A novel Na8Fe5(SO4)9@rGO cathode material with high rate capability and ultra-long lifespan for low-cost sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as the most promising technology for large-scale energy storage systems. However, the practical application of SIBs is still hindered by the lack of applicable cathode materials. Herein, novel phase-pure polyanionic Na8Fe5(SO4)9 is designed and employed as a cathode material for SIBs for the first time. The Na8Fe5(SO4)9 has an alluaudite-type sulfate framework and small Na+ ion diffusion barriers. As expected, as-synthesized Na8Fe5(SO4)9@rGO exhibits a high working voltage of 3.8 V (versus Na/Na+), a superior reversible capacity of 100.2 mAh g–1 at 0.2 C, excellent rate performance (∼80 mAh g–1 at 10 C, ∼63 mAh g–1 at 50 C), and an ultra-long cycling life (91.9% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles at 10 C, 81% capacity retention after 20,000 cycles at 50 C). We use various techniques and computational methods to comprehensively investigate the material’s electrochemical reaction mechanisms. [Display omitted] •Phase-pure Na8Fe5(SO4)9 exhibits better thermodynamic stability and electrochemical performance than other sodium ferric sulfate salts.•An ultra-long lifespan of 20,000 cycles is achieved by a Na8Fe5(SO4)9@rGO cathode.•A Na8Fe5(SO4)9@rGO//hard carbon pouch cell shows superior cycling stability.•DFT calculations reveal the Na+ diffusion behavior in Na8Fe5(SO4)9.