Influence of Process Parameters on the Electrochemical Properties of Hierarchically Structured Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C Composites

Sodium vanadium phosphate Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is a promising next-generation cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIB) but the practical application as a cathode active material for SIBs is hindered by its poor electronic conductivity. To overcome this limitation and to improve the electrochemical performance in terms of rate capability and cycling stability, carbon coatings are a viable approach. In this work, we utilized a spray-drying synthesis process and systematically varied the processing parameters to optimize the electrochemical performance of NVP/carbon composite materials. The spray-drying process yields spherical, porous granules of NVP particles embedded in a carbon matrix, which is formed by the thermal decomposition of polyacrylic acid or β-lactose.