Highly Stable MWCNT@NVP Composite as a Cathode Material for Na-Ion Batteries

A 3D framework with Nasicon structured polyanionic Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) has been emphasized as a leading cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high working voltage plateau, structural stability, and good rate performance. Herein, pristine NVP and MWCNT@NVP composite synthesized via a facile solid-state method are examined and compared as cathode materials for Na-ion batteries. The morphological study confirms the uniform distribution of MWCNTs in the pristine NVP structure. Impedance spectroscopy clearly confirms more diffusion of Na ions for the MWCNT@NVP composite as compared to pristine NVP, considering its diffusion coefficient which directly implies on an increase in specific capacity. MWCNT@NVP (FNV-2) showed specific discharge capacity 110 mAhg-1 at 0.1C current rate which is almost stable at higher current rates with marginal fading. However, the pristine NVP shows capacity loss at a higher current rate. It is noteworthy that the MWCNT@NVP composite shows stable performance with marginal specific capacity fading (1%) compared to pristine (15%). This is because of the mechanical integrity and stability afforded to the composite by the intertwined MWCNT framework in the MWCNT@NVP composite matrix against electrode degradation during the electrochemical reaction. More significantly, even at a higher current rate, that is, at 10 C, the composite recorded a very stable and excellent Columbic efficiency of 97% with a reversible specific capacity of 94 mAhg-1 after 2000 cycles. An enhanced electrochemical performance, that is, rate capability and cycling stability, demonstrates the high potential of the MWCNT@NVP composite for Na-ion storage. Moreover, a sodium-ion full cell with hard carbon demonstrated a reversible capacity of 103 mAhg-1 at C/20 current rate, which clearly demonstrates that MWCNT@NVP is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries.