Manipulating of P2/O3 Composite Sodium Layered Oxide Cathode through Ti Substitution and Synthesis Temperature

P2/O3 composite sodium layered oxide has emerged as a promising cathode for high-performance Na-ion batteries. However, it has been challenging to regulate accurately the phase ratio of P2/O3 composite due to their high compositional diversity, which brings about some difficulty in manipulating the electrochemical performance of P2/O3 composite. Here, we explore the effect of Ti substitution and the synthesis temperature on the crystal structure and Na storage performance of Na_0.8Ni_0.4Mn_0.6O₂. The investigation indicates Ti-substitution and altering synthesis temperature can rationally manipulate the phase ratio of P2/O3 composite, thereby purposefully regulating the cycling and rate performance of P2/O3 composite. Typically, O3-rich Na_0.8Ni_0.4Mn_0.4Ti_0.2O₂-950 shows excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 84% (3C, 700 cycles). By elevating the proportion of P2 phase, Na_0.8Ni_0.4Mn_0.4Ti_0.2O₂-850 displays concurrently improved rate capability (65% capacity retention at 5 C) and comparable cycling stability. These findings will help guide the rational design of high-performance P2/O3 composite cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.