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Manganese-based sodium batteries get powerful copper upgrade

Manganese-based sodium batteries get powerful copper upgrade
Source: interestingengineering
Author: @IntEngineering
Published: 7/17/2025

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Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed a copper-doping method that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, particularly those using manganese-based cathode materials. Sodium, being the sixth most abundant element on Earth, offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, but challenges remain in battery stability and capacity retention. The study focuses on layered sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO2), which exists in two crystal forms: α-NaMnO2 and β-NaMnO2. While β-NaMnO2 typically suffers from defects called stacking faults (SFs) that cause severe capacity reduction, copper doping stabilizes the β-phase by suppressing these faults, resulting in highly durable and reversible electrodes. The research, published in Advanced Materials, demonstrated that Cu-doped β-NaMnO2 electrodes (specifically NMCO-12) maintained stable capacity over 150 charge/discharge cycles, indicating enhanced resilience against structural changes during battery operation.

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energysodium-ion-batteriesmanganese-based-oxidesbattery-materialsenergy-storagerenewable-energycathode-materials