Enabling High-Performance Electrode Materials for Potassium-Ion Batteries: Ionic Transport, Size and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) offer advantages over sodium-ion batteries for grid-scale energy storage.
• KIB development is hindered by sluggish ion diffusion and volume changes in potassium electrodes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review KIBs, evaluating energy density, power density, cycle life, safety, and cost.
• To provide a unique perspective on potassium electrode development, focusing on fundamental scientific challenges.

Main Methods:

• Systematic examination of transport properties, size effects, and electro-chemo-mechanical properties of potassium electrodes.
• Discussion of high-entropy electrodes and the application of machine learning in material design.

Main Results:

• Analysis of ionic transport mechanisms, including anomalous cases and predictive methods.
• Investigation of size effects on kinetics, thermodynamics, and storage mechanisms.
• Exploration of nanostructure and interface engineering for improved electrode performance.

Conclusions:

• Addressing fundamental issues in ionic transport, size effects, and electro-chemo-mechanical properties is crucial for rational potassium electrode design.
• High-entropy materials and machine learning offer promising avenues for advancing potassium electrode technology.
• This review provides guidance for future research and industrial applications of potassium electrode materials.