[Ni0.75Co0.02Mn0.23]O2) to the outer end (Na[Ni0.58Co0.06Mn0.36]O2) of the structure. With this cathode material, we show that an electrochemical reaction based on Ni2+/3+/4+ is readily available to deliver a discharge capacity of 157 mAh (g-oxide)−1 (15 mA g−1), a capacity retention of 80% (125 mAh g−1) during 300 cycles in combination with a hard carbon anode, and a rate capability of 132.6 mAh g-1 (1,500 mA g-1, 10 C-rate). The cathode also exhibits good temperature performance even at −20°C. These results originate from rather unique chemistry of the cathode material, which enables the Ni redox reaction and minimizes the surface area contacting corrosive electrolyte. There are intensive efforts in developing cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Here, the authors present a spherical particle with a radially aligned hierarchical columnar structure as a cathode material which leads to good performance of capacity, retention, rate capability and thermal stability.