Abstract
In order to circumvent the corrosion problems prevalent in many existing electrochemical couples using the Na/β″-alumina half cell, a new class of high energy density organic materials was studied as cathode materials. In particular, one material tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), has favourable electrochemical characteristics with a potential >3.0 V against Na+/Na and energy density ∼620 Wh kg−1. Adopting a cell designed to permit sealing the anode half cell, the performance of TCNE was evaluated under various experimental conditions, that is, at different concentrations of TCNE in the catholyte and with different current collectors. The electrochemical behaviour of the TCNE cathode and the kinetics of TCNE reduction were examined. The kinetic parameters, exchange current density and diffusion coefficient, were determined from different a.c. and d.c. electrochemical techniques and evaluated with respect to the changes in TCNE concentrations in the catholyte. A chemical transformation occurring in the cell operating conditions which does not reduce the electrochemical activity of TCNE was identified from FTIR spectra. Finally, possible approaches to the use of TCNE or other organic materials in sodium or lithium rechargeable batteries are outlined.
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Ratnakumar, B.V., Di Stefano, S., Williams, R.M. et al. Organic cathode materials in sodium batteries. J Appl Electrochem 20, 357–364 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01076041
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01076041