Mn(x+) Substitution to Improve Na(3)V(2)(PO(4))(2)F(3)-Based Electrodes for Sodium-Ion Battery Cathode

Na(3)V(2)(PO(4))(2)F(3) (NVPF) is an extremely promising sodium storage cathode material for sodium-ion batteries because of its stable structure, wide electrochemical window, and excellent electrochemical properties. Nevertheless, the low ionic and electronic conductivity resulting from the insulated PO(4)(3−) structure limits its further development. In this work, the different valence states of Mn(x+) ions (x = 2, 3, 4) doped NVPF were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. A series of tests and characterizations reveals that the doping of Mn ions (Mn(2+), Mn(3+), Mn(4+)) changes the crystal structure and also affects the residual carbon content, which further influences the electrochemical properties of NVPF-based materials. The sodiation/desodiation mechanism was also investigated. Among them, the as-prepared NVPF doped with Mn(2+) delivers a high reversible discharge capacity (116.2 mAh g(−1) at 0.2 C), and the capacity retention of 67.7% after 400 cycles at 1 C was obtained. Such excellent performance and facile modified methods will provide new design ideas for the development of secondary batteries.