Suppressing the Shuttle Effect via Polypyrrole-Coated Te Nanotubes for Advanced Na–Te Batteries

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03576
• Publication Date: 2024-07-01T10:55:34Z
• Authors: Mihyun Kim; Hyosik Kim; Won Kim; Song Yeul Lee; Yong Il Park; Yun A. Shim; Tae-Yeol Jeon; Jae-Yup Kim; Chi-Yeong Ahn; Hyungwon Shim; Ji Eun Lee; Seung-Ho Yu
• Keywords: Polypyrrole; Tellurium; Sodium-ion battery

There is a growing demand for research and development of advanced energy storage devices with high density utilizing earth-abundant metal anodes such as sodium metal. Tellurium, member the chalcogen group, stands out promising cathode material due to its remarkable volumetric capacity, comparable sulfur, significantly electrical conductivity. However, critical issues arise from soluble polytellurides, leading shuttle effect. This phenomenon can result in loss active materials, self-discharge, anode instability. Here, we introduce polypyrrole-coated tellurium nanotubes where polypyrrole plays crucial role preventing dissolution confirmed through operando optical microscopy. The exhibited an outstanding rate performance long cycle stability sodium–tellurium batteries. These findings are anticipated bolster viability making substantial contribution commercialization sodium-ion battery technology.