PVDF–HFP@Nafion-based quasisolid polymer electrolyte for high migration number in working rechargeable Na–O 2 batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable sodium-oxygen (Na–O 2 ) battery is deemed as a promising high-energy storage device due to the abundant sodium resources and high theoretical energy density (1,108 Wh kg –1 ). A series of quasisolid electrolytes are constantly being designed to restrain the dendrites growth, the volatile and leaking risks of liquid electrolytes due to the open system of Na–O 2 batteries. However, the ticklish problem about low operating current density for quasisolid electrolytes still hasn’t been conquered. Herein, we report a rechargeable Na–O 2 battery with polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene recombination Nafion (PVDF–HFP@Nafion) based quasisolid polymer electrolyte (QPE) and MXene-based Na anode with gradient sodiophilic structure (M-GSS/Na). QPE displays good flame resistance, locking liquid and hydrophobic properties. The introduction of Nafion can lead to a high Na + migration number ( t Na + = 0.68) by blocking the motion of anion and promote the formation of NaF-rich solid electrolyte interphase, resulting in excellent cycling stability at relatively high current density under quasisolid environment. In the meantime, the M-GSS/Na anode exhibits excellent dendrite inhibition ability and cycling stability. Therefore, with the synergistic effect of QPE and M-GSS/Na, constructed Na–O 2 batteries run more stably and exhibit a low potential gap (0.166 V) after an initial 80 cycles at 1,000 mA g –1 and 1,000 mAh g –1 . This work provides the reference basis for building quasisolid state Na–O 2 batteries with long-term cycling stability.