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K2O Encapsulation-Decomposition Mechanism: Unlocking Closed-Pore Engineering in Hard Carbon Anode for Sodium-Ion
Song Li1, Fengjin Qu2,3, Shuaijie He1,4
1Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Advanced Mineral Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
Inorganic Chemistry
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation uses crystalline K2O nanodomains as templates to create tailored hard carbons (HCs) for sodium-ion batteries. This method enhances sodium storage capacity and stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- The mechanism of potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation in tailoring hard carbons (HCs) for sodium-ion batteries is not fully understood.
- Developing efficient hard carbons is crucial for advancing sodium-ion battery technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the chemical mechanism of KOH activation in creating closed-pore structures in hard carbons.
- To investigate the role of crystalline K2O nanodomains as chemical templates during the activation process.
Main Methods:
- In situ formation and characterization of crystalline K2O nanodomains.
- High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function analysis.
- Carbonization at 1400 °C to observe thermal decomposition and structural changes.
Main Results:
- Crystalline K2O nanodomains (approx. 79.2 nm) form during KOH pretreatment and are nanoconfined within the carbon matrix.
- Thermal decomposition of K2O induces chemical-mechanical transformation, reducing graphitic crystallite size and altering phase ratios.
- Uniform closed pores (average 2.79 nm) are generated, leading to exceptional sodium storage (383.1 mAh g-1) and stability (>1000 cycles).
Conclusions:
- K2O nanodomains act as critical chemical templates in KOH activation of hard carbons.
- The study deciphers the role of K2O intermediates in alkali-activation chemistry.
- This provides a foundational principle for designing functional carbons with precise microstructures for energy storage applications.
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