An Investigation of the effect of Integrating Graphene Oxide on Sodium Yttrium Fluoride Gel on Its Electrochemical Performance as a Battery Electrode

Abstract

To cope with the rise in energy demands and climate crisis better batteries with higher energy densities are required. Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are well established and studied but face issues of material abundance and cost. Fluoride ion batteries (FIBs) present an alternative but require more research into electrode, electrolyte and cell architecture. This study integrated Graphene Oxide into a Sodium Yttrium Fluoride (NaYF) gel through the addition to one of the precursor solutions. NaYF materials undergo multi step crystallization that develops materials with high surface areas and holds an affinity for ion replacement during synthesis making it an ideal candidate for electrochemical applications. XRD results confirmed the resulting gel was amorphous with a small degree of crystallinity and Graphite peaks. TEM confirmed the Graphene Oxide’s incorporation within the gel’s pores. BET analysis confirmed surface area. NaYF-GO electrodes were fabricated into coin cells for testing in a Lithium Ion Battery system. The enhancement of NaYF’s electrochemical activity was confirmed with a total differential capacity versus voltage plot.