Polymer protective coatings in sodium solid-state batteries
This research aims to enhance the capacity and cycling stability of cathode active materials in sodium solid-state batteries. In these batteries, cathode materials such as transition metal oxides (TMOs) encounter significant challenges during cycling. The electrochemical interaction between TMOs and solid electrolytes such as sulfides, often leads to detrimental side reactions, resulting in the formation of substantial quantities of decomposed electrolyte byproducts, cracking of cathode particles, and loss of interfacial contact. Furthermore, the larger ionic radius of Na+ compared to Li+ exacerbates volume expansion, further compromising the cycling stability of oxide materials. These combined electro-chemo-mechanical challenges can be mitigated through the application of protective coatings on the TMOs and the implementation of optimal pressure conditions.