Modulating Cation Intermixing Behavior Enables Wide-Temperature-Stable Na2+2xFe2–x(SO4)3 Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries hold promise for grid-scale energy storage thanks to abundant resources and superior safety, but their wide-temperature operation is hindered by sluggish electronic–ionic transport and structural instability of cathode materials. Herein, a cation-intermixing strategy driven by stoichiometric regulation is proposed for Na2+2xFe2–x(SO4)3 cathodes, which can simultaneously enhance structural stability, improve charge transfer, and facilitate Na+ transport kinetics. Specifically, derived Fe vacancies and concomitant Na+ insertion reconstruct the electronic environment, strengthening Fe–O bonds to stabilize the crystal framework while optimizing Fe 3d electron energy level distribution to facilitate charge transfer. This alteration concurrently widens Na+ migration channels and reduces diffusion barriers, enabling rapid ion transport. Consequently, the Na2.48Fe1.76(SO4)3 cathode (x = 0.24 in Na2+2xFe2–x(SO4)3, with a Na/Fe molar ratio of 1.4) with optimal cation intermixing exhibits exceptional wide-temperature performance. It delivers 85.9% capacity retention following 3000 cycles at 30 C (25 °C) and 88.3% following 4000 cycles at 1 C (−20 °C). Even at an ultrahigh 100 C (60 °C), it still retains 83.2% relative to its capacity measured at 25 °C and 0.1 C. This work provides a stoichiometry-driven approach to designing superior-performance sulfate-based cathodes for wide-temperature sodium-ion batteries.