The mechanism of NaFePO₄ (de)sodiation determined by in situ X-ray diffraction

The reaction mechanism occurring during the (de)intercalation of sodium into the host olivine FePO4 structure is thoroughly analysed through a combination of structural and electrochemical methods. In situ XRD experiments have confirmed that the charge and discharge reaction mechanisms are different and have revealed the existence of a solid solution domain from 1 < x < 2/3 in Na(x)FePO4 upon charge. The second part of the charge proceeds through a 2-phase reaction between Na(2/3)FePO4 and FePO4 with strongly varying solubility limits. The strong cell mismatch between Na(2/3)FePO4 and FePO4 enhances the effects of the diffuse interface and therefore varying solubility limits are first observed here in micrometric materials.