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“Ni‐Less” Cathodes for High Energy Density, Intermediate Temperature Na–NiCl 2 Batteries
Author(s) -
Chang HeeJung,
Lu Xiaochuan,
Bonnett Jeffery F.,
Canfield Nathan L.,
Son Sori,
Park YoonCheol,
Jung Keeyoung,
Sprenkle Vincent L.,
Li Guosheng
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced materials interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.671
H-Index - 65
ISSN - 2196-7350
DOI - 10.1002/admi.201701592
Subject(s) - materials science , cathode , battery (electricity) , energy storage , energy density , raw material , nickel , electrochemistry , work (physics) , limiting , chemical engineering , electrode , engineering physics , metallurgy , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , thermodynamics , chemistry , engineering , power (physics) , physics , organic chemistry
Among various battery technologies being considered for stationary energy storage applications, sodium–metal halide (Na–MH) batteries have become one of the most attractive candidates because of the abundance of raw materials, long cycle life, high energy density, and superior safety. However, one of issues limiting its practical application is the relatively expensive nickel (Ni) used in the cathode. In the present work, the focus is on efforts to develop new Ni‐based cathodes, and it is demonstrated that a much higher specific energy density of 405 Wh kg −1 (16% higher than state‐of‐the‐art Na–MH batteries) can be achieved at an operating temperature of 190 °C. Furthermore, 15% less Ni is used in the new cathode formula than that in conventional Na–NiCl 2 batteries. Long‐term cycling tests also show stable electrochemical performance for over 300 cycles with excellent capacity retention (≈100%). The results in this work indicate that these advances can significantly reduce the raw material cost associated with Ni (a 31% reduction) and promote practical applications of Na–MH battery technologies in stationary energy storage systems.