Downsizing and coating effects on the electrochemical performance of Mn-doped iron fluorophosphate as cathode material for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium Mn-doped iron fluorophosphate Na2Fe0·5Mn0·5PO4F is a potential positive electrode material for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. This study outlines the synthesis of Na2Fe0·5Mn0·5PO4F powder through a simplified and more accessible production method. The X-rays diffraction (XRD) technique showed a pure phase with monoclinic symmetry (S.G. P21/n). The resulting uncoated material (labeled as NFeMPF) was ball-milled with dopamine hydrochloride (mentioned as dopamine hereafter) as a carbon source to enhance the specific surface and improve its electronic conductivity. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of residual carbon after the pyrolysis process. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated the stability of Mn-doped iron fluorophosphate up to 1000 °C. Additionally, Mössbauer spectroscopy disclosed structural improvements in the material, indicating the reduction of all Fe(III) when coated with dopamine. The uncoated material discharge capacity when cycled against sodium exhibits reversible capacities of only 80, 67, and 38 mAh/g during the first cycle at C/20, C/16, and C/5, respectively. The coated NFeMPF@D delivered improved capacities of 272 and 202 mAh/g at C/20 and C/16, respectively. This highlights the considerable promise of the investigated phosphate-based electrode material as a cathode composite for the next generation of sodium-ion batteries.