First-Principles Plane-Wave-Based Exploration of Cathode and Anode Materials for Li- and Na-Ion Batteries Involving Complex Nitrogen-Based Anions

Chemistry of Materials, vol. 34, pp. 652–668

Abstract

We present a first-principles study based on plane-wave-derived Löwdin population analysis and other local bonding descriptors to investigate cathode and anode materials for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, with a special emphasis on complex nitrogen chemistry. By comparing the Löwdin charges of commonly used electrode materials to other phases such as salts of dicyanamide and nanoporous carbon-based compounds, new conclusions of an improved intercalation behavior of the latter are derived. In addition, we explore the stability of the dicyanamide salts upon Li and Na removal, some of them resulting in dimerized structures. In particular, having a look at the different kinds of bonds and the corresponding covalency indicators reveals insights into the bonding changes during dimerization. Considering the astonishing thermal stability of metal dicyanamide salts, which are solid at room temperature, their electrochemical activity, and non-toxicity of alkali metal-based compounds, these materials are potential alternatives to commercially available electrodes, particularly as they show some flexibility in exhibiting anodic and cathodic behavior and allow for transition metal-free cathode materials.

Authors 4

1. Christina Ertural Aachen Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany

2. Ralf Peter Stoffel Aachen Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany

3. Peter C. Müller Aachen Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany

4. Richard Dronskowski corresponding Aachen Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   Shenzhen Polytechnic University · Jülich Aachen Research Alliance · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Solid-State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany

   Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, 7098 Liuxian Blvd, Nanshan District, 518055 Shenzhen, China

   Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA-CSD), RWTH Aachen University, D-52056 Aachen, Germany