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Unraveling the Conversion Evolution on Solid-State Na-SeS2 Battery via In Situ TEM
Ziqi Zhang1, Zaifa Wang1, Long Zhang1
1Clean Nano Energy Center, State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066004, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|March 23, 2022
Summary
Selenium (Se) addition significantly lowers the conversion reaction barrier in all-solid-state sodium-sulfur (Na-S) batteries. This breakthrough enables lower desodiation temperatures and improved performance for large-scale energy storage applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- All-solid-state (ASS) sodium-sulfur (Na-S) batteries offer significant potential for large-scale energy storage.
- A major limitation is the high energy barrier associated with their conversion reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the catalytic mechanism of selenium (Se) in facilitating the conversion reaction within Na-S batteries.
- To investigate the impact of Se incorporation on the sodiation/desodiation processes and overall electrochemical performance.
Main Methods:
- In situ transmission electron microscopy (in situ TEM) with a microheating device was employed to observe the sodiation/desodiation of Na-SeS2 nanobatteries.
- Electrochemical characterization of ASS SeS2 batteries with Na3SbS4 solid electrolyte was performed, analyzing ion and electron transport properties.
Main Results:
- An amorphous Na-SexSy intermediate phase was identified during the direct conversion of SeS2 to Na2S.
- The reverse reaction occurred at a lower temperature (100 °C) with prior Se formation, indicating a reduced conversion barrier.
- Se incorporation eliminated polysulfides and demonstrated significantly lower desodiation temperatures compared to conventional Na-S batteries.
Conclusions:
- Selenium effectively catalyzes the conversion reaction in Na-S batteries, substantially lowering the reaction barrier.
- The findings provide a pathway for optimizing sulfur-based cathode materials for enhanced energy storage utilization.
- The study confirms the benefits of Se incorporation for improving the electrochemical properties of ASS Na-S batteries.
