Nanostructure and Interface Engineering of Graphite Anodes for High-Performance Potassium-Ion Batteries: Mechanisms,...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to potassium's abundance and favorable electrochemical properties.
• Graphite is a cost-effective anode material for PIBs, but its practical application is limited by issues like slow ion diffusion, volume expansion, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent advancements in understanding potassium ion (K+) intercalation and storage mechanisms in graphite anodes.
• To discuss strategies for enhancing graphite anode performance in PIBs and address SEI instability.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of recent research on graphite anodes for PIBs.
• Analysis of strategies including interlayer spacing regulation, morphological engineering, defect/heteroatom doping, coating design, and interface engineering (electrolyte, artificial SEI, binder).

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges hindering graphite anode performance in PIBs: sluggish K+ kinetics, volume expansion, and SEI instability.
• Summarized effective strategies for improving graphite anode performance and stability, including structural modifications and interface engineering.

Conclusions:

• Graphite-based anodes have significant potential for high-performance PIBs with appropriate material design and interface optimization.
• Further research is needed to address challenges under extreme conditions and guide the development of advanced graphite anodes for commercial PIBs.