Improving Structural and Moisture Stability of P2-Layered Cathode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

P2-type Ni/Mn-based layered oxides are promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, ground challenges, e.g., irreversible phase transition during cycling, moisture instability, and inferior electrochemical performance, greatly impede their practical applications. Herein, a series of Cu-substituted P2–Na0.6Ni0.3–xMn0.7CuxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) cathode materials for SIBs are fabricated and the mechanisms responsible for their improved electrochemical performances are comprehensively investigated. It is discovered that Cu dopants with strong electronegativity could stabilize the crystal structure by inhibiting the common P2–O2 phase transition, leading to improved cycling stability. The expanded interlayer spacing after Cu doping is facilitated for the charge transfer kinetics, which ensures excellent rate performance. In addition, all Ni, Mn, Cu, and O participate in the charge compensation upon sodiation and desodiation through reversible redox reactions. More importantly, Cu substitution improves the moisture stability of the cathode materials because the Cu2+/Cu3+ redox couple increases the initial charging potential. This work provides a promising guidance for the design of low-cost, high-performance, and air-stable cathode materials with both cationic and anionic redox activities for SIBs.