The tunnel-structured Na0.44MnO2 is considered as a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries because of its unique three-dimensional crystal structure. Multiangular rod-shaped Na0.44MnO2 have been first synthesized via a reverse microemulsion method and investigated as high-rate and long-life cathode materials for Na-ion batteries. The microstructure and composition of prepared Na0.44MnO2 is highly related to the sintering temperature. This structure with suitable size increases the contact area between the material and the electrolyte and guarantees fast sodium-ion diffusion. The rods prepared at 850 °C maintain specific capacity of 72.8 mA h g-1 and capacity retention of 99.6% after 2000 cycles at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1. The as-designed multiangular Na0.44MnO2 provides new insight into the development of tunnel-type electrode materials and their application in rechargeable sodium-ion batteries.
Keywords: cathode; high rate; long life; multiangular Na0.44MnO2; sodium-ion batteries.