Highly stable Na-storage performance of Na0.5Mn0.5Ti0.5O2 microrods as cathode for aqueous sodium-ion batteries

Tunnel-structured Na0.5Mn0.5Ti0.5O2 has been synthesized with a simple solid-phase reaction route as highly stable Na-storage cathode for aqueous sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Combined chracterizations of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and electrochemical measurements reveal that the material is mainly composed of rod-shaped particles with a diameter of 500 nm and a length of ~ 5 μm. During Na extraction/insertion process, it undergoes a single-phase reaction mechanism in the potential range of 0-1.0 V(vs Ag/AgCl), showing a reversible capacity of 46 mAh g− 1 at a current density of 30 mA g− 1 and an average operating potential of 0.41 V. In particular, excellent cycling performance is achieved owing to the favorable tunnel channel and robust structural framework, with a capacity retention of 95% after 100 cycles. The finding in this study demonstrates application potential of the Na0.5Mn0.5Ti0.5O2 material as cathode for low-cost, long-cycling aqueous SIBs.