Evaluation of metal nitrides as the negative electrode in sodium-ion batteries and as a protective coating in lithium metal batteries

Abstract

In this project, an experimental study of the application of Sn₃N₄ as a high capacity negative electrode material is assessed in sodium-ion batteries, using a new synthesis method to make Sn₃N₄ microcrystalline and nanocrystalline powders. The underlying mechanism is interrogated using ex situ experimental characterisation (X-ray diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray absorption near edge structure).
The project also assesses the suitability of Li₃N as a protective layer on the surface of lithium metal negative electrodes; for secondary lithium metal battery and lithium-sulfur applications. a method was developed for nitriding electrodeposited lithium electrodes that were characterised by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of nitrided electrodes was also assessed by galvanostatic cycling techniques. Finally, the stability of the nitrided lithium electrode towards polysulfide species was assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy. This study offers a unique assessment for the stability of unmodified and modified electrodeposited lithium electrodes towards polysulfide intermediates formed within a Li-S battery.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Nuria Garcia-Araez: orcid.org/0000-0001-9095-2379

ORCID for Andrew Hector: orcid.org/0000-0002-9964-2163

Catalogue record

Export record