Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 January 2017
Ag7Fe3(P2O7)4 is a 3D structured material which has been recently studied as a possible cathode material for lithium batteries. Notably, Na7Fe3(P2O7)4 is reported to be a fast-ion conductor, yet poor electrical conductor. Here, partial replacement of Na+ for Ag+ yielded Na2Ag5Fe3(P2O7)4 pyrophosphate framework where the formation of Ag metal is proposed to increase the intrinsic low electrical conductivity of this polyanion electrode. Specifically, the Ag5Na2Fe3(P2O7)4 -Ag composite is synthesized via chemical reduction of Ag7Fe3(P2O7)4 using NaBH4. The occupancy of Ag+ and Na+ in each site was determined via Rietveld analysis of the diffraction pattern. Electrochemistry of the Ag5Na2Fe3(P2O7)4 -Ag metal composite was explored with voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The Ag5Na2Fe3(P2O7)4 -Ag metal composite electrodes displayed good rate capability assisted by the presence of Ag metal from the chemical reduction and in-situ electrochemical formation of a Ag conductive network.