Synthesis of Na2Ti3O7 nanoparticles by sonochemical method for solid state electrolyte applications

Na2Ti3O7 ceramic materials have been widely used in sodium-ion battery applications with relative good results; however, there are still several studies that might be carried out in the improvement of the Na2Ti3O7 properties and the overall batteries’ performance. In this direction, we used sonochemical method following a thermal treatment in order to synthetized pure phase Na2Ti3O7 nanopowders. X-ray diffraction characterization revealed that Na2Ti3O7 is the primary phase in nanopowders and ceramic sample; although, a high level of amorphization was observed in the sonicated nanopowder without heat treatment process. Nanopowder-prepared ceramic sample showed a crystallite size of 50 nm after sintering at 900 °C for 1 h. The specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size were obtained from the B.E.T. measurements, being 51 m2 g−1, 0.07 cm3 g−1, and 55 A, respectively. The capacitance values of the nanopowder-prepared ceramic sample were in the order of microfarad. The total energy of the system was used to determine relaxation time of the sample (τ 0 = 31 ms).