DC09 - Spanish National Research Council - Spain
Title: Synthesis-structure-performance correlations in Prussian Blue Analogues as positive electrode active materials for Na-ion batteries
Objective:
DC9 will prepare different Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) Na2Fe2-xMnx(CN)6 yH2O with 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 using different synthesis conditions to produce materials with different microstructures and also likely varying amounts of defects and degrees of hydration. These will be characterized using a range of different analysis, diffraction and spectroscopy techniques to fully elucidate their composition, crystal structure and microstructure prior to electrochemical testing in sodium cells using different protocols in order to draw correlations and optimize performance. The redox mechanism will also be studied via operando synchrotron based techniques. The best performing compositions will be tested in full cells using different separators/electrolytes, with upscaling to pouch cell size for the best concepts.
Expected results:
DC9 will obtain a series PBAs with different compositions (including degree of hydration) and microstructures, and their investigation should enable to draw synthesis-structure-performance correlations, including the effect of crystal structure distortions, degree of hydration or amount of vacancies in the electrochemical properties (e.g. capacity, rate capability, cycle life) in Na-ion cells.
Post-mortem studies on cells dismantled after operation should enable to detect ageing mechanisms, and to correlate the processes observed with the cell components and operation conditions. These should be especially useful to rationalize state-of-the-art knowledge in PBA related to electrochemical applications and assess their application prospects in less conventional cell architectures (e.g. polymer electrolytes).
SUPERVISORS
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Campus de la UAB, Carrer dels Til·lers, s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Espagne
