Boosting Sodium Compensation Efficiency via a CNT/MnO2 Catalyst toward High-Performance Na-Ion Batteries

The formation of a solid electrolyte interphase on carbon anodes causes irreversible loss of Na⁺ ions, significantly compromising the energy density of Na-ion full cells. Sodium compensation additives can effectively address the irreversible sodium loss but suffer from high decomposition voltage induced by low electrochemical activity. Herein, we propose a universal electrocatalytic sodium compensation strategy by introducing a carbon nanotube (CNT)/MnO₂ catalyst to realize full utilization of sodium compensation additives at a much-reduced decomposition voltage. The well-organized CNT/MnO₂ composite with high catalytic activity, good electronic conductivity, and abundant reaction sites enables sodium compensation additives to decompose at significantly reduced voltages (from 4.40 to 3.90 V vs Na⁺/Na for sodium oxalate, 3.88 V for sodium carbonate, and even 3.80 V for sodium citrate). As a result, sodium oxalate as the optimal additive achieves a specific capacity of 394 mAh g^-1, almost reaching its theoretical capacity in the first charge, increasing the energy density of the Na-ion full cell from 111 to 158 Wh kg^-1 with improved cycle stability and rate capability. This work offers a valuable approach to enhance sodium compensation efficiency, promising high-performance energy storage devices in the future.