Microwave synthesis of Na_XMnO₂ cathode materials for a sodium-ion battery

Abstract

Sodium manganese oxide for a cathode material of sodium-ion secondary battery was rapidly synthesized in 5–15 min by an improved microwave heating method with boron addition. Although prepared cathode materials included three types of Na_XMnO₂, it exhibited good electrochemical performance and delivered an initial discharge capacity of 200 mA h g⁻¹ at second discharge. Electrochemical activation of β-NaMnO₂ to α-NaMnO₂ during charge–discharge process was indicated by X-ray diffraction results.