Engineering Transition Metal Layers for Long Lasting Anionic Redox in Layered Sodium Manganese Oxide

Abstract

Abstract Oxygen‐redox‐based‐layered cathode materials are of great importance in realizing high‐energy‐density sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) that can satisfy the demands of next‐generation energy storage technologies. However, Mn‐based‐layered materials (P2‐type Na‐poor Na y [A x Mn 1−x ]O 2 , where A = alkali ions) still suffer from poor reversibility during oxygen‐redox reactions and low conductivity. In this work, the dual Li and Co replacement is investigated in P2‐type‐layered Na x MnO 2 . Experimentally and theoretically, it is demonstrated that the efficacy of the dual Li and Co replacement in Na 0.6 [Li 0.15 Co 0.15 Mn 0.7 ]O 2 is that it improves the structural and cycling stability despite the reversible Li migration from the transition metal layer during de‐/sodiation. Operando X‐ray diffraction and ex situ neutron diffraction analysis prove that the material maintains a P2‐type structure during the entire range of Na + extraction and insertion with a small volume change of ≈4.3%. In Na 0.6 [Li 0.15 Co 0.15 Mn 0.7 ]O 2 , the reversible electrochemical activity of Co 3+ /Co 4+ , Mn 3+ /Mn 4+ , and O 2‐ /(O 2 ) n‐ redox is identified as a reliable mechanism for the remarkable stable electrochemical performance. From a broader perspective, this study highlights a possible design roadmap for developing cathode materials with optimized cationic and anionic activities and excellent structural stabilities for SIBs.