Phase Transformations in TiS2 during K Intercalation

Abstract

The electrochemical performances of TiS2 in potassium ion batteries (KIBs) are poor due to the large size of K ions, which induces irreversible structural changes and poor kinetics. To obtain detailed insights into the kinetics of phase changes, we investigated the electrochemical properties, phase transformations, and stability of potassium-intercalated TiS2 (KxTiS2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.88). In situ XRD reveals staged transitions corresponding to distinct crystalline phases during K ion intercalation, which are distinct from those of Li and Na ions. Electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge) studies show that the phase transitions among various intercalated stages slow down the kinetics of the discharge/charge in bulk TiS2 hosts. By chemically prepotassiating the bulk TiS2 (K0.25TiS2) to reduce the domain size of the crystal, these phase transitions are bypassed and more facile ion insertion kinetics can be obtained, which leads to improved Coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and cy...