Cathode For Potassium-ion Batteries Research Articles

A 3.2V Binary Layered Oxide Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) can offer high energy density, cyclability, and operational safety while being economical due to the natural abundance of potassium. Utilizing graphite as an anode, suitable cathodes can realize full cells. Searching for potential cathodes, this work introduces P3-type K0.5Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 layered oxide as a potential candidate synthesized by a simple solid-state method. The material works as a 3.2V cathode combining Ni redox at high voltage and Mn redox at low voltage and exhibits highly reversible K+ ion (de)insertion at ambient and elevated (40-50°C) temperatures. First-principles calculations suggest the ground state in-plane Mn-Ni ordering in the MO2 sheets is strongly correlated to the K-content in the framework, leading to an interwoven and alternative row ordering of Ni-Mn in K0.5Ni1/3Mn2/3O2. Postmortem and electrochemical titration reveal the occurrence of a solid solution mechanism during K+ (de)insertion. The findings suggest that the Ni addition can effectively tune the electronic and structural properties of the cathode, leading to improved electrochemical performance. This work provides new insights in the quest to develop potential low-cost Co-free KIB cathodes for practical applications in stationary energy storage.

Conjugation and Topology Engineering of 2D π‐d Conjugated Metal–Organic Frameworks for Robust Potassium Organic Batteries

AbstractThe evolution of two‐dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) provides a significant prospect for researching the next generation of green and advanced energy storage systems (ESSs). Especially, conjugation and topology engineering serve as an irreplaceable character in adjusting the electrochemical properties of ESSs. Herein, we proposed a novel strategy using conjugation and topology engineering to demonstrate the application of 2D c‐MOFs in robust potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) for the first time. By comparing 2D c‐MOFs with the rhombus/kagome structure as well as three/four‐arm core, the rhombus structure (sql‐Cu‐TBA‐MOF) cathode for PIBs can display the impressive electrochemical performance, including a high specific discharge capacity of 178.4 mAh g−1 (at 0.2 A g−1) and a well long‐term cycle stability of more than 9,000 (at 10.0 A g−1). Moreover, full PIBs (FPIBs) are constructed by pairing sql‐Cu‐TBA‐MOF cathode with dipotassium terephthalate (KTP) anode, which delivers a high reversible discharge specific capacity of 146.6 mAh g−1 (at 0.1 A g−1) and great practical application prospect. These findings provide reasonable implications for the design of 2D c‐MOFs from the perspective of conjugation and topology engineering for advanced energy storage systems.

Conjugation and Topology Engineering of 2D π-d Conjugated Metal-Organic Frameworks for Robust Potassium Organic Batteries.

The evolution of two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs) provides a significant prospect for researching the next generation of green and advanced energy storage systems (ESSs). Especially, conjugation and topology engineering serve as an irreplaceable character in adjusting the electrochemical properties of ESSs. Herein, we proposed a novel strategy using conjugation and topology engineering to demonstrate the application of 2D c-MOFs in robust potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) for the first time. By comparing 2D c-MOFs with the rhombus/kagome structure as well as three/four-arm core, the rhombus structure (sql-Cu-TBA-MOF) cathode for PIBs can display the impressive electrochemical performance, including a high specific discharge capacity of 178.4 mAh g-1 (at 0.2 A g-1) and a well long-term cycle stability of more than 9,000 (at 10.0 A g-1). Moreover, full PIBs (FPIBs) are constructed by pairing sql-Cu-TBA-MOF cathode with dipotassium terephthalate (KTP) anode, which delivers a high reversible discharge specific capacity of 146.6 mAh g-1 (at 0.1 A g-1) and great practical application prospect. These findings provide reasonable implications for the design of 2D c-MOFs from the perspective of conjugation and topology engineering for advanced energy storage systems.

Carbon quantum dots/carbon-coated SnS2 as a high-performance potassium-ion battery cathode material

Carbon quantum dots/carbon-coated SnS2 as a high-performance potassium-ion battery cathode material

Prussian Blue Nanoplates for Potassium Ion Battery Cathode with High Capacity and High Energy Density

AbstractPrussian blue analogues (PBAs) represent as a class of materials with an open framework structure and have been intensively explored as the potential active materials for alkaline‐ion batteries. Here, we present the synthesis of Prussian blue nanoplates designed for use as high performance cathode materials in potassium‐ion batteries. Prussian blue nanoplates were synthesized through a facile solution precipitation route using a highly concentrated potassium citrate solution. The potassium‐rich environment during the synthesis facilitated horizontal growth of the crystals, yielding potassium‐rich Prussian blue nanoplates. The resultant Prussian blue nanoplates exhibited a significantly larger particle size of 600 nm and a reduced specific surface area of 6.8 m2 g−1, compared to conventionally synthesized Prussian blue hexahedrons. Half‐cell tests demonstrated that the Prussian blue nanoplates exhibited a high gravimetric capacity of 152.5 mAh g−1 with a nominal voltage 3.952 V at a C‐rate of 0.1 C, yielding an energy density of 602.7 Wh kg−1. Cycling tests demonstrated high cycling stability of the material, maintaining a capacity of 122.7 mAh g−1 and a nominal voltage of 3.923 V after 200 cycles at 0.2 C. In a full‐cell configuration with graphite anodes, a gravimetric capacity changed from 134.1 mAh g−1 to 108.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, demonstrating a good cycling stability. This work provides a new insight into the electrochemical properties of Prussian blue nanoplates and highlights their potential as high‐performance cathode materials for potassium‐ion batteries.

Fluorine-doped K0.39Mn0.77Ni0.23O1.9F0.1 microspheres with highly reversible oxygen redox reaction for potassium-ion battery cathode

Fluorine-doped K0.39Mn0.77Ni0.23O1.9F0.1 microspheres with highly reversible oxygen redox reaction for potassium-ion battery cathode

A P2/P3 Biphasic Layered Oxide Composite as a High-Energy and Long-Cycle-Life Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Layered transition metal oxides are extensively considered as appealing cathode candidates for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their abundant raw materials and low cost, but their further implementations are limited by slow dynamics and impoverished structural stability. Herein, a layered composite having a P2 and P3 symbiotic structure is designed and synthesized to realize PIBs with large energy density and long-term cycling stability. The unique intergrowth of P2 and P3 phases in the obtained layered oxide is plainly characterized by X-ray diffraction refinement, high-angle annular dark field and annular bright field-scanning transmission electron microscopy at atomic resolution, and Fourier transformation images. The synergistic effect of the two phases of this layered P2/P3 composite is well demonstrated in K+ intercalation/extraction process. The as-prepared layered composite can present a large discharge capacity with the remarkable energy density of 321 Wh kg-1 and also manifest excellent capacity preservation after 600 cycles of K+ uptake/removal.

Defect-Free Prussian Blue Analogue as Zero-Strain Cathode Material for High-Energy-Density Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) have been widely studied as cathodes for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their three-dimensional framework structure and easily adjustable composition. However, the phase transition behavior and [Fe(CN)6]4- anionic defects severely deteriorate electrochemical performances. Herein, we propose a defect-free potassium iron manganese hexacyanoferrate (K1.47Fe0.5Mn0.5[Fe(CN)6]·1.26H2O, KFMHCF-1/2) as the cathode material for PIBs. The Fe-Mn binary synergistic and defect-free effects can inhibit the cell volume change and octahedral slip during the K-ion insertion/extraction process, so that the phase transformation behavior (monoclinic ↔ cubic) is effectively inhibited, achieving a zero-strain solid solution mechanism employing Fe and Mn as dual active-sites. Thus, KFMHCF-1/2 contributes the highest initial capacity of 155.3 mAh·g-1 with an energy density of 599.5 Wh·kg-1 at 10 mA·g-1 among the reported PBA cathodes, superior rate capability, and cyclic stability over 450 cycles. The assembled K-ion full battery using K deposited on graphite (K@G) as anode also delivers high reversible specific capacity of 131.1 mAh·g-1 at 20 mA·g-1 and ultralong lifespans over 1000 cycles at 50 mA·g-1 with the lowest capacity decay rate of 0.044% per cycle. This work will promote the rapid application of high-energy-density PIBs.

Precise synthesis of BN embedded perylene diimide oligomers for fast-charging and long-life potassium-organic batteries.

Replacing the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond with an isoelectronic BN unit is an effective strategy to tune the optoelectronic properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, precise control of the BN orientations in large PAH systems is still a synthetic challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a facile approach for the synthesis of BN embedded perylene diimide (PDI) nanoribbons, and the polarization orientations of the BN unit were precisely regulated in the two PDI trimers. These BN doped PDI oligomers show great potential as organic cathodes for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). In particular, trans-PTCDI3BN exhibits great improvement in voltage potential, reversible capacities (ca. 130 mA h g-1), superior rate performance (19 s to 69% of the maximum capacity) and ultralong cyclic stability (nearly no capacity decay over 30 000 cycles), which are among those of state-of-the-art organic-based cathodes. Our synthetic approach stands as an effective way to access large PAHs with precisely controlled BN orientations, and the BN doping strategy provides useful insight into the development of organic electrode materials for secondary batteries.

Component design and regulation to stabilize P3-type Mn-based layered cathodes for potassium-ion batteries

Mn-based layered oxides with high theoretical capacity are one of the most promising cathode materials for potassium-ion batteries. However, the Jahn-teller distortion of Mn3+ in Mn-based layered cathodes always brings about harmful disordered structure and irreversible phase transition, resulting in severe degradation of electrochemical performance. Herein, we synthesized P3–K0.5Mn0.6Ni0.2M0.2O2 (M = Fe, Co, FeCo) and systematically investigate the effect of component regulation on the layered structure and electrochemical properties. The P3–K0.5Mn0.6Ni0.2Co0.2O2 exhibits a discharge capacity of 73.77 mAh g−1, demonstrating an excellent capacity retention rate of 70.17 % after 120 cycles at 50 mA g−1. In-depth analysis reveals that P3–K0.5Mn0.6Ni0.2Co0.2O2 possesses a larger K+ layer spacing, making the insertion/extraction of potassium ions become much easier. Furthermore, the introduction of Co into the transition metal layer enhances the content of Mn4+, thereby inhibiting Jahn-Teller distortion and improving structural stability. Especially, the P3–K0.5Mn0.6Ni0.2Co0.2O2 shows a highly reversible single-phase solid solution reaction during the initial cycle, which means the detrimental phase transition of P3–O3 caused by Jahn-Teller effect is effectively suppressed. This work contributes to a better understanding of the effect of component design and regulation on the performance of the layered oxides cathode and provide insight into the design of high-performance cathode materials for potassium-ion batteries.

Entropy-Stabilized Layered K0.6Ni0.05Fe0.05Mg0.05Ti0.05Mn0.725O2 as a High-Rate and Stable Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Mn-based layered oxides have been considered the most promising cathode candidates for cost-effective potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Herein, equiatomic constituents of Ni, Fe, Mg, and Ti have been introduced into the transition metal layers of Mn-based layered oxide to design a high-entropy K0.6Ni0.05Fe0.05Mg0.05Ti0.05Mn0.0725O2 (HE-KMO, S = 1.17R). Consequently, the experimental results manifest that the layered structure of HE-KMO is more stable than conventional low-entropy K0.6MnO2 (LE-KMO, S = 0.66R) during successive cycling and even upon exposure to moisture. Diffraction and electrochemical measurements reveal that HE-KMO undergoes a solid-solution mechanism, contrary to the multistage phase transition processes typically exemplified in K0.6MnO2. Benefiting from the stabilized high-entropy layered framework and the solid-solution K+ storage mechanism, the entropy-stabilized HE-KMO not only demonstrates exceptional rate capability but also shows excellent cyclic stability. Notably, a capacity retention ratio of 86% after 3000 cycles can still be sustained at a remarkable current density of 5000 mA g-1.

Entropy-Tuned Layered Oxide Cathodes for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

The manganese-based layered oxides as a promising cathode material for potassium ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted considerable interest owing to their simple synthesis, high specific capacity, and low cost. However, due to the irreversible phase transition and the Jahn-Teller distortion of the Mn3+ , its application in potassium ion batteries is limited, leading to slow potassium ion kinetics and severe capacity attenuation. Here, entropy-tuning by changing the content of cathode material composition is proposed to address the above challenges. Compared to low and high entropy variants of K0.45 Mnx Co(1- x )/4 Mg(1- x )/4 Cu(1- x )/4 Ti(1- x )/4 O2 , where x = 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4, the medium entropy K0.45 Mn0.6 Co0.1 Mg0.1 Cu0.1 Ti0.1 O2 shows more balanced electrochemical properties in the PIBs. Benefiting from entropy-tuned suppression of the Jahn-Teller distortion of the Mn3+ , the K0.45 Mn0.6 Co0.1 Mg0.1 Cu0.1 Ti0.1 O2 can achieve a high K+ ion transport rate and alleviated volume variation while retaining high specific capacity. Accordingly, the medium entropy K0.45 Mn0.6 Co0.1 Mg0.1 Cu0.1 Ti0.1 O2 cathode in the full cell exhibits a high capacity of 100 mAh g-1 at 50mA g-1 , delivers superior rate capability (65.8 mAh g-1 at 500mA g-1 ) and cycling stability (67.8 mAh g-1 after 350 cycles at 100mA g-1 ). The entropy-tuning strategy is expected to open new avenues in designing PIB cathode materials and beyond.

Tetrahedral Occupied V Ions Enabling Reversible Three-Electron Redox of Cr3+ /Cr6+ in Layered Cathode Materials for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Reversible three-electron redox of Cr3+ /Cr6+ in layered cathode materials for rechargeable batteries is very attractive in layered cathode materials, which leads to high capacity and energy density for rechargeable batteries. However, the poor reversibility and Cr-ion migration make it very challenging. In this work, by introducing V ions into tetrahedral sites of layer-structured NaCrO2 , reversible three-electron redox of Cr3+ /Cr6+ is realized successfully in NaCr0.92 V0.05 O2 (NCV05) cathode for potassium-ion batteries with a cut-off voltage of 4.0V. V ions can weaken the attraction of Cr to electrons, leading to enhanced valence change of Cr ions. On the other hand, V in tetrahedral sites can facilitate the reversible migration of Cr between octahedral and tetrahedral sites via coulombic repulsion to realize the reversible redox between Cr3+ and Cr6+ during charge and discharge processes. In addition, V ions can inhibit the phase transition from O3 phase to O'3 phase during the charge process by adjusting the crystal lattices. As a result, the NaCr0.92 V0.05 O2 cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 130mAhg-1 with promising cycle stability and rate capability. The strategy opens new opportunity for developing high-capacity cathode materials for potassium-ion batteries.

Effects of Graphene Interface on Potassiation in a Graphene–Selenium Heterostructure Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Effects of Graphene Interface on Potassiation in a Graphene–Selenium Heterostructure Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Electro-activation to achieve entropy increase of organic cathode for potassium-ion batteries

Developing highly stable cathode materials is the key to achieving long-life K-ion batteries (KIBs). Considering that cathode with higher entropy can promote the ion adsorption process, we developed a method with heat treatment and synergistic electro-activation of 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (EA-PTCDA) to realize entropy increase in PTCDA, which achieves a stable K-ion storage. From our characterization results, the molecular stacking structure of EA-PTCDA and the C–O and C–H bending vibration at the edge position of PTCDA molecules decreased after electro-activation, indicating the achievement of entropy increase in the EA-PTCDA cathode. After treatment, our EA-PTCDA exhibits a high discharge capacity of 92 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 20 mA g−1 for KIBs. Even at a high current density of 200 mA g−1, our EA-PTCDA also maintains a discharge specific capacity of 66 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles, showing shallow capacity decay. We believe that our method of achieving entropy increase in cathode materials based on electro-activation provides a reference for achieving high-performance KIBs.

Flower-like K1+δVOPO4F crystallite with a layered framework structure as a robust cathode for potassium-ion batteries

Flower-like K1+δVOPO4F crystallite with a layered framework structure as a robust cathode for potassium-ion batteries

Double-layer phosphates coated Mn-based oxide cathodes for highly stable potassium-ion batteries

Manganese rich oxides with layered structure are now being developed as cathodes for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). Nevertheless, poor cycling stability and sluggish electrochemical kinetics have hindered their practical applications. Here, we construct a thin K3PO4/MnPO4 layer, which has high conductivity of both electron and potassium-ion, on the surface of K0.5Mn0.8Co0.2O2 (KMCO) and achieve improved cycling stability and capacity rate when the composite is used as cathodes in PIBs. Comparing to the pure KMCO, the K3PO4/MnPO4-coated K0.5Mn0.8Co0.2O2 (P-KMCO) has higher electron and K-ion conductivity, less surficial oxygen loss and layered-to-spinel-to-rock salt tri-phase transition, and less internal lattice expansion and contraction in cycling, as studied by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and in-situ X-ray diffraction. The synthesized P-KMCO exhibits a highly reversible specific capacity (101.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate performance and stellar capacity retention of 80% after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 compared to pure KMCO (78.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with 67.3% capacity retention). The P-KMCO electrode shows also a supreme electrochemical performance when assembled in pouch cells. First-principal calculations imply that the surface modification can effectively prevent TM ions dissolution and oxygen release while cycling. Like those developed in lithium-ion batteries, this work demonstrates that the appropriate surface engineering is also an effective approach to development stable cathodes of PIBs.

Phase-engineered cathode for super-stable potassium storage

The crystal phase structure of cathode material plays an important role in the cell performance. During cycling, the cathode material experiences immense stress due to phase transformation, resulting in capacity degradation. Here, we show phase-engineered VO2 as an improved potassium-ion battery cathode; specifically, the amorphous VO2 exhibits superior K storage ability, while the crystalline M phase VO2 cannot even store K+ ions stably. In contrast to other crystal phases, amorphous VO2 exhibits alleviated volume variation and improved electrochemical performance, leading to a maximum capacity of 111 mAh g−1 delivered at 20 mA g−1 and over 8 months of operation with good coulombic efficiency at 100 mA g−1. The capacity retention reaches 80% after 8500 cycles at 500 mA g−1. This work illustrates the effectiveness and superiority of phase engineering and provides meaningful insights into material optimization for rechargeable batteries.

Layered transition metal oxides prepared by plasma-enhanced sintering technique as environmentally stable cathode for potassium-ion batteries

Layered transition metal oxides are deemed the most promising cathode materials for potassium-ion batteries owing to their high energy density and scalable design. However, their inherent moisture sensitivity thwarts their potential commercial realization. Herein, we show the efficacy of plasma-enhanced sintering technique in enhancing the environmental stability of K0.6Ni0.2Co0.3Mn0.5O2 layered oxide. The attained K0.6Ni0.2Co0.3Mn0.5O2 microspheres manifest a potassium-deficient surface layer that significantly suppresses surface hygroscopicity. Consequently, K0.6Ni0.2Co0.3Mn0.5O2 can be kept and handled in ambient air condition, while yet achieve competitive potassium-ion storage performance compared with other reported layered cathode materials with similar composition and microstructures. Overall, this work accentuates plasma-enhanced sintering techniques as an effective strategy to circumvent the moisture sensitivity of potassium-containing layered metal oxides, leverageable to hygroscopic layered metal oxides for other energy storage systems.

Fine valence regulation of hydrated vanadium oxide as a novel cathode for stable potassium-ion storage.

Layered V10O24·nH2O with a large interlayer spacing of 14 Å is hydrothermally synthesized and used as a cathode for potassium-ion batteries. It exhibits a capacity of 110 mA h g-1 with a capacity retention of 99.2% over 700 cycles. Its storage mechanism is identified as pseudo-capacitive intercalation.