Real-time imaging of Na+ reversible intercalation in "Janus" graphene stacks for battery applications
Journal article, 2021
Sodium, in contrast to other metals, cannot intercalate in graphite, hindering the use of this cheap, abundant element in rechargeable batteries. Here, we report a nanometric graphite-like anode for Na+ storage, formed by stacked graphene sheets functionalized only on one side, termed Janus graphene. The asymmetric functionalization allows reversible intercalation of Na+, as monitored by operando Raman spectroelectrochemistry and visualized by imaging ellipsometry. Our Janus graphene has uniform pore size, controllable functionalization density, and few edges; it can store Na+ differently from graphite and stacked graphene. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that Na+ preferably rests close to -NH2 group forming synergic ionic bonds to graphene, making the interaction process energetically favorable. The estimated sodium storage up to C6.9Na is comparable to graphite for standard lithium ion batteries. Given such encouraging Na+ reversible intercalation behavior, our approach provides a way to design carbon-based materials for sodium ion batteries.
Author
Jinhua Sun
Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Materials and manufacture
Matthew Sadd
Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics
Philip Edenborg
Competence Centre for Catalysis (KCK)
Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics
Henrik Grönbeck
Chalmers, Physics, Chemical Physics
Competence Centre for Catalysis (KCK)
Peter H. Thiesen
Accurion
Zhenyuan Xia
Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Materials and manufacture
Vanesa Quintano
National Research Council of Italy (CNR)
Ren Qiu
Chalmers, Physics, Microstructure Physics
Aleksandar Matic
2D-Tech
Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics
Vincenzo Palermo
National Research Council of Italy (CNR)
Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Materials and manufacture
2D-Tech
Science advances
2375-2548 (eISSN)
Vol. 7 22 eabf0812Janus-like, Asymmetric graphene Nanosheets for Ultrafiltration and Sieving.
Swedish Research Council (VR) (2017-04456), 2018-01-01 -- 2021-12-31.
Graphene Core Project 3 (Graphene Flagship)
European Commission (EC) (EC/H2020/881603), 2020-04-01 -- 2023-03-31.
2D material-based technology for industrial applications (2D-TECH)
GKN Aerospace Sweden (2D-tech), 2021-01-01 -- 2024-12-31.
VINNOVA (2019-00068), 2020-05-01 -- 2024-12-31.
Subject Categories
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Chemistry
Theoretical Chemistry
Condensed Matter Physics
DOI
10.1126/sciadv.abf0812
PubMed
34049889