Robust Artificial Interphases Constructed by a Versatile Protein-Based Binder for High-Voltage Na-Ion Battery...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Sodium-ion batteries face challenges with unstable electrode/electrolyte interphases, slow reaction kinetics, and transition-metal dissolution, limiting cathode performance.
• Existing binders often fail to adequately address these multifaceted issues in high-voltage cathode materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional protein-based binder, sericin protein/poly(acrylic acid) (SP/PAA), to overcome limitations in Na-ion battery cathodes.
• To investigate the physiochemical properties of SP/PAA and its impact on the Na₄ Mn₂ Fe(PO₄ )₂ P₂ O₇ (NMFPP) cathode.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a SP/PAA binder and its application to NMFPP cathode material.
• Electrochemical characterization, including rate capability and cycling performance tests.
• Systematic experiments and theoretical calculations to elucidate binder-electrode interactions and ionic transport mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The SP/PAA binder forms a stable artificial interphase, enhancing electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity.
• It effectively suppresses transition-metal dissolution and maintains electrode integrity, leading to improved cycling stability.
• SP/PAA-based NMFPP electrodes exhibit significantly enhanced rate and cycling performance, with universality confirmed on Na₃ V₂ (PO₄ )₂ F₃.

Conclusions:

• The SP/PAA binder successfully addresses key challenges in Na-ion battery cathodes, offering a versatile and effective solution.
• Protein-based binders represent a promising avenue for developing next-generation high-performance batteries.