Characterization and Comparative Study of Energy Efficient Mechanochemically Induced NASICON Sodium Solid Electrolyte Synthesis

Abstract

In recent years, there is growing interest in solid-state electrolytes due to their many promising properties, making them key to the future of battery technology. This future depends among other things on easy processing technologies for the solid electrolyte. The sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) Na3Zr2Si2PO12 is a promising sodium solid electrolyte; however, reported methods of synthesis are time consuming. To this effect, attempt was made to develop a simple time efficient alternative processing route. Firstly, a comparative study between a new method and commonly reported methods was carried out to gain a clear insight into the mechanism of formation of sodium superionic conductors (NASICON). It was observed that through a careful selection of precursors, and the use of high-energy milling (HEM) the NASICON conversion process was enhanced and optimized, this reduces the processing time and required energy, opening up a new alternative route for synthesis. The obtained solid electrolyte was stable during Na cycling vs. Na-metal at 1 mA cm−1, and a room temperature conductivity of 1.8 mS cm−1 was attained.