Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Na-ion Batteries using Electrodes Based on Nanostructured Carbon Materials from Biomass

Abstract

An increase in the demand for energy and the associated challenges of continued use of fossil fuels as an energy source have necessitated the search for renewable, environmentally friendly energy sources. Two such promising renewable energy sources are wind and solar, but their use presents a challenge related to their intermittency, requiring the development of efficient energy storage systems. The need for better energy storage systems has further been exacerbated by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) that require advanced battery technologies. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the most widely used alternatives in EVs (LIBs) but continued reliance on such batteries presents a risk due to lithium’s low abundance and, thus, an elevated risk of supply shortage and high cost. Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are a promising alternative, but fabricating appropriate anode materials for such batteries is challenging. This study aimed to fabricate and characterize a composite anode material that uses activated carbon (AC) from readily available date palm biomass and alpha-structured manganese dioxide (α-MnO2). Results showed that pyrolysis and subsequent hydrothermal treatment of the AC enabled the formation of a composite with α-MnO₂ integrated uniformly in the AC matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the AC had a mesoporous structure while the α-MnO₂ had a rod-like appearance. The fabricated composite (α-MnO₂/AC) had a uniform distribution of the α-MnO₂, creating spaces that facilitated sodium ion diffusion. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the purity and elemental composition of the fabricated α-MnO₂/AC. Electrochemical performance tests illustrated a specific discharge capacity of 113.7 mAh/g at 50 mA/g, a coulombic efficiency of 99.7% even after 100 cycles, and good cycling stability. These results showed that the fabricated αMnO2/AC is a promising material for use in the anode of NIBs.

Date of Award	8 Dec 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Daniel Choi (Supervisor)