Research: Batteries
Embedded Files
Na-Metal Batteries: Next-Generation Energy Storage Solutions
Sodium-metal (Na-metal) batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-based systems for large-scale energy storage. By utilizing abundant and low-cost sodium resources, these batteries offer high energy density and long cycle life. A major challenge in Na-metal batteries lies in achieving a stable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). Therefore, my research focuses on understanding the fundamental electrochemical processes at the atomistic level using density function theory (DFT) calculations, with the goal of minimizing electrolyte degradation and stabilizing the solid electrolyte interface (SEI), thereby improving the stability, efficiency, and safety of Na-metal batteries for next-generation energy storage applications. All the work related to this was carried out in collaboration with the ABRL research group, who conducted the experimental studies at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.
Research Works
1. Anion-Driven Solvation Shell Engineering for Long-Life Na-Metal Batteries
This work highlights the crucial role of electrolyte–anode compatibility in sodium metal batteries. Using Raman, NMR, in-situ microscopy, and DFT calculations, this study reveal that variations in the solvation shell structure of diglyme-based electrolytes, dictated by different anions (ClO₄⁻, PF₆⁻, CF₃SO₃⁻), critically affect sodium morphology, cycling performance, and interphase development. Notably, CF₃SO₃⁻ electrolytes form a compact solvation shell and inorganic-rich SEI, enabling more stable cycling.
2. Suppressing Dendrites in Na-Metal Batteries via Alloy Interface Formation
This work introduces a novel electrolyte design strategy for sodium-metal batteries by incorporating bismuth triiodide (BiI₃) as an alloying additive. BiI₃ regulates Na⁺ solvation and promotes the formation of a stable alloy interphase, effectively suppressing dendrite growth and enabling long-term cycling stability in both symmetric and full cells. In particular, the formation of a Na₃Bi layer on the anode surface reinforces SEI stabilization, thereby preventing dendrite formation. This strategy offers a promising pathway toward the development of durable and high-performance sodium-metal batteries.
(Journal of Materials Chemistry A 12, no. 33 (2024): 21853-21863.)
3. Improving Cycle Life of Sodium-Metal Batteries with Electrolyte Additives
This work presents 9-Fluorenone (9F) as a novel electrolyte additive that markedly improves the reversibility of sodium-metal batteries by stabilizing the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). Through modulation of Na⁺ solvation and protection of the metal–electrolyte interface, 9F enables uniform sodium deposition even at high current densities (up to 20 mA cm⁻²) and supports reversible stripping/plating for over 1200 hours with minimal overpotential. Furthermore, when integrated with metal sulfide cathodes in ether-based electrolytes, 9F enables long-lasting sodium–sulfur batteries that deliver stable performance for more than 300 cycles at room temperature, offering a promising strategy for durable, high-performance sodium-metal energy storage.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse