MgO coated P2-Na0.67Mn0.75Ni0.25O2 layered oxide cathode for Na-Ion batteries

In this study, we propose an effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of a P2-Na0.67Mn0.75Ni0.25O2 (P2-MNO) cathode material for Na -ion batteries based on MgO surface coating. The MgO coating, with a thickness of similar to 20-50 nm, is obtained by means of a facile wet-chemistry approach followed by heat treatment carried out at comparatively low temperatures (400-500 degrees C) in order to avoid possible Mg doping in the bulk of the P2-MNO. Detailed electrochemical investigations demonstrate improved electrochemical performance of the MgO-coated material (M-P2-MNO) in comparison to pristine bare one at both room and elevated (40 degrees C) temperatures. Operando differential electrochemical mass spectroscopy (DEMS) demonstrate that the MgO coating is effective in suppressing unwanted gas evolution due to side reactions thus stabilizing the cathode/electrolyte interface.