Research Projects

Lithium batteries are an efficient energy storage technology, but limited availability, unequal distribution of resources, and growing costs have led to the development of sodium ion rechargeable batteries (SIBs) as a potential alternative. The cathode, one of the three primary components of a rechargeable battery, has the greatest impact on the battery's cost and performance. The development of efficient SIBs faces challenges such as the dissolution of active particles in the electrolyte and side reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface, which degrade stability and diminish cyclability. To address these concerns, two strategies have been proposed: structural modulation via elemental doping and surface modification of cathode particles at the nano-level. The synthesis of Ti and Cu doped O3-type Na[Ni0.40 Mn0.25Co0.05Ti0.15Cu0.15]O2 (NMC) by hydrothermal route and Mg dopped P2-type Na0.7[Ni0.30Mn0.60Fe0.1]O2 (NMC) by co-precipitation route is being proposed, with doping of suitable dopant explored. The dual layerion/electron conducting coating at the nano level is proposed to prevent side reactions and enhance electronic and Na-ion diffusion. The dual layer coating of Na2ZrO3 and RGO on the O3-type Na[Ni0.40 Mn0.25Co0.05Ti0.15Cu0.15]O2 cathode material and Na2SiO3 and RGO on P2-type Na0.7[Ni0.35Mn0.60Co0.05]O2 will be done. The proposed surface modification and structural modulation strategies aim to enhance the performance parameters of cathode materials in terms of discharge capacity, cyclability, and high c-rate.