PhD Proposal: Minal Wable

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are emerging as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithiumion systems, particularly for large-scale and stationary energy storage. Their advantages include the natural abundance of sodium, low cost, and chemical safety. However, NIBs face performance challenges such as capacity fading, poor rate capability, and structural instabilities, primarily due to the larger size and slower diffusion of Na+ ions. This work aims to understand the chemo-mechanical instabilities that drive degradation in transition metal oxide (TMO) cathodes for NIBs. We systematically investigate single-TMO cathodes (NaCrO2, NaFeO2, and Na0.44MnO2) to correlate electrochemical behavior with structural and mechanical responses during battery cycling. These studies were performed across different voltage windows and electrolyte chemistries to understand how operating conditions influence chemo-mechanical behavior. Building on these insights, we aim to extend the study to multi-TMO cathodes, including binary (Na2/3Fe1/2Mn1/2O2) and ternary (NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2) compositions. Previous studies have shown that TM mixing can enhance both electrochemical performance and structural stability. By comparing single-, binary-, and ternary-TMO cathodes, we aim to establish fundamental correlations between composition, structural, and mechanical stability and performance. The outcomes of this research will deepen our understanding of the factors governing performance degradation in NIB cathodes and guide the design of next-generation NIBs with improved capacity, cycle life, and reliability. 

Location: Information Technology/Engineering Building (ITE) 459 & Webex

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