Single-crystal FeFe(CN)6 nanoparticles: A high capacity and high rate cathode for Na-ion batteries

Abstract

Prussian blue analogues are actively explored as low cost and high capacity cathodes for Na ion batteries; however, their applications are hindered by low capacity utilization and poor cyclability of these compounds. Here we show that this problem can be solved by controlling the purity and crystallinity of the Prussian blue lattices. As a model compound, single-crystal Fe IIIFeIII(CN)6 nanoparticles are synthesized and found to have a sufficiently high capacity of 120 mA h g-1, an exceptional rate capability at 20 C and superior cyclability with 87% capacity retention over 500 cycles, showing great promise for Na ion battery applications. More significantly, these results provide a new insight into the intercalation chemistry of Prussian blue analogues and open new perspectives to develop Na storage cathodes for widespread applications of electric energy storage. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.