Controllable Design Coupled with Finite Element Analysis of Low‐Tortuosity Electrode Architecture for Advanced Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Ultra‐High Mass Loading

Abstract

Abstract Electrode design enabling more active materials makes it possible to improve the energy density for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) on the device level, yet suffer from sluggish ion transport. Herein, a low‐tortuosity Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 ‐based cathode is demonstrated based on a nonsolvent‐induced phase separation method. The targeted low‐tortuosity morphology can be achieved by thermodynamic and kinetic modulation. Benefiting from the structural advantages, the electrode with an ultra‐high mass loading (60 mg cm −2 ) and areal capacity (4.0 mAh cm −2 ) is successfully achieved. Even at a high rate of 10 C, the areal capacity remains 1.0 mAh cm −2 . Comprehensive understanding on the effects of low‐tortuosity architecture to the spatial and temporal distribution of the multi‐physical field parameters has been elucidated by the finite element method. A homogeneous Na + distribution, gentle and uniform local current density, and polarization inside the electrode are illustrated. Combining numerical simulations and experiments, it reveals that the low‐tortuosity architecture can contribute to an impressive ion transport capability and consequently significant improvements in electrochemical performance. This study exhibits a prospective solution for the design and optimization of the low‐tortuosity electrodes with ultra‐high mass loading, which opens a new door for developing advanced SIBs with high energy/power density.