Na3Zr2(SiO4)2(PO4) prepared by a solution-assisted solid state reaction

The Na+ super-ionic conductor Na3Zr2(SiO4)2(PO4), known as the original NASICON material, is a promising solid-state electrolyte that can be used for sodium batteries. A solution-assisted solid state reaction (SA-SSR) method has been developed for its synthesis. The method is convenient, low-cost, and has potential for large scale production. The total conductivity of the sample synthesized by SA-SSR is 1 × 10− 3 S cm− 1 at 25 °C, which is one of the highest reported data of this composition after conventional processing of the ceramic powder. To rationalize the advantages of the method, a comparison of powders and ceramics prepared by the Pechini and SA-SSR methods was carried out. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the products of both synthesis routes and the possible reasons of the high quality of SA-SSR samples are discussed.