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Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
Tracking Sodium-Antimonide Phase Transformations in Sodium-Ion Anodes: Insights from Operando Pair Distribution
Phoebe K Allan1,2, John M Griffin1, Ali Darwiche3,4
1University of Cambridge , University Chemical Laboratory, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K.
This study reveals two new intermediate species in antimony anodes for sodium-ion batteries using advanced spectroscopy. These findings explain the alloying mechanism and contribute to understanding high-performance battery anodes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- High-capacity antimony anodes are crucial for sodium-ion batteries.
- Understanding the alloying mechanism is key to improving battery performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the electrochemical alloying mechanism of antimony anodes in sodium-ion batteries.
- To identify and characterize intermediate species formed during sodiation and desodiation.
Main Methods:
- Operando pair distribution function (PDF) analysis.
- Ex situ (23)Na magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS ssNMR) spectroscopy.
- Electrochemical profiling.
Main Results:
- Identified two novel intermediate species: a-Na(3-x)Sb and a-Na(1.7)Sb.
- Described the sequential sodiation and desodiation pathways of crystalline and amorphous antimony.
- Observed significant sodium mobility in crystalline Na3Sb, potentially enhancing rate performance.
Conclusions:
- The alloying mechanism involves distinct intermediate species and sequential reactions.
- The composite nature of desodiated electrodes influences subsequent cycling behavior.
- Sodium mobility in Na3Sb is a key factor for the excellent rate capability of antimony anodes.
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