Hunting Sodium Dendrites in NASICON-Based Solid-State Electrolytes

Abstract

NASICON- (Na superionic conductor-) based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are believed to be attracting candidates for solid-state sodium batteries due to their high ionic conductivity and prospectively reliable stability. However, the poor interface compatibility and the formation of Na dendrites inhibit their practical application. Herein, we directly observed the propagation of Na dendrites through NASICON-based Na_3.1Zr₂Si_2.1P_0.9O₁₂ SSE for the first time. Moreover, a fluorinated amorphous carbon (FAC) interfacial layer on the ceramic surface was simply developed by in situ carbonization of PVDF to improve the compatibility between Na metal and SSEs. Surprisingly, Na dendrites were effectively suppressed due to the formation of NaF in the interface when molten Na metal contacts with the FAC layer. Benefiting from the optimized interface, both the NaNa symmetric cells and Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃Na solid-state sodium batteries deliver remarkably electrochemical stability. These results offer benign reference to the maturation of NASICON-based solid-state sodium batteries.