Realizing Highly Reversible Nb ⁵⁺ /Nb ⁴⁺ /Nb ³⁺ Redox Reactions in Bulk NASICON‐NaNbAl(PO ₄ ) ₃ Anode Under Higher Current Rates

Natrium SuperIonic CONductor (NASICON)-Nb₂(PO₄)₃ is regarded as a potential anode for sodium-ion batteries due to its higher storage capacity (∼150 mAh g^- ¹) stemming from two-electron Nb⁵⁺/Nb⁴⁺/Nb³⁺ redox. However, the reversibility of Nb⁵⁺/Nb⁴⁺/Nb³⁺ redox is limited by its structural degradation. Herein, we unveil highly reversible Nb⁵⁺/Nb⁴⁺/Nb³⁺ redox reactions in bulk NASICON-NaNbAl(PO₄)₃ (NaNbAl) anode. The introduction of Na-ions via Al³⁺ substitution stabilizes the NASICON framework and activates distinct Nb redox couples with Na (de)intercalation, as demonstrated via our density functional theory-based calculations. This bulk anode delivers capacities up to 90 mAh g^- ¹ at 5C with 86% retention after 1000 cycles. More significantly, we capture rapid sodium ion (de)intercalation in NaNbAl at high current rates using operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction which is in agreement with the calculated low migration barriers associated with Na motion within the structure. A full Na-ion cell (Na₄V₂(PO₄)₃||NaNbAl) achieves an energy density of 201 Wh kg^- ¹ (based on cathode mass) and retains 84% capacity over 200 cycles at 1C. This study opens new avenues for realizing reversible Nb⁵⁺/Nb⁴⁺/Nb³⁺ redox in bulk NASICON anodes with suitable chemical substitutions.