Abstract
Layered oxides have been intensively studied for decades for their characteristics as electrode materials or their physical properties resulting from their structure. In this work, we present a modification of layered oxide NaVO2 via liquid exfoliation technique in water. This oxide has VOx layers with Na ions trapped in between. The goal of this process is to initiate sodium removal from the lattice, which will result in the structural transformations. During this sodium deintercalation, we observed drastic changes in the structure and electrochemical behavior of the oxide. Following water treatment, NaVO2 exhibited nearly linear slopping discharge voltage profile and none of the multi-step reaction potential plateaus were observed, contrary to the profile of the pristine powder. Interestingly, this material structure was able to cycled reversibly within a much larger voltage window, with decent capacity value (ca 160 mA h/g), compare to pristine NaVO2. Thanks to this change of behavior, the active material mean operating voltage was increased.