A Novel Synthesis of Cathode Material NaNi<sub>0.5</sub>Ti<sub>0.5</sub>O<sub>2 </sub>for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The storage of electrical energy is an important thing today because it is influenced by the increasing human energy needs. Batteries are one of the energy storage that continues to be explored. Sodium-ion batteries are batteries that are planned to replace lithium-ion batteries. The abundance of sodium elements and their more economical price than lithium are the main attractions. The main constituent components of sodium batteries are anodes and cathodes. Both have a significant influence on the performance of sodium batteries. Currently, several cathodes have been developed but have some challenges especially their instability to air exposure. NaNi 0.5 Ti 0.5 O 2 is a transition metal oxide-based cathode that has been known to have good structural stability. In this study, NaNi 0.5 Ti 0.5 O 2 has successfully developed using a combination method of co-precipitation and solid-state. The precipitant is oxalic acid, while the chelating agent is ammonia. The obtained oxalate precursor was sintered in the airstream. Characterization of NaNi 0.5 Ti 0.5 O 2 is carried out. XRD patterns demonstrate a hexagonal-layered material structure. The material was achieved after the sintering process, according to FTIR analysis. XRF analysis confirmed the composition of the final product in the form of Ni 54.7% and Ti 45.26%. The SEM test showed uniform particles with an average size of 3 microns. Small particle size, which allows greater diffusion of Na ions thereby improving electrochemical performance. This structure characterization result shown that the used method has been succeed. The obtained EIS graph is a semi-circle and slope that shows the process of charge transfer of lithium ions on the surface of the material and electrolyte.